Executive function (EF) is the collection of mental processes that allow you to keep track of what you need to do, make a plan to do it, and execute the plan.  It involves working memory, the ability to activate, as well as the ability to sustain focus and engagement with your work.

It is a renewable but finite resource, and during times of acute stress you have less of this resource to draw on.  Strategies that support executive function will help you during this period of extreme stress.

The more you understand exactly what your course work requires of you, and are able to have clear systems for keeping track of both your work and the resources you require to complete it, the less likely you are to burn up your mental energy and time worrying and trying to figure out what to do next.  You will be able to apply those resources directly to the work itself.

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Setting a schedule can be very helpful, as it takes less executive functioning to do a task that is part of a routine.  Minimizing the number of decisions you have to make also relieves the burden on executive functioning: if you can start your day moving directly into a plan you already made rather than having to come up with a plan, you will be able to apply your working memory, focus and limited reserve of energy directly to the work itself.  You can use the Building Better Routines planner.

Mapping out your deadlines for the rest of the semester on the End of Semester planner will allow you to have a clear sense of what remains to be completed.

There will be things you can’t control.  These are not normal levels of stress; you may need more breaks and more time to work.

Your routines may have to adjust during this time. Look for ways to adapt your usual habits or form new ones.

Even with new strategies, be gentle with yourself; you cannot control everything.

If you’re doing more work on your own and your time is less structured, you might be more tempted to multitask. Many people think they can do multiple things at once. But research shows us that only about 2% of the population can multitask. Even if you feel like you’re multitasking, you’re probably not… really, you’re switching between tasks very quickly (some call this “micro-tasking”).

• Stick to your instructor’s schedule as much as you can. Staying on a schedule will help you have a feeling of normalcy and keep you on track
• Find out how to ask questions. Is there a chat feature? Is there a discussion forum?  As with on the ground learning, participation is key
• Close distracting tabs and apps. We’re not as good at multitasking as they think!
• Continue to take notes as you would if you were there in person
• Watch recordings at normal speed. Research shows that playback speed of 1.5x can significantly lower your understanding and retention.

• Meet regularly, especially if you usually touch base during class or lab. Consider a quick text on your group chat about progress every couple of days
• Try not to procrastinate. That group project may be out-of-sight, out-of-mind if you aren’t seeing each other regularly. Resist the urge to put it off. Make small progress and stay in touch
• Set an agenda for meetings and use a shared doc to record your group’s notes
• It will help to recreate the co-working environment using virtual tools. Possibilities might include:
  • Keep a Google Doc or Slide open during calls or while working on the project and use the chat, suggest and comment features
  • Have an audioless and videoless call with your teammates run in the background
  • or Have the video and/or audio on in a call
• Check on each other and ask for backup: If someone has been absent from your group meetings or chat, ask them directly if they’re still able to participate in the project.