Executive function is a set of mental skills that help us manage our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Think of it as your brain’s control centre—it keeps things organized and helps you navigate daily life. These skills include planning, focusing, self-control, and flexibility. Without them, even simple tasks like getting ready in the morning or completing work assignments can feel overwhelming.
Why Executive Function Matters
Executive function is essential for staying on track and achieving goals. For example, when you plan a family dinner, you use these skills to organize the shopping list, manage your time, and adjust if something unexpected happens like a missing ingredient. Children use executive function to learn in school or complete chores, while adults rely on it to balance work, relationships, and other responsibilities.
The Three Core Skills
1. Working Memory: This helps you hold and use information in real time. For instance, when solving a maths problem, you need to remember the steps while performing them.
2. Cognitive Flexibility: This allows you to adapt when plans change or when you need to switch from one task to another.
3. Inhibitory Control: This helps you resist distractions and stay focused, like avoiding the urge to check your phone during an important meeting.
Differences in Executive Function
You may notice that your brain’s executive function works differently to people around you. Common challenges with executive function include forgetting appointments, difficulty starting tasks or finishing them, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, difficulty regulating energy, and challenges with planning and organising. These struggles can affect productivity, relationships, and overall well-being.
How to Support Executive Function
The good news is that we can learn to accept and support our executive function! Here are some tips:
• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Simplify complex tasks by tackling them one step at a time.
• Use Tools: Calendars, alarms, and to-do lists can help keep you organized.
• Practice Mindfulness: Being present can improve focus and emotional regulation. If we are aware that we are struggling, we can then implement strategies that might help rather than feel overwhelmed.
• Set Routines: Consistent habits and routines can be helpful as we don’t need to rely so heavily on our executive function.
• Exercise and Sleep: Regular exercise and a good night’s sleep are important supports for our brain.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your own executive function can help you navigate life’s challenges more effectively. By embracing how your brain works, using tools and skills to help where needed, we can better manage our time, have greater emotional regulation,adapt to changes more flexibly, and achieve our goals.
Caroline Moran