Your brain will deprioritize executive function when stressed.

Taking just a short moment to calm yourself can help you better access problem solving.

Environments that allow for self-regulation see better executive function.

I don’t understand what’s happening. I’ve mixed up all the right environmental ingredients. I have set a timer and broken my tasks into steps. I am highly motivated to finish my book, maybe admittedly a little “under pressure” with the deadline approaching. I know what to do, but I can’t get going. What is happening in my brain?

A good cry and short break later, I have my answer: I was attempting to think deeply when my brain wasn’t able to do so. Feeling like our thoughts freeze or at least don’t work as well when we’re stressed is a very human experience. Yet, it’s easy to overlook when it’s happening.

Why stress impairs executive function

Our brains are built well to survive and have an autopilot mode that sends resources to what we think will help us survive in moments of stress or threat. For example, when our brains perceive a threat, they may........

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