Our minds are wired by nature to watch out for danger and threats. This built-in mechanism called the negativity bias has allowed us to avoid danger and pass down our genes for thousands of years. However, at the same time, it means we are often going to view uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations as threats that need to be avoided or controlled. Instead of reducing our pain, this strategy actually increases our suffering.

Psychological flexibility means we can learn to meet more of life’s challenges without getting knocked off our feet. It means learning to let go of the things we can’t control or avoid and influence the things we can. It means learning to accept the things that you cannot change and focus your energy where you can make a real impact! In applying ACT, we cultivate psychological flexibility and well-being through the following skills: