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To begin understanding the true value of creative thinking, you may need to shift or change your perceptions and attitude about it. The best way to begin that process is to ask stimulating, probing or thought provoking questions. Intelligent inquiry about this sometimes misunderstood subject may lead you to some interesting conclusions.

Try these questions on for size. When you see or hear the words creative thinking, what do you think? Do you believe, as many people do, that only artists, writers, or musicians are capable of thinking creatively? Have you considered that tapping into your creative thinking can help you get what you want? Or that creative thinking can even help you realize your dreams?

Examining your mindset, perceptions or attitude about your creative abilities may serve as an important first step in discovering the value of this aspect of your intelligence.

Why Creative Thinking is Important

You may have heard the saying, “the only thing we can count on is change.” Our lives are changing dramatically every day and at an accelerated pace. Along with that change comes some daunting challenges. Where will the solutions to those changes and challenges occur? They will happen in our minds in the form of innovative ideas.

The bottom line is this: the individuals who come up with new, fresh ideas, in any sector of our society, will reap big rewards. And if creative thinking skills provide the tools or mechanism for creating new ideas, then doesn’t it makes sense to develop that aspect of our minds to the fullest?

How to Ramp Up Your Creative Thinking

First, examine your all-important mindset. It is impossible to become more creative if you think you can’t. It is important to trust in your innate ability to be creative. To move forward, you must believe you are creative. Second, begin learning as much as you can about this side of your thinking. You’ll be glad to know that this isn’t difficult. Countless books exist on the subject to help you get started.

Unfortunately, we didn’t receive a lot of clear instruction in school about why creativity is important. For example, the subject is rarely presented, in a broader sense, as a means for becoming more successful in any endeavor. Creativity still seems to be more closely associated with the arts than with problem solving. Therefore, it is up to you to broaden your knowledge and to take the steps necessary to enhance the creative abilities you were born with.

A Small Increase in Creativity Can Net Big Results

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, “One small thing can make a big difference.” It’s true! What if you could increase your creative thinking skills by just 10 or 15 percent? That small increase might just be the margin you need to perform significantly better at anything you choose. It can set you apart — to win, to shine.

You don’t have to be a creative genius to be successful. If you decide to change just a few aspects of your thinking, and work to become a more creative problem solver, you will be surprised at the positive difference it can make in your life. Of course, doing nothing will get you nothing. So, get started today by simply deciding to change and realizing the worth of creative thinking. Those who are willing to change just a few old ways of thinking will emerge as winners.

Hank M. Olguin is a creativity consultant with over 30 years of creative experience in advertising, marketing, and creative problem solving. With a special passion for helping those who consider themselves to be “creatively challenged,” his How to Be Creative Jump-Start Creativity Kit contains specific tips to help you stimulate and enhance your creative thinking abilities. Get your free copy at => http://www.CreativeIdeasForSuccess.com/how-to-be-creative.html.

Studies have shown that omega-3 essential fatty acids as found in fish oil have many health benefits. Fish oil has been shown to help improve heart health, alleviate pain and inflammation, suppress autoimmune disorders, and lower the risk of cancer. These omega-3’s also have been shown to improve mental health.

* Regular fish oil consumption may reduce depression, irritability, and anxiety. Studies have also shown that fish oil may even reduce the risk of developing psychosis.
* Omega 3 fats are found to support memory as they protect the cells of the brain and nervous system. Studies have shown that individuals who consume more of these fatty acids over a lifetime have better cognitive function as they age.
* Fish oils can also benefit children, even during pregnancy. Infants need these essential fatty acids for nervous system development. Also, children with ADHD and learning disabilities with a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids showed reduction in inattention, cognitive problems, and anxiety in various studies.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids such as fish oil supplements may be quite beneficial to our physical and mental health. Although more research is needed to understand these benefits, regular intake of fish oil may help with our mental health such as improving depression and concentration.

Do you ever notice that your mood changes with the weather? Many people say that the weather can either bring them down or pick up their mood. While these fluctuations are completely normal, some people become clinically depressed or anxious depending on the weather.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. Most people with SAD are affected by the winter months where the weather seems more grey and gloomy. However, others have the opposite pattern where they feel worse during the spring and summer months. Feelings of depression may begin quite mild at the beginning of the season but can become more intense as the season continues.
The following are possible symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression:

 Depressed mood
 Feelings of hopelessness
 Anxiety
 Loss of energy
 Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
 Loss of interest in activities
 Increase or decrease in appetite
 Difficulty concentrating

While it’s normal to have some days when you feel down or depressed, if you begin feeling consistently depressed for several days or weeks, it may be beneficial to ask for help. Although seeking treatment from a psychotherapist or physician may be needed, you may find other activities helpful in improving your mood including making your environment sunnier or brighter or exercising regularly.