Understanding Executive Functioning
Executive functioning (EF) is a blanket term for the various brain functions that we use to get stuff done without missing the important things. We especially need these skills in demanding or new situations; when we need to be flexible, manage complex directions or make quick decisions. Check out this outline of skills that fall under the executive functioning umbrella.
Organization and Planning:
Projects feel like a game of Tetris; you try to fit everything together, you procrastinate, then hyper focus, leading to a mad dash to pull it together in the end.
Attention:
You try your best and you might look like you're listening but mentally taking a vacation, missing the important stuff.
Time estimation:
You over commit your time and end up stressed out and stretched thin. You always arrive late because you just needed to do one more thing.
Emotional Regulation:
Your emotions can jump from cheery like Pollyanna, mad like the Hulk, then gloomy like Eeyore, all at the drop of a hat.
Self-regulating:
You start the day as capable as Superman, but by lunch, you're more like a sloth in pajamas, struggling to keep upright.
Self-monitoring and Impulse Control:
You may interrupt others or talk for too long, not noticing that the other person lost interest. You may have trouble thinking before you act.
Working Memory:
Every cooking adventure involves you checking and re-checking the recipe, and then forgetting if you added salt.
If you can relate to some of these, you may benefit from executive functioning coaching!
Coaching guides you to build new habits, new thinking patterns and craft your life to work for you instead of against you.
Why does it matter?
Research has shown that better executive functioning skills lead to better...
Mental Health
Executive functioning skills are co-related to ...
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia
Substance abuse
Physical Health
Better EF skills lead to healthier choices which decreases risk for...
Cancer
Obesity
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Social Wellbeing
Struggles with EF skills effect close relationships causing a documented increase in ...
Loneliness and isolation
Rejection sensetivity
Stigmatization
Especially in women and girls
Career Outcomes
Improved executive functioning skills have a great impact on ...
Employment
Job performance
Confindence
Studies for Reference:
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