How your brain's executive function works -- and how to improve it | Sabine Doebel

You use your brain's executive function every day -- it's how you do things like pay attention, plan ahead and control impulses. Can you improve it to change for the better? With highlights from her research on child development, cognitive scientist Sabine Doebel explores the factors that affect executive function -- and how you can use it to break bad habits and achieve your goals.

[IamKoncept]

I am 32 with Adult ADHD and heres a detailed solution perspective that helped me to fix the problems listed in this video. Executive function issues we have mean we have a library of books (thoughts and ideas) but don't have the bookshelves and library Floorplan (the executive function structure) - we must realize our ADHD Minds just need to create bookshelves (mindmap structures to help us prioritize and structure our perspectives and responsibilities in a clear manner) - our minds appreciate all information when typical minds discriminate based on perceived importance. Let's use our minds to connect the dots that millions will never connect because they don't see the gold in the perceived garbage in life like us

[Miollvynir]

This brings new context for me. I grew up with a mom that made a big deal of her lack of self control. When I was little, I was hyper controlled, but over time I think I grew into identifying with her rather than my own abilities.

[lowzhao]

I failed so hard at executive function, that I can't even finish the video without turning to other tabs.

[TheKrispyfort]

Social psychology meeting cognitive psychology. Beautiful :)

[taisenscoolstuff]

This is one thing im having trouble with. Brraking bad habits to truly achieve my goals.

[shawnladd]

I skipped to the last two minutes of this, and that is all you need to know about my executive function #adhd

[mikekyzz]

Very well said, and great awareness!
Keep up the great work!

[Bill]

I can't get enough of this. I read a book with a similar topic, and I couldn't get enough of it. "Unlocking the Brain's Full Potential" by Alexander Sterling

[nichole]

I wonder how these types of tests could help those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. They may seem simple to those who don't have it but for those who do and struggle with the function of multitasking, it can be very difficult.

[Grantgc]

This is all covered In the book "thinking, fast and slow" by Daniel kahneman . I believe the term executive function is actually what Daniel refers to as System 2. He spoke about similar experiments too.

[jennifervega]

Excellent. So important for adults and kids to understand.

[Christopher-mdtf]

This talk is all over the place. What's the take away? Our environment and peer group influences our thinking and behaviour? Wow, what a revolutionary insight.

[WestOfEarth]

This is helpful info, but I would have liked to learn more about how to improve it. Do these techniques work for those who have executive dysfunction from ADHD, depression, or schizophrenia?

[aaronrosenberg]

I know a kid, around 18 or 19 years old, who works with an Executive Function Coach. Apparently, he has some issues with his executive function, and his coach is with an organization that works with people with these issues. I felt bad for the kid because even with the help of his coach, he was unable to pass a college course he enrolled in. He didn't show up to class 50% of the time and rarely did his homework. He's a bright kid, too.

[TheMetalalien]

if context is so important could isolation make your executive function worse?

[mcmjr]

Focus is a skill like many others. That being said, there are ways to improve it.

[ionseven]

There's a breakdown when those "symbols of waiting" in society can be faked: neck deep in car/home loans and credit, doctored social media photos, liposuction, plastic surgery all to fake a brand/image to everyone. We see it it my city all the time and people open up in certain support groups (to keep it private) about their debt or relational problems because of the pressure to fabricate an image of high social status. I have 2 cars: a new car and a 2006 car that looks fair but it is fully paid off and runs great. I see a huge difference in how people behave around me when I drive the older one so the pressure by peers to fake it is there.

[joelbergeron]

Its strange ADHD was not mentioned at all! Where is my orange juice? Executive function runs my life. #adhd

[goodenoughgirl]

I find it very hard to change gears between relax mode and work mode.

[WilliamHaist]

Ok but what if your executive dysfunction is SO BAD that you haven't brushed your teeth in over a year, you only get out of bed in order to use the washroom and get food, and you've neglected things in your life so important that you've successfully isolated yourself from the rest of the world.
.
What if your executive dysfunction is SO BAD that you disassociate for long periods of time, simply blankly staring at a wall for 5-10 minutes. What if I told you that when I focus on something, 9 times out of 10 I forget to BREATH. I find myself holding my breath ALL the time. It's never gotten to the point where I've gotten dizzy or passed out, however the amount of times it happens is alarming.
.
It really scares me just how bad my executive dysfunction has gotten, to the point that it could soon cause me to become homeless. Something is clearly wrong with me, and I don't live somewhere where I'm capable of finding any doctors that can help me...
.
I feel kind of trapped in my own body at times, because when I relax it's almost as if though I become paralyzed until something forces me to start moving again, which usually comes in the form of hunger or needing to use the washroom. While I'm standing up because I need food or need to use the washroom I'm completely fine and can do other things for the most part, but only the things that catch my attention are the things that I end up focusing on or doing.
.
I don't know where I was going with this or what I'm expecting, but if anyone knows what could possibly be wrong with me, I'd like to know. I'm like 90% sure this issue has caused me to develop depression and anxiety issues since it's been going on for over 6 years now...