So, what goes into an effective tool for task and time management? I look for ones that integrate a task list and calendar which enables the user to plan for and see what tasks they want to complete and when. The tools should also make it easy to combine the two. Finally, the tool has to be portable and easy to access when you need to write down and task or calendar event.

Those of us in affected areas are acting on advice to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are washing our hands, avoiding touching our faces, and social distancing. Okay, done! Now, how do I get work done at home? If you or someone you know struggles with productivity, working from home may be the hardest part of the list of protective measures being imposed.

January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, and time. Now is a good time to share some simple techniques to help those who struggle with the executive function skill we call "time management."

Imagine if you could have your own personal assistant--someone to find your lost keys, remind you to walk the dog, or tell you your daily schedule, all without having to pay them a salary? Welcome to the world of voice-activated artificial intelligence, or in this case, Amazon’s Alexa.

"If it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done." This quote is attributed to Rita Mae Brown, a prolific writer of such books as Rubyfruit Jungle and an intrepid advocate for civil and LGBT rights. Do you find it surprising that such a creative and productive force of nature struggles with procrastination too?

Is it common for you or someone you know to start a project or task, but quickly become unproductive when that task got boring or repetitive? Do you know somebody who can set goals, but has difficulty achieving them efficiently?

The New Year is an excellent time to think about planning.

Are video gaming, surfing online, and TV uncontrollable forces in your or the life of someone you know? Are digital screens getting in the way of productivity, family life, and general health? Is there a high level of anger and conflict associated with managing screen time?

Imagine going into a Starbucks café and not knowing if the coffee you order will taste like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Folgers Instant Coffee. On a business level, we would question the café’s efforts at quality control. Likewise, imagine a student turning in an essay and not having any idea if it meets the teacher’s expectations. We would again question the commitment to quality control but on an individual level.

Our ability to regulate attention, emotions, and behavior depends on several brain functions, arguably the most important of which is working memory. From an executive function perspective, working memory is the brain function that enables us to use our experience and long-term memory to understand and manipulate our immediate environment.

Red hearts are everywhere in stores as we celebrate Valentine's Day this week. The heart gets all of the credit for emotions, hence the red heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. While I'm not arguing for dull white, brain-shaped boxes of chocolate, the brain, as we know, is the actual seat of the emotions.