How To Harness The Positive Power Of Your Mind

Neuroscience shows us that we can rewire our brains through conscious effort and practice. In short, being more positive is good for us. Here are a few tips for harnessing the power of your mind.

Many of us feel the need to tackle our problems alone. This solitary approach, however, goes against our nature as social beings. Research has consistently shown that social support is crucial for mental health and well-being. 

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. If the idea of a face-to-face conversation feels daunting, consider a side-by-side activity. Many people find it easier to open up while engaged in a shared task or sport. Whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or working on a project together, these activities can provide a less intense setting for meaningful conversations.

As adults, especially in high-pressure careers, we often forget the importance of unstructured, joyful activities.

This is what comedian and creativity expert John Cleese calls the “open mode” of thinking. In his lecture on creativity, Cleese contrasts this with the “closed mode” ─ our default state of stress and seriousness.

By engaging in play, we naturally shift into this open mode, allowing for greater problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking. This isn’t just about having fun ─ it’s about creating a mental environment conducive to breakthroughs and novel solutions, both in our personal and professional lives.

Make time for play in your life. This could mean taking up a new hobby, or engaging in sports you enjoy. The key is to find activities that fully engage you and bring a sense of freedom and joy.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the ability to act despite it. Like a muscle, courage grows stronger with use.

Start small. Set yourself a challenge each day that pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone. It could be as simple as speaking up in a meeting or trying a new food. Over time, these small acts of courage will build your confidence to tackle bigger challenges, building self-esteem and a greater sense of satisfaction.

In our achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to define ourselves by our possessions or titles. However, true fulfilment comes from who we are, not what we have. And that’s not just some soppy thread running through a Hallmark movie, there is research to support it. 

Focus on developing your character and values rather than accumulating accolades. Ask yourself, “What kind of person do I want to be?” rather than “What do I want to have?”. This shift in focus can lead to more meaningful goals and a stronger sense of purpose.

This doesn’t mean abandoning ambition, but rather ensuring that your ambitions serve your deeper purpose.

Adopting a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—can significantly impact your approach to learning and challenges; it makes it easier to put more effort into learning.

And learning can improve both our health and wellbeing, especially as we age. Neuroscience research has shown that learning new skills can increase the density of white matter in the brain, improving its efficiency and adaptability while potentially staving off conditions like dementia.

The key to keeping your mind flexible and open to new possibilities is challenging yourself regularly. 

Routine can be comforting, but it can also lead to stagnation. By introducing variety into our lives, we can enhance our cognitive flexibility and creativity.

To experience fresh perspectives and new ideas, try taking a different route to work, rearranging your office, or spending a day doing things with your non-dominant hand. 

Additionally, consider more significant changes. Travel to new places, immerse yourself in different cultures or take on a project outside your usual area of expertise. These experiences can broaden your horizons and challenge your assumptions, leading to personal growth and new insights.

The mind-body connection is powerful. Regular physical activity not only improves our physical health but also enhances cognitive function and emotional well-being. Regular exercise in middle age can reduce the risks of dementia in later life.

Find physical activities you enjoy, whether it’s sailing, running, or playing a sport. The key is consistency rather than intensity. Even a daily walk can bring benefits, for both your physical and mental health.

Moreover, physical activity can be a powerful tool for stress management. Exercise reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline while stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.

By actively engaging with life, taking risks, and believing in your ability to shape your future, you can transform uncertainty from a source of anxiety into a wellspring of possibility.

This article originally appeared on Your Coffee Break.