Flexible thinking, learn to adapt

You've probably heard phrases like, "Intelligent people change their minds," or "Those who can't change their minds can't change anything." These phrases suggest that change is not only essential but also inevitable, because life isn't static; quite the opposite, in fact. Therefore, we face new situations every day.

The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic is a clear example that things can change at any moment, and it is important that our brain has the ability to change in order to adapt to the environment and improve our chances of survival.

Our brain's ability to adapt our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings to changing circumstances is known as elastic thinking. This term, coined by Leonard Mlodinow, a theoretical physicist and screenwriter for the popular Star Trek film, refers to the brain's capacity to stretch and learn new thought processes that can spark creativity. In his book "Elastic: Flexible Thinking in a Changing World," the author explains techniques that activate imagination, generate new ideas, and foster divergent thinking. These skills are innately integrated into the brain, but as we grow older, we tend to stop using them.

Techniques for stretching the brain

To reactivate brain elasticity, you don't need complex mental exercises or special skills. The important thing is to embrace novelty with enthusiasm and get used to never becoming complacent. In this way, we can improve our memory, attention, intelligence, intuition, and overall cognitive ability—in other words, our mental capacity. And these actions will not only be effective in the present or short term, but also in the long term, helping us maintain our intellectual and cognitive abilities for as long as possible as the years go by.

To achieve this, Mlodinow suggests implementing the following activities:

• Taking new routes to home or work just to experience new sensations
• Talking to strangers you could never meet in your social circle
• Listening to people or arguments with which you completely disagree
• Attending artistic or social events that would never interest you
• Try a different menu or visit places that are considered unwelcome
• Daydreaming and proposing unconventional solutions to every aspect of life

While engaging in these activities doesn't guarantee an immediate change in our behavior, thoughts, or feelings, they can help broaden our understanding of the world. The more we are exposed to new experiences, the broader our brain's capacity for discernment becomes, the more flexible the ideas it can generate, and the better our ability to adapt.

Ramona Ávila Núñez, PhD