Have you heard of psychological flexibility? According to experts, it's one of the foundations of good mental health. Explore what it is, plus 6 tips to improve your mental flexibility.
Psychological flexibility is a way of improving our ability to adapt to situations, accept emotions, and still make decisions based on our values — even when life gets tough. As opposed to rigid thinking, which leaves us feeling trapped, being flexible in our thoughts and feelings helps us navigate life more smoothly.
When people say to ‘roll with the punches when life gets tough,’ they are talking about psychological flexibility. It’s all about staying open to whatever emotions or thoughts come your way—whether they’re pleasant or not—and still making choices that align with your goals and values. Here are a few examples of psychological flexibility
• Adapting to new situations: Big changes—whether at work, at home, or in your social life—can be a lot to deal with, especially if they’re sudden or unexpected. Instead of resisting the change, psychological flexibility helps you accept the change, adjust your expectations, and take proactive steps to succeed in the new environment.
• Managing anxiety: If you’re someone who often feels anxious in social situations, psychological flexibility encourages you to sit with the discomfort, rather than avoiding events altogether. This openness to the emotion allows you to continue pursuing social connections, even if the anxiety is still there.
• Handling criticism: When someone gives you feedback that feels harsh, instead of reacting defensively, psychological flexibility allows you to listen without judgment and reflect on whether the feedback aligns with your values and goals. You might still feel hurt, but you’re able to process the emotion without it affecting your self-worth.
• Facing fear: If you’ve been afraid to try something new, like starting a new hobby or going back to school, psychological flexibility lets you acknowledge that fear while still taking small steps forward. It’s not about ignoring the fear but learning to move alongside it.
• Navigating relationship conflicts: In any close relationship—whether it’s with a partner, friend, or family member—disagreements are bound to happen. It’s easy to get caught up in being “right” or insisting that the other person see things your way. Psychological flexibility, however, allows you to approach the conflict from a different angle. You can take a step back, acknowledge your own emotions, like frustration or hurt, and consider the other person’s perspective.
Source: https://www.calm.com/blog/psychological-flexibilit...

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• Emotional Health