ABSTRACT
Increasing executive function skills involves activating and accelerating brain development. Executive function is not a set of discrete skills to be mastered in a vacuum; it does not lend itself to becoming a course of study. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and has been shown to increase achievement. Moderate exercise increases dopamine production and reduces cortisol in the bloodstream. While schools are beginning to utilize stand-biased desks at which students can stand and work as a way of combating sedentary behavior and obesity, recent findings indicate positive effects on executive function. It turns out that looking at pictures of cute baby animals causes the brain to release dopamine and stimulates the prefrontal cortex. Luckily, the Internet is filled with cute baby animal videos. Hobbies are known to boost creativity and, thus, dopamine. They are also good for exercising many executive function skills.
