How to Make Your Mind More Flexible: 7 Proven Methods (6 photos)

Employers' demands on employees are steadily increasing. At the same time, they demand qualities that artificial intelligence cannot provide. One of the most sought-after of these is cognitive flexibility. Not everyone has this skill, but it can be developed independently.





Vera Starodubtseva, head of ACCA's regional offices in the CIS, spoke to journalists about how to become as in-demand as possible in the labor market. As a specialist in skilled labor, she understands better than anyone the challenges faced by job seekers seeking well-paid positions.

To be in demand in today's labor market, professional skills and knowledge are no longer enough. Recruiters' demands on candidates are increasing, and a candidate's ability to quickly adapt to change and openness to learning are increasingly cited as success factors.



Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity are among the most valuable qualities for employers. Cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch from one task to another, is particularly valued.

Cognitive flexibility allows for rapid adaptation to changing circumstances. For example, when a problem arises at work, a person doesn't waste time worrying about it, but immediately seeks optimal solutions. When priorities shift, such an employee quickly switches to other tasks without panicking, without feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed.





How can you increase cognitive flexibility if you feel like you're not adapting to change quickly enough?

1. Mindfulness Meditation

This method is based on eliminating thoughts that distract you from your main goal. A person learns to push aside all unnecessary and unimportant things at the right moment, freeing up resources for productive thinking and creativity. This type of meditation helps the brain learn to switch between tasks more quickly.

2. Reading and Games

Reading, like cognitive flexibility, requires the simultaneous use of several areas of the brain. This happens because the pages of literature expose a person to various situations, events, and plot lines. This forces the reader to constantly change their train of thought.



Games are also great at stimulating different parts of the brain and even creating new neural connections. Interestingly, it doesn't matter what type of game you prefer—both computer and board games are equally beneficial.

3. Experience New Things

New experiences are a great way to broaden your horizons and challenge yourself to see things differently. Learn foreign languages, travel, take risks, explore new technologies—all of these are great for your brain and will make it more efficient.

4. Relax

Remember that for the brain to fully develop, it needs not only exercise but also quality rest. Find ways to disconnect from the daily routine—by freeing your mind from worries, you create space for fresh ideas and innovative solutions.



5. Train your emotional intelligence

A person's ability to identify their own and others' emotions, channel them, and use them to solve problems is an important factor in success in any serious endeavor. Try to listen to others and put yourself in their shoes more often—this will help you learn to accept different points of view.

Don't ignore employees who irritate you. Seek an individual approach to them and try to identify their strengths that can benefit your common cause. This has another benefit – you open your mind to new experiences.

6. Change Your Habits

Try to avoid routine in your daily life and work. Sometimes change your route to the office, ask colleagues to swap work tasks, and try working in an unusual environment. To think about a solution to a problem, go for a walk instead of sitting in your office. The slightest departure from the routine can provide a significant boost to solving a complex problem.



7. Eliminate Distractions

Even something as small as a constant stream of notifications on your phone can negatively impact your cognitive flexibility. Things that constantly distract you from completing a task slow down your workflow and hinder your development. Train yourself to finish what you start before turning your attention to other tasks.

Don't ignore the simplest and most accessible ways to boost your brain power, the effectiveness of which has been proven by generations.