Neuroscience research indicates that it becomes increasingly difficult to break out of our existing mindsets, yet it is so important to learn how to tap into the more creative right hemisphere of the brain if you’re going to be able to think outside the box, blast out of your comfort zone, and creatively solve problems. When you do, you are able to tap into an entirely different type of insight that may lead you down a more desirable path.
Remember, the left hemisphere of the brain (controlled by the right side of the body) is the analytical, mathematical, logical, linear thinking side. The right hemisphere (controlled by the left side of the body) is your area for art, music, intuition, innovation and problem-solving. In breaking out of your comfort zone and thinking outside the box, it’s important to tap into that right hemisphere, even if you don’t think you’re very creative. Especially if you don’t think you’re very creative. Here are 3 ways to help you do that.
1. Always be willing to ask yourself “why.”
One of my pet peeves is when someone tells me we need to do something a certain way because, “We’ve always done it this way.” Talk about being complacent and stuck. Yes, what you’re doing may have worked well in the past, but the world around you changes. As a dear father and son team used to say, “We guarantee it!” While change often invokes fear, the reality is you owe it to yourself to pause and ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing. Challenge that belief or habit. Ask yourself why doing something a different way wouldn’t work. Push past the fear. See how that sparks creativity.
2. Take a walk.
Exercise is important on a number of levels, including your ability to get quality sleep. How so? Exercise releases endorphins, which can give you a sense of calm and well-being. They are potent brain chemicals that have the ability to relieve pain and stress, stimulate relaxation, and turn bad moods into good ones. They can even help combat depression. They help clear your mind, which allows room for the creative juices you need to think outside the box to flow. So exercise to release your endorphins.
3. Journal.
A few years ago, I didn’t quite get why anyone would waste time writing in a journal. I kept travel and work journals, but for some reason I never really thought about keeping a personal one.
Now I get it.
My travel journals in particular helped me understand the value in writing down my thoughts. All of them. Journaling creates a written record of your life’s journey—the ups, downs, and most notable events. It’s a way of organizing your thoughts so you can process information and emotions more effectively, interpret your experiences, explore options, and make sense of stressful situations and challenges.
Processing your thoughts in this way helps you stay focused, reduces anxiety and stress, and improves your outlook on life. Writing your thoughts down, no matter how crazy they sound, can help spark ideas that are outside the box.
I have more mindset tips coming your way. Stay tuned. If you want to learn how to apply some mindset tips to set your day up for success head on over to my website at christinestallard.com and grab your copy of Stage Your Day to Slay Your Day.
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