4 Ways to Practice Executive Function Skills This Summer
Summer is here, and while it's a time to relax and enjoy the sunshine, it’s also the perfect opportunity to continue practicing and strengthening executive function (EF) skills. Whether you're a student, young adult, or a parent managing family activities, these four tips will help you stay on track while embracing the season's laid-back vibe. Let’s explore how to integrate EF skills into your summer routine for a balanced and productive season.
1. Stay Active and Accountable with Executive Function Skills
Practice Time Management and Accountability
Physical activity is one of the easiest ways to incorporate executive function skills into your summer routine. The warm weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and staying active can help improve both physical health and mental clarity. When you have a partner or group to exercise with, it creates a sense of accountability, which supports task initiation and perseverance.
Setting a specific time each day for a walk or workout also supports time management, a crucial aspect of executive function. By scheduling these activities in advance, you ensure they become a regular part of your routine.
Hot Tip: Schedule your exercise sessions like a work appointment and invite a friend or family member to join you. This enhances motivation and ensures consistency.
2. Cook Up Something Fun to Build EF Skills
Strengthen Working Memory, Task Initiation, and Planning
Cooking together is not only a fun family activity, but it’s also an excellent way to practice executive function skills like working memory, task initiation, and planning. Summer is a great time to try new recipes, and involving your children, partner, or roommates can turn cooking into a team-building experience.
By planning meals together, gathering ingredients, and following recipe steps, you are actively engaging in executive functions while also creating delicious dishes. These skills will help improve organization and the ability to prioritize tasks—valuable skills both at home and in the workplace.
Hot Tip: Start with simple, easy-to-follow recipes that require everyone’s input. Have your family members read aloud the instructions to practice attention and sequencing.
3. Practice Gratitude for Improved Emotional Regulation
Build Mindfulness and Emotional Resilience
Incorporating mindfulness and emotional regulation into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Summer is the perfect time to slow down and reflect on the positives in your life. By practicing gratitude each day, you develop resilience, which helps you manage setbacks and stay focused on your long-term goals.
Take 10 minutes each morning or evening to jot down things you're grateful for. This practice not only boosts your mental health but also helps in executive function areas like emotional control, motivation, and self-reflection.
Hot Tip: Keep a gratitude journal that you can review each day. Encourage family members to join in, creating a shared space for reflection and positive reinforcement.
4. Schedule Your To-Dos for a Smooth Transition to Fall
Organize Tasks and Improve Task Initiation
Summer is a great time to tackle those lingering tasks on your to-do list, from organizing your home to planning for the fall semester. Use the summer months to structure your tasks and stay organized. Set aside time each week to plan and check off your to-dos, and avoid leaving everything for the last minute.
By using tools like calendars and planners, you’ll be able to break tasks into manageable steps and maintain focus, ensuring a smoother transition when the busier fall season arrives.
Hot Tip: Use a digital calendar or a physical planner to block out time for important tasks. Include deadlines and set reminders to help you stay on track.
Make the Most of Summer While Strengthening Your EF Skills
While summer is meant for relaxation, it also provides the perfect opportunity to practice and improve your executive function skills. Whether it’s staying active, cooking together, practicing gratitude, or staying on top of your to-do list, these activities will help you build essential life skills. Use this time to create a balanced approach to your well-being and maintain a sense of structure, while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
By keeping these four tips in mind, you can practice executive function skills while having fun and staying productive. Enjoy the sunny days ahead while building resilience and focus for the future!
For more tips on time management, organization, and more core executive function skills, browse our website or contact us to learn more about our executive function coaching services!
