Alternative Therapy for Coping With ADHD Symptoms
Attention-Deficit Hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a very common neurological disorder that affects executive functioning in children and adolescents and sometimes can persist into adulthood in more severe cases. Medication is one way to deal with these symptoms, however that doesn’t always work for everyone. Exercise is a much more effective and healthy alternative to coping with these symptoms.
7 Examples Of Executive Functioning In The Brain:
❖ Attentiveness
❖ Organization
❖ Processing Speed
❖ Organization
❖ Working Memory
❖ Planning
❖ Impulse Control
What I learned Through My Experience With Medication
ADHD is overdiagnosed and most doctors jump straight to prescribing individuals with medication to be able to effectively cope with their symptoms. Medication doesn’t always work on each person that is prescribed. Does it help some people? Absolutely. Personally, I was diagnosed as a young kid and struggled with all of these symptoms. I had to take exams in separate rooms because I couldn’t focus and was easily distracted. It took me much longer than everyone else to finish exams because I had a slower processing speed. I was prescribed medication which did not help at all, as a matter of fact it kept me up all night for days at a time. This had me pondering that there had to be a more effective way to cope with these symptoms
4 Ways Exercise is An Alternative Therapy
- Exercising increases heart rate which leads to more oxygen to the brain and aids in the release of hormones that promote the growth of brain cells.
- Higher physical activity is associated with significantly higher Executive Functioning (EF) performance in ADHD children.
- Exercise significantly improved reaction times in patients with ADHD.
- Children with a low attention span was enhanced by arousal through engagement in physical exercise.
➢ THINK OF EXERCISE AS MEDICATION!!!!
➢ Stay active on a daily basis. Get off the couch and go for a short walk minimally. It really helps.
➢ Even moderate exercise is extremely beneficial.
➢ Just like taking medication you have to exercise or be active everyday in order to get the best results.
➢ Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling, you can make it fun by playing games with friends.
➢ Physical Activity has more benefits than just helping relieve ADHD symptoms.
➢ Click herefor a quick and very uplifting article on the benefits of exercise on individuals with ADHD. It could really improve your life.
➢ There is still limited research on the effects of ADHD and exercise in adults due to the differences between a pediatric and fully developed brain.
To Learn More About Specific Exercises That Help Manage ADHD Symptoms Here AreThe 15 Best Exercises to Manage ADHD Symptoms
Ryan McGinnis
Movement Science, Sports Medicine
Student at Westfield State University with the intent of pursuing a career in the sports medicine field after graduating in 2020.
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