Finding a new approach...

Finding a new approach to solving a problem needs an open mind. But business environments are not generally places that encourage broad open thinking and there's a good reason for that. Decisions need to be made quickly in order for projects to move forward and for clients' instructions to be fulfilled, and this means that we have to draw on past experiences and knowledge of what does and doesn't work, draw assumptions and make choices.

This means that the left-hand side, the logical side of our brain is always on overdrive, giving little time for the right-hand side, the creative, idea-generating side, to provide its own contribution to our work.

But there are some simple tips and tools that I've learned and that help your mind put rapid decision-making to one side and explore some other approaches and opportunities.

BREATHE
Most of us only use half our lung capacity, which means that carbon dioxide build up in our bodies and insufficient oxygen is taken in. Too much carbon dioxide raises your heart rate and prevents clear thinking – and when you're only using the left-hand side of your brain, this can mean stress. The remedy is to breathe deeply. Place your hands on your lower ribs with your fingers touching in the middle. Breathe in deeply and slowly, feeling your ribs move up and apart as your stomach rises. Hold for a count of three, then breathe out. Repeat four times and feel the oxygen relieve your stress.

DOODLE
When you’re overworking the logical, left side of your brain and can't find a way round a problem, doodle. Get a pen, some paper and just doodle. This uses the more creative, artistic right side of your brain and rests the left brain. It also opens up the connections between the two sides, enabling a flash of right-sided inspiration to throw light on the problem.

SMILE
Contentment and pleasure make you smile – that’s obvious. But less obviously, the very act of smiling can relax you and make you feel good. This is because your brain recognises the pattern of muscular contractions that shape your mouth into a smile. First it looks for something to be pleased about – a picture on your desk, say. Then it reinforces the contractions, intensifying the smile and raising the pleasure stakes. Try it out for yourself – you’ll be pleasantly surprised how effective it is. So, from now on, when things are getting really tense, just smile, and fool your brain into a state of chilled contentment.

the Heresiarch
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