Think Yourself to Better Health

Do you ever wipe your tears with a soft-baked cookie?

Well, you’re normal.

Research shows stress can trigger binge eating as well as a preference for sweet treats and hyper-palatable “junk” foods.

And a recent study from Johns Hopkins University suggests this is especially true in people who are most prone to emotional overeating. (That’s the tendency to overeat when you’re feeling sad, frustrated, or anxious.)

But the scientists also found a positive…

Cognitive flexibility—the ability to think creatively or laterally, and adapt to changing situations—might help protect against certain types of stress-eating.

According to the researchers, participants who scored high on cognitive flexibility were less vulnerable to emotional overeating and ate fewer savory snacks when upset.

Conversely, other research shows people who are cognitively rigid—who have strict “food rules” or “all-or-nothing thinking”—tend to struggle.

What’s more, there’s growing scientific evidence that people with good cognitive flexibility are more resilient.

They not only perceive stressful events as less stressful, but they’re also better able to stick to “healthy” habits.

So how do you improve cognitive flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility isn’t something you “just have” or “don’t have.”

Your ability to be mentally flexible and adaptable exists on a spectrum. And it can vary, depending on your current situation.

For example, when you experience persistent, cumulative stress, your cognitive flexibility can begin to erode. You start to get more rigid and rule-based.

On the flip side, you can boost cognitive flexibility with practice.

It starts with your mindset.

► Do you think stressors are damaging, debilitating, and disruptive forces?

Or...

► Do you think stressors are useful challenges that can help you learn, improve, and grow?

Your answer shapes the way you feel, think, and act—and the way your body responds .

When you see all stress as harmful, you’re not showing a high degree of cognitive flexibility.

So you’re likely to think, act, and respond physically in ways that make you less resilient and more at risk of the negative consequences of stress.

That’s obviously not good.

But when you see stress as an asset that can help? Or as an opportunity for new ways of doing things? Those are prime examples of practicing cognitive flexibility.

As a result, you’re more likely to feel, think, act, and respond physically in ways that improve your performance and encourage adaptability and resourcefulness.

This can create a beautiful cascade effect.

► You’ll start to notice evidence of your resilience, which reinforces your belief.

► Long-term, you’ll build greater cognitive flexibility, which means you’ll be even more capable and resilient in the future.

► Not only will you be able to meet new challenges, you’ll believe you’re able to meet those challenges.

Change your thinking, improve your life?

YES!

Plus, some research also shows that positive emotion—specifically optimism and gratitude—may improve cognitive flexibility.

You can cultivate these states in a couple of ways:

► Ask, “What have I been given today?” Did you get sunshine, clean water from the tap, or a smile from someone? Write it all down.

► Celebrate “bright spots” whenever you do something well, no matter how small.

Just think of these exercises as mobility work for your mind.

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Blog Written by Tanvir Heer Coaching

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