Every day brings challenges and situations that trigger various thoughts and emotions within us. Some are easy to deal with and let go. However, some are difficult to experience and face, like relationship issues or the loss of a job.<\/p>\n
20th<\/sup> century philosopher of science, Karl Popper, once said, \u201cAll life is problem solving.\u201d Problem solving is about learning and growing. Here are five tips to improve our problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n Take a break<\/strong>\u2014Whether you\u2019re in the middle of discussing a difficult situation with someone that doesn\u2019t seem to be getting anywhere, or are facing an overwhelming situation or challenge, take a break and step away.<\/p>\n Removing yourself from the situation puts space between you and the \u201cproblem,\u201d which gives your brain a chance to be objective and process the situation to figure out a different approach. With regards to interpersonal conflict, if it becomes clear that the person won\u2019t back down, table the conversation until a later time.<\/p>\n Keep a journal<\/strong>\u2014Writing about the issue gives the brain a chance to sort through the different feelings you\u2019re feeling, which makes it possible to clearly identify the source of those emotions.\u00a0 Once you\u2019ve identified the emotions you\u2019re feeling and what\u2019s causing them, you\u2019ll be better prepared to know what action to take and what needs to be addressed.<\/p>\n Sleep on it<\/strong> \u2013 Sometimes, what seems urgent today won\u2019t seem as urgent tomorrow. Sleeping on it allows you to disentangle yourself from the emotional intensity of the situation, which \u00a0prevents you from making rash decisions.<\/p>\n Have a chat<\/strong>\u2014If you feel overwhelmed by it all, consider getting it off your chest by talking to someone you trust \u2013 someone who knows and understands you; it\u2019s therapeutic.<\/p>\n Sharing your \u201cproblem\u201d with a third party allows you to release the negative feeling and get an objective point of view, which can help you to re-focus on the problem more rationally.<\/p>\n Tackle it head on<\/strong>\u2014This is the moment you take action. It could be talking to the person you believe has wronged you, facing the dynamics of a failing relationship, or searching for a new job that\u2019s more suited to your likes, interests and skills. \u00a0Taking action reduces anxiety and worry, and increases feelings of confidence and satisfaction.<\/p>\n As Albert Einstein eloquently summed it up, \u201cWe can not solve our problems with same level of thinking that created them.\u201d By implementing these five tips for solving problems, you\u2019ll identify more solutions and better protect your emotional and mental health in the process.<\/p>\n Image by rubylia<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every day brings challenges and situations that trigger various thoughts and emotions within us. Some are easy to deal with and let go. However, some are difficult to experience and face, like relationship issues or the loss of a job. 20th century philosopher of science, Karl Popper, once said, \u201cAll life is problem solving.\u201d Problem…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5170,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1049,1134,182],"aware":[1752,1756],"class_list":["post-6398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","tag-emotional-health","tag-mental-well-being","tag-stress","aware-attitude","aware-existence"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n