Have you ever wondered how mastering certain skills can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life as a parent?
As a parent, managing the chaos of daily tasks, staying on top of responsibilities, and handling stress can often feel like an endless juggling act. It’s no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a way to not only reduce that stress but also sharpen our ability to manage it effectively? That’s where executive function skills come into play. As Dr. Jason Selk and Dr. Ellen Reed always remind us, these skills are not just a set of abilities; they are tools for navigating daily life more efficiently.
In my work with parents, I’ve come across a consistent theme: those who can improve their executive function skills tend to handle stress better. It’s not just about working harder or being more disciplined. It’s about having the mental tools to stay focused, organized, and in control of your thoughts and actions. When these skills are in place, life doesn’t feel as overwhelming, and your stress levels drop significantly. But what exactly are these skills?
The 12 Executive Function Skills That Can Transform Your Life
First, let’s break down what executive function skills are. These are the mental processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. We all use them, often without realizing it. In fact, it’s these skills that allow us to handle the stresses of parenting, work, and daily life with more ease. Below are the 12 key executive function skills:
- Working Memory: This allows us to hold onto information temporarily so we can use it later. It’s how we remember tasks we need to do or important details about a project.
- Self-Control: Managing our impulses and emotions, especially when we're stressed, is essential for making sound decisions.
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt when plans change or when we’re faced with unexpected situations.
- Planning: This is the skill to organize steps to reach a goal, whether it’s a long-term project or just getting through the day.
- Organization: It’s the ability to manage materials, tasks, and time effectively. This helps reduce clutter—both physical and mental.
- Focus: The capacity to stay on task despite distractions is one of the core elements of effective parenting and professional life.
- Task Initiation: The ability to start tasks without procrastinating, especially when they seem overwhelming.
- Time Management: Balancing how much time you spend on different activities is key to preventing burnout.
- Self-Monitoring: Being able to assess your progress and adjust your approach is crucial for staying on track.
- Goal Setting: Setting clear, actionable goals and breaking them down into manageable steps can lead to reduced stress and greater productivity.
- Impulse Control: Learning how to pause before reacting to situations can make a big difference in how we handle stress and communication.
- Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions so they don't overwhelm you is critical to maintaining composure in any situation.
Dr. Ellen Reed often emphasizes how building these skills leads to a more mindful approach to parenting. When you actively practice these skills, they don’t just help you stay on track—they also help you respond to situations calmly, without feeling drained or reactive. This focus on mindful parenting is not just about being aware of your own behaviors but also about modeling these skills to your kids. In turn, this creates a calmer, more controlled environment at home.
How Mastering Executive Function Skills Can Reduce Stress
By improving these skills, you can reduce stress in your life. It’s that simple. Think about it: when you’re organized, have a clear plan, and can manage distractions effectively, your mental load is lighter. You’re not constantly trying to catch up or worry about everything that’s slipping through the cracks. Instead, you’re present and in control, whether at home with your kids, at work, or with other responsibilities.
Dr. Jason Selk points out that this proactive approach to managing executive functions doesn’t just reduce stress in the short term—it can prevent burnout in the long run. Many parents I’ve worked with have told me that learning to improve their executive functions was like flipping a switch. They didn’t just feel more organized; they felt more relaxed, more confident in their ability to juggle the demands of life, and better able to handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed. This is one of the key benefits of mindful parenting, something we emphasize a lot in our community.
Making Small Changes for Big Results
If you’re wondering how to start improving these skills, don’t worry—progress doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It’s about making small, manageable changes. For instance, using a dedicated journal has its benefits such as reflecting on past experiences and planning ahead. Even spending just a few minutes each day writing can help improve your self-monitoring and time management. I often recommend using our Daily Journal in the LevelUp GamePlan app as a quick way to build this habit.
Another great way to enhance executive function is through regular practice of specific strategies. For example, learning how to break down tasks into smaller, achievable goals can immediately reduce the sense of being overwhelmed. When your to-do list feels more manageable, stress decreases significantly. And this approach doesn’t just apply to work—it works wonders in your parenting life too. When you manage your mental load better, you become more present with your family, which creates a positive feedback loop of calm and happiness.
Ready to Take Control?
If you're ready to take the next step and start reducing stress through improved executive function, the LevelUp GamePlan app can be a helpful tool. It’s designed to support parents like you in navigating daily challenges with ease and clarity. With our app, you’ll find everything you need to improve your mental well-being, stay organized, and prioritize what matters most. So, why wait? Start your journey today and discover how small shifts can lead to big changes in your life.
References:
- Harvard University. "Mindfulness and Executive Function." Harvard.edu, 2021, https://www.harvard.edu.
- Smith, Jane. "The Impact of Stress on Cognitive Functions." Journal of Mental Health Research, 2022, https://www.jmhr.org.