This ability also plays a vital role in health and well-being.
“It can help decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Further, being more psychologically flexible can boost our confidence andself-esteemand even improve relationships, she notes.
Tim Robberts/DigitalVision/Getty.
Flexibility can play an important role in mental health and well-being for a number of reasons.
Being flexible and open to new experiences allows people to learn new things.
It also helps people adapt to changing circumstances, which can help people function more effectively in their environments.
People can better let go of negative or unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by staying psychologically flexible.
Flexibility can improve how people manage stress and ultimately enhance overall well-being.
Despite challenges, they could keep working on the same path and stay committed to their values.
This ability also plays a part in supporting individual well-being.
How Do You Stay Mentally Flexible?
Rather than trying to avoid or resist difficulties, look for ways to acknowledge them.
Remind yourself that discomfort and distress are temporary.
Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions without judging these feelings as bad or wrong.
Instead of focusing on whether the thought is negative, ask yourself if it is helpful.
Instead, aim for something more neutral.
Our self-talk becomes our reality, so be mindful of the words you use when you speak to yourself.
Embrace New Things
Part of flexibility is being open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.
Look for opportunities to push the limits of your comfort zone.
Try having a conversation with someone with a different background than you.
Read a book or watch a movie in a genre you don’t usually seek out.
Novel experiences can be a way to increase your adaptability andcultivate greater open-mindedness.
“We can’t predict the future,” Goldman says, “so go into situations being curious.
Most things in life aren’t so ‘all or nothing,’ so remember that!”
Staying mentally flexible is an ongoing process that requires continual practice and effort.
Incorporating some of these strategies into your daily life can help you foster greater psychological flexibility.
This mindset encompasses an openness and willingness to adapt, change, and approach situations with an adaptable perspective.
Characteristics of a flexible mindset include:
A person with a flexible personality is often referred to as adaptable.
Such individuals are willing to face challenges and make changes that help them achieve their goals.
They can pivot quickly based on the demands of the situation.
They can look for opportunities to learn and improve even when facing difficult situations.
2017;14(3):546-553. doi:10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3
