Do you remember the first few weeks of the pandemic? Do you remember how chaotic things suddenly became? How differently each family or even each individual in one family reacted to the forced restrictions?  Some went into denial, some were frustrated, some were paranoid and a few were able to adjust to the changes that were thrusted upon them. Why did we see such a huge spectrum of behaviour patterns? Why did individuals in the same family have completely different reactions to the exact same situation? This is a classic example of cognitive flexibility! Cognitive flexibility plays a vital role in various areas of life, including education, work, relationships, and adjusting to new environments. It is especially relevant in situations that require adapting to changes, dealing with uncertainty, and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. We use this mental ability in our day-to-day life quite regularly. Look at the situations given below When we travel to a new place, we adjust to the surroundings. We try to look at the map to understand how to navigate this new place.When we go from home to work, our tasks, responsibilities, expectations , everything changes and we adapt to the change.At work when we are interacting with colleagues and trying to find a solution, we listen to various perspectives. We analyse the possibilities and come to the best possible solution.When a student is in the school, there is a constant change happening all through the day in terms of subjects, skills and activities.In every single situation mentioned above we are using cognitive flexibility to adapt to the new environment, switch between the tasks, brainstorm, learn something new and create out-of-the box solutions.Since this ability gets used so frequently by pretty much everyone, imagine what will happen to a person who does not have cognitive flexibility? That person may struggle to adjust to new situations, environments, or changes in their personal and professional life. This leads to resistance which leads to increased stress levels.He/she may not be able to take in another person’s point of view leading to conflicts, friction and unhappiness in their lives.In many cases, cognitive inflexibility leads to emotional rigidity where the individuals face difficulties in managing stress, coping with setbacks, or effectively navigating emotional challenges.There are numerous factors that can influence cognitive flexibility, including genetics, environment, and individual experiences.While it is important to consider that cognitive abilities can vary among individuals, it is equally important to understand that cognitive flexibility can be developed and strengthened through practice and intentional efforts. Here are some simple strategies that can help -Embrace novelty - Consciously Engage in new experiences, activities, and challenges that expose you to different perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinkingSwitch Up Routines: Intentionally introduce variety and change into your daily routines. This can include trying different routes to work, changing your exercise routine, or rearranging your workspace. Small changes can help break mental habits and foster cognitive flexibility.Learn from Mistakes: Embrace a growth mindset and view mistakes as learning opportunities. Analyze your mistakes and setbacks, consider alternative approaches or solutions, and adapt your strategies accordingly. This cultivates a flexible and adaptive mindset.Engage in Brain-Stimulating Activities: Engage in activities that challenge your cognitive processes and require flexible thinking, such as puzzles, brain games, crosswords, or learning a new language. These activities promote cognitive flexibility by exercising your mental abilities and encouraging novel thinking.Remember, building cognitive flexibility takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small successes along the way. With practice and the right strategies, you can enhance your cognitive flexibility and develop a more adaptable and open-minded mindset.Contributed byDeepti ThakarMental Health Practitioner, Carpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLPCarpediem would like to acknowledge the use of photo by Neotam on Pixabay 

In the dynamic world of the 21st century, students face a dozen of unique stressors that very evidently shape their educational journey. The constant hunt for academic excellence and competitive job market often generate anxiety over their experiences. The pressure to secure a prosperous future career can mask the joy of learning and their personal growth. Moreover, the digital era has introduced a new dimension of stress. The omnipresence of social media and its culture of comparison has created ample of self-doubt and inadequacy. The uncertainty of career paths in an ever-evolving job market also adds to the emotional burden. Selecting the 'right' path becomes a challenging task, often burdened with fear of failure. To address these concerns, fostering open conversations about mental health, promoting digital literacy, and emphasizing personal growth over external validation are critical. Reflecting on these stressors it only highlights to me the importance of resilience and adaptability in today's complex world, empowering students to navigate their paths with confidence.In conclusion, I would say it definitely requires a call for action from all of us. As educators, parents, psychologists and community members, it is our responsibility to create nurturing environments that acknowledge the different challenges students encounter. Not only fostering open communication but also teaching coping mechanisms, and promoting a balanced approach to both academics and technology will help them sail through the tough times. There is immense potential within each student to overcome adversity and emerge stronger from it, only if the right environment is provided. Contributed byTanvi Auradkar, Founding Partner and Chief Diversity OfficerCarpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLPCarpediem would like to acknowledge the use of the photo by Pinterastudio on Pixabay

Stress is a word that often carries a negative connotation, invoking feelings of discomfort and unease. We often hear about the effects of stress on our physical and mental well-being, and it's true that excessive or chronic stress can indeed take a toll on our health. However, it's essential to recognize that stress is an inherent part of life, and we will all encounter it in one way or the other. Therefore the only choice that we have is to learn to live with it and make growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves the defense mechanisms to sail through.Stress is our body's natural response to demands or challenges, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological. It's the surge of energy that prepares us to face a threat or accomplish a task. This "fight or flight" response is ingrained into our biology and has been crucial for human survival throughout history.Modern life, though very different from our ancestral environment, still presents us with a myriad of stressors. From work deadlines and financial pressures to relationship struggles and health concerns, the sources of stress are varied and often complex for every individual. In a world that seems to move at an all-time increasing pace, it's crucial to develop strategies for living with stress in a way that doesn't compromise our well-being.I remember the times when I was in college and there was a wave that ‘stress’ is a status symbol. To have it, meant that you are productive in life. However, with years the connotation changed and I see everyone around talking about stress and its negative impact. While it might be challenging to believe, stress isn't entirely negative. In fact, according to the research, moderate levels of stress can be beneficial and even necessary for personal growth and development. As a practicing psychologist, I see clients with stress who ask me “ Madam, do you ever experience stress? I am sure you never’’. I tell them even though I am a therapist, I am a human above all and stress is inevitable to all of us, therefore, I only have learnt to encounter it in a mindful manner.  Here are a few ways stress can actually be advantageous and how we can cope with it:Motivation and Productivity: Stress can provide the necessary push to meet deadlines, accomplish goals, and stay focused on tasks. The adrenaline rush that accompanies stress can enhance alertness and performance.Resilience: Just as muscles grow stronger with resistance training, individuals can become emotionally and mentally more resilient through facing and overcoming stressors.Learning to Adapt: Stressful situations often force us to think creatively, problem-solve, and adapt to new perspectives. These experiences contribute to our cognitive flexibility and ability to handle future challenges.Self-Discovery: Under stress, we often discover a new side of ourselves and our capabilities. Overcoming challenges can reveal strengths and abilities we may not have realized we possessed. Managing Stress: While embracing stress as a natural part of life is important, it's equally essential to manage and navigate it effectively. Here are some strategies to help you live in harmony with stress:Mindfulness: Mindfulness practice can help you stay in the present, manage racing thoughts, and reduce the feeling of being anxious.Healthy Lifestyle Choices: We often don't realize the value of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep while running around the clock. However, consistency matters, and these play a crucial role in minimizing the negative effects of stress on your body and mind.Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide a sense of belonging and emotional support during stressful times.Utilizing the time wisely: Learn to prioritize tasks, delegate where necessary and manage your time effectively to prevent the accumulation of stress caused by procrastination or last-minute rushes.Off routine work breaks: Too often when you are busy round the clock, it is bound to interfere with your well-being gradually. You may see the effects on your physical health even though you choose to ignore the signs like tiredness, loss of motivation, clouded thoughts, etc. Take up a hobby, and engage yourself in off-routine tasks every now and then to maintain the balance of life. Setting Realistic Expectations: Striving for excellence is admirable, but setting unattainable standards can lead to unnecessary stress. Set achievable goals and recognize your accomplishments along the way.Seeking Professional Help when you feel necessary: If stress becomes overwhelming or starts to interfere with your daily life, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional.Only embracing balance is ultimately the key to living with stress. It's about acknowledging the presence of stress without allowing it to dominate your life. When stress is viewed as a natural and even beneficial part of the living experience, its impact can be transformed from impairing to empowering. By cultivating resilience, practicing self-care, and developing effective coping strategies, you can navigate life's challenges with a sense of strength and purpose. Remember, it's not about eliminating stress, but rather learning to coexist with it while embracing the journey of life. Contributed byTanvi Auradkar, Founding Partner and Chief Diversity OfficerCarpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLPCarpediem would like to acknowledge the use of the photo by Tumisu on Pixabay

Published in: WHO

Survival chances for adolescents and young adults vary greatly across the world. In 2021, the probability of dying among those aged 10–24 years was highest in sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Northern America. The average global probability of a 10-year-old dying before age 24 was about 6 times higher in sub-Saharan Africa than in North America and Europe.Within the age group 10–24 years, mortality rates are lowest among adolescents aged 10–14, and highest among young adults aged 20–24 years. Females generally have lower mortality rates for these ages than males.(Image Credit : Image by Freepik)

Published in: The Harvard Gazette

A study by a Brown researcher found mindfulness training reduces blood pressure, which can prevent cardiovascular disease. A Vanderbilt scientist showed meditation, like sleep, helps the glymphatic system get rid of metabolic waste from our brains, a key to brain health. One study at the University of California, San Francisco, found mindfulness can lead to better metabolic health, reducing risk factors for heart disease and stroke(Image Credit: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik)

Published in: The Indian Express

The DoE has invited suggestions in this regard from various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students, school management committees, educational institutions, school associations, professionals, subject experts, scholars and general public to make the process “inclusive and participative”.(Image Credit: Image by Freepik)