Can strengthening executive function help us be our best selves? | Sucheta Kamath | TEDxAtlantaWomen

Award-winning speech-language pathologist, inventor and executive function expert Sucheta Kamath discusses the cognitive processes involved in executive function, the effect of the pandemic on these processes, and why strengthening executive function in adults and children can better equip us to reach our full potential. Sucheta Kamath architects systems that aid in developing the mental skills needed to focus attention, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses. She is an award-winning speech language pathologist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and multiple patent holder.

Sucheta invented ExQ®, an online learning platform that leverages
AI, gameplay, error analysis and metacognitive lessons to help middle and high school students build executive function skills.

She hosts “Full PreFrontal®: Exposing the Mysteries of Executive Function,” a podcast exploring new frontiers in brain science.

[hypatonic]

Executive function can also be benefitted by regulating your dopamine. We are more stimulated in our daily lives than ever, which leads to difficulties doing regular, everyday tasks and concentration. If your brain is used to the stimulus (dopamine) it receives from scrolling on Tiktok or watching a TV show, it will not respond well to situations of lower stimulus, such as reading, folding laundry, or completing a project that takes a lot of focus.

This also applies to food! If your brain is used to super salty and sugary foods (which you get dopamine from), it won't be satisfied in the same way when you eat vegetables.

To get back to a more balanced state, try doing tasks on their own without multitasking, like Kamath suggests. Fold your laundry without listening to a podcast, music, or watching TV. Refuse the urge to go on your phone on the bus, in a waiting room, or when standing in line. Spend less time overriding yourself with stimuli, and more time taking a moment to breath. Your executive function will thank you.

[gayathrimanikutty]

Amazing and insightful talk, always wanted to learn more about executive functions. Totally love listening to the Full PreFrontal podcasts as well - so many nuggets of wisdom in the podcasts. Thank you Dr. Sucheta.

[ethanpoulton]

3:04 ok… so this is poorly explained. It’s better not to give an example of things that you observe, but rather what you feel when you take time for genuine introspection. You won’t notice until a breakdown that something is wrong unless you continuously introspect your life and directions your heading. Introspection keeps you aware to the future and keeps your mind active in seeing plausible pitfalls that may come your way

This is best explained when you understand neuro chemistry. You enter into a positive feedback loop when reaching for your goals and dreams, that your brain rewards you by releasing dopamine and serotonin, and lower your cortisol levels.

The moment you have stopped progressions, you lower dopamine release and your cortisol levels rise; your body is telling you that you’re not improving.

Introspection on your life’s direction regardless of outside noise is how you activate your DMN and generate plausible solutions to problems effecting your life. Active introspection also helps reduce grey matter in your brain and exercises it to become more resilient to the punches life is bound to give you. Hope this helps people who are trying to increase cognitive alertness

[JCtheMusicMan_]

I have almost zero executive function. I’m about to become homeless and I just pray for death. I don’t see a solution because I can’t afford to put gas in my car that is about to get repossessed and can’t afford to see a doctor. When I do see doctors they get me out so fast they never listen to me when I try to explain myself. At this point I just don’t care 🥺