Cognitive rigidity leads to excessive rumination over negative scenarios, worsening emotional distress and self-sabotaging behaviors. Cognitive flexibility helps individuals redirect their thoughts toward alternative, constructive interpretations of experiences. Those with greater cognitive flexibility experience less intense and shorter negative emotional states, allowing for more adaptive behaviors such as assertiveness and productive task management. Techniques to foster cognitive flexibility, including the 'three column' exercise, are vital in therapeutic settings. Many individuals lack training in cognitive flexibility, yet it can play a significant role in managing stress and emotional reactions.
Behind many of our biggest emotions and most intense frustrations are rigid patterns of thinking that keep us stuck in patterns of rumination.
People who are more cognitively flexible tend to experience less intense and more short-lived negative emotional states, including anxiety, depression, and anger.
When we can increase our cognitive flexibility, we give ourselves more alternatives to getting stuck in patterns of rumination that only serve to entrap us in negative emotional states.
The 'three column' exercise helps increase cognitive flexibility by channeling our imagination toward alternative thoughts.
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