What are Executive Functions?
Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, initiate, monitor and inhibit our behavior in order to achieve our goals. They are responsible for our ability to control and coordinate our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and are essential for our daily life activities. Understanding and developing your executive functions can help you to be more productive, successful, and happy. The main executive functions are: inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, planning and problem solving, self-monitoring, and attentional control . Inhibition is the ability to stop oneself from acting impulsively or inappropriately. It helps you to resist distractions, control your emotions and impulses, and maintain your focus on your goals. For example, if you have a strong inhibition, you will be able to resist eating that piece of cake when you are on a diet. Working memory is the ability to hold information in mind for a sh...