October 06, 2023

#112 Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

1 hour 40 minutes

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Today, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents.

Depression and health conditions can impair focus

Nervous shutdown and self-compassion during stress

Trick yourself into starting

Network atrophies when not engaged

Issue with sticking to tasks due to desire for novelty

Reducing food shops, using what's in cupboards

Procrastination hinders progress, but changing behaviours helps

Mental flexibility essential

Flexible thinking in shopping, problem solving, creativity

Executive dysfunction hinders organisation; hoarding makes it harder

Lack of experience in decision-making, cutting corners

Perspective and help are important when organising

Lack of space hinders planning

Executive functions affects losing things

Fear of loss worsens clutter

See-through boxes and labels

Mindset affects executive function, self-care is crucial

Many conditions cause brain fog and difficulty focusing

Understanding our executive functions helps us manage stress, improve awareness, and leverage strengths

Reflection can inform future behaviour

Nervous system shuts down, could be triggered by dissociation

Engaging in tasks helps people focus and enter a flow state

Perfectionism = rigid thinking, efforts towards being more flexible

Trying to organise a hoard is destined to fail

Can we reassure ourselves when we put things away?

Minimise visual distractions, motivation to improve surroundings

Take care of your mind, believe in yourself, and prioritie self-care for better executive function

Is difficulty organising due to executive function issues or the sheer quantity of items?

Difficulty getting rid of things once they are brought into the home due to the endowment effect

Suggestions for improving working memory through mental maths and storytelling memory games

Identifying triggers and strategies for preventing or dealing with shutdowns

Practicing self-compassion and reducing stress for better action-taking

Introduction of the task positive network (TPN) and flow state during tasks

Downsides of hyperfocus and its impact on cognitive attention

Weakening or atrophy of the TPN due to lack of exercise

How depression, autoimmune diseases, and long COVID can impact executive functioning

Unique perception and organization of belongings for individuals on the autism spectrum

Planning skills and lack of space as potential barriers

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By That Hoarder

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October 06, 2023

#112 Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

1 hour 40 minutes

Subscribe to the podcast

Depression and health conditions can impair focus