Tag: benefits

Are you rigid? Benefits of having an open mind

We have often interacted with people who would rather ‘die’ than listen to a contrary opinion. Our parents are a good example, it is almost impossible to introduce something new to them. Having a conversation with them is very hard because they stand firm by what they believe in. This trait is associated with people who are close minded. So who is a close minded individual? This is a person not willing to consider a different opinion or idea.

Open-mindedness which is the opposite of closed-mindedness is very important for our wellbeing. Some of the character traits associated with an open-minded individual include:

  • Good conversationalists
  • Excellent listeners
  • Not judgemental
  • Lack biasness
  • Understanding

This article will highlight the importance of having open-mindedness in our day to day activities.

Benefits of practicing open- mindedness

1. Important in decision making

Before making a decision about an issue one must ensure they get all the facts and weigh them for a good judgement. keeping an open mind will always come in handy. Before electing your preferred leader in an election they would always campaign and sell their agenda and manifesto so that you can choose who you see fit for the position. Just imagine being close minded how will you be able to make a good decision? Always strive to keep an open mind and not choose someone because you believe they are good. Listening to those you might not like at first may change your perception of them.

2. Personal growth

Personal growth can only happen when one is willing to learn new things and ideas. Having an open mind will ensure that you listen to other people’s opinions and in the process make adjustments to what you already had. What we believe to be right may not always be right and therefore listening to what other people have to say enables us identify where we are going wrong and correct our mistakes.

3. Healthy and long lasting relationships

Inorder to mentain a healthy relationship, accommodating each other’s opinion and ideas is very important. Your relationship with your spouse, family, friends and even workmates depends on how open minded you are. This is because everyone will be comfortable sharing their opinions without fear of it being ignore.

4. Avoid unnecessary conflicts

We have all come across that one person who forces their ideas and opinions on others to the extent they get violent. Exercising open mindedness will limit conflicts as people will disagree to agree on a healthy manner. In the long run, they will all be satisfied even if they don’t agree. Healthy conversations are important for peace and harmony to reign.

5. Important for career development and growth

Having an open mind will always create good relationship with your workmates consequently you will be able to learn new ideas and tricks that will kickstart your career growth journey. Willingness to learn is very important to avoid stagnation . We are living in a society that is constantly changing, technology is the new norm. Having an open mind will ensure you are taking in new information and adjusting how you do things in your workplace.

6. Improves your intellectual ability

Being ready to take in new information and ideas will increase your knowledge basket. Most people who are deemed intelligent are often open minded. You can hear something new and instead of dismissing the information you go ahead to find out more.

7. Have new experiences

There is a phrase saying ‘just because you have not travelled you will always think your mother is the best cook’ This is equivalent to a close minded person. Having an open mind will enable you to explore and have new experiences. Trying out new staff is intriguing and you can find new hobbies or new favorite dish.

Having an open mind is an important practice and everyone should strive to achieve it at all cost but one should be careful to avoid cognitive dissonance. Are you open- minded?

Is crying good for your health? Reasons why it is a good idea to cry

An image of a man crying.

Crying is a natural response to a range of emotions, varying from deep sadness or grief to extreme happiness.

Most African communities associate crying with weakness consequently causing their men to avoid crying at all cost. This has caused many to pile emotions creating a ticking bomb that is bound to explode sooner or later. Research has discovered that more women than men cry when under pressure.

6 reasons why you should Cry

1. It helps in self soothing. Crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS helps your body rest and digest food.

2. Reduces pain. Long periods of crying releases oxytocin( numbs the pain) and endorphins( gives the calming effect) which are feel good chemicals that ease emotional and physical pain.

3. Helps to build up your social support network when the going gets tough. When you cry you let others know you are not okay and would therefore use their support. It improves interpersonal relationships.

4. Restores emotional balance. We often cry when our emotions go to the extreme inorder to create equilibrium. These emotions can vary from extreme happiness to extreme sadness.

5. Helps in dealing with grieve. The lose of a loved one is one of the hardest thing to come to terms with. The emotions that come with it is overwhelming and it sometimes pushes people to depression. Crying is one way of soothing the pain and expressing how you actually feel.

6. Detoxifies the body. There are 3 types of tears reflex, continuous and emotional tears. Reflex tears clear debris from the eyes( smoke and dust), continuous tears create lubrication and protect the eye from infection and lastly emotional tears is mostly made up of stress hormones to relieve stress and pain.

Even though crying is considered good for your health, in a situation where one cries frequently without an apparent reason it is an indication that there is a problem somewhere and one should seek medical attention.