1. Take the time every morning to think about ways that being alive excites you. This can feel like a tall order when you’re feeling down, but once you get your synapses going, it gets easier and easier.

2. Call a friend with the explicit intent of sharing a soothing remark. Make it your mission to be a healer who helps the conversation soar rather than making the other party sore. Massage the conversation to bring the best out of both of you—it will work wonders for you and your friend!

3. Remind yourself that headaches and heartaches are often the result of “hardening of the attitude.” Read an article or book that offers a very different perspective than yours about a topic of interest. Stay with it and you will feel yourself having “growth spurts” that lift your spirit and lighten your mood.

4. If I feel my mind tightening up, I think of my mother’s advice, “Stand up straight, Bobby, and hold your shoulders back; posture is important.” Take the time to consciously let your mind stand tall. You’ll enjoy uplifting thoughts on the inside so you can take control on the outside. No, you can’t change some circumstances, but with good mental posturing, you find that even the worst circumstances offer some kind of opportunity.

5. Just as regular exercise and stretching are critical for a fit, supple, body, exercising and stretching your point of view is essential for a fit, supple, mind. So whenever you catch yourself sitting and whining, do something that opens your mind. It could be a new project. It could be a goal to make a new friend. Or it could be as simple as seeing how many smiles you get when you walk around with a grin on your face. Point your energy toward growing forward and your mind will feel limber and toned.

WOW, you won’t believe how little time it takes to experience a flexible mind when you consciously make it your mission to love life once again. But here’s a caveat: your body gets out of shape in less than too weeks when you stop exercising. Ditto for your mind. Achieving mental suppleness is an on-going pursuit. So make it a habit to stretch your mind today for more youthful vigor tomorrow. On the count of three, let’s flex those mental muscles.

And now you can visit RobWhiteMedia.com and download the free Daily WOW! Smart Phone App

to help keep your mind in motion.