FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility is a rather lovely trait. It’s about being creative, having high self-esteem and respect for others. “when you’re flexible you’re more able to adapt and create great relationships,” says peyton. “flexible people are more innovative.” and when life changes, they can roll with the punches. “often our first reaction to a life change is to brace ourselves and tense up. but a tense body can lead to blinkered thinking and inhibits creativity.”

the winning cocktail for flexibility is a balance of four hormones: oxytocin (the cuddle hormone) dopamine (key to creative problemsolving), dhea (the precursor to testosterone, which you need for excitement), and serotonin (which enables focus and balance). keeping these four hormones in balance is simpler than it sounds – and we can do it by relaxing our muscles. notice where you are storing tension and unlock it. If your shoulders are tensed, for example, shrug them up and let them go, or try a simple torso twist – keep knees and hips facing forward then cross your left hand and arm across your body and press your left hand against your outer thigh. hold for several breaths. turn your head to look over your right shoulder. now switch sides.

a bit of unstructured chaos could also help innovation. “If you want to be thinking divergently, with lots of ideas, a messy space can stimulate more creative thinking,” says dale. “whereas if you need to make a decision and narrow down your thoughts, then an uncluttered environment will help.”