Hello,

Welcome to The Functional Cognition Chronicles issue 009.

As always, if you would like to catch up on previous issues head to the TFCC blog.

Today, we’re having an overview of cognitive flexibility within executive function.

Executive function is the CEO of the body and enables us to operate within our daily lives through doing, thinking, self-regulating and socialising domain.

Cognitive Flexibility is one of the functions of our brain.

This skill enables us to adapt and shift our approach when circumstances change. Such as adjusting to a last minute change in plan, or not having enough ingredients, cognitive flexibility helps us manage life’s surprises.

What is Cognitive Flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility is our brain’s way of being adaptable and open to change. It allows us to:

• Shift perspectives and strategies when needed.

• Adjust smoothly to last-minute changes.

• Solve problems when challenges arise.

Examples of cognitive flexibility:

• When you are able to re-jig the meal when you are halfway through dinner and realise you’ve forgotten an ingredient.

• When you’re able to re-organise your work day when you a high priority task comes in at 8am in the morning.

• When you’re in conversation with someone and they change the topic unexpectedly and you roll with it and continue on that discussion path.

Why is Cognitive Flexibility Important?

In a world full of constant change, cognitive flexibility is essential for both everyday tasks and broader life challenges. When we can adjust our approach and stay open-minded, we’re better equipped to manage life complexities and find solutions. Cognitive flexibility allows us to adapt as the world changes - which it does often.

Cognitive In- flexibility

Cognitive inflexibility in clients can look like:

• A strong resistance to change

• Difficulty adapting when routines are interrupted

• Inability to shift focus from one task to another.

• Struggling to problem-solve in unexpected situations

• Getting easily frustrated when things don’t go as planned

• Fixating on one approach even if it’s not working.

Cognitive inflexibility can have a significant functional impact on a person’s daily life. It impacts our broader executive functioning tasks of organising, planning and socialising. Identifying someone with poor cognitive flexibility can assist with understanding their presentation to society.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s newsletter! As always, reach out with any questions or comments—I love hearing from you.