Thoughtober Day One

Control those impulses

One of the most obvious signs of executive function is the ability (or not) to control impulses.

Impulse control is also known as inhibitory control or response inhibition. Impulse control is a set of behaviours that help us “think before acting”.

It is a cognitive process that permits an individual to inhibit their impulses and natural, habitual, or dominant behavioural responses to stimuli.

Impulse control has been shown empirically to not be a stable state in that we can work on it, improve it and have great plasticity and flexibility in this dynamism.

Why do we need it?

So we can be in control of the choices that we make, how and who we are influenced by and so we can be accountable for what we do and why we do it.

Task for today - Counting Backwards

Counting backwards is a technique that can help improve impulse control. It can be used to manage impulsive behaviors and make more thoughtful decisions. Here’s how you can practice it:

1. Take a deep breath and relax your body.

2. Start counting backwards from a specific number, such as 100 or 1000.

3. Focus on each number as you count, allowing yourself to become absorbed in the process.

4. Take your time and try to maintain a steady pace as you count.

5. If you lose track, simply start over from the beginning or from the last number you remember.

By counting backwards, you engage your brain in a task that requires concentration and focus, which can help distract you from impulsive urges. This technique can be particularly useful in situations where you feel overwhelmed or tempted to act impulsively.

Remember, impulse control is a skill that can be developed with practice. The more you use techniques like counting backwards, the better you may become at controlling impulse.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”