In addition to classic talk therapy, pharmacological treatment and the vital assistance of an ADD coach, exercise, it appears, is a great way to decrease the effects of ADD/ADHD. Attention-Deficit Disorder is most commonly present in kids, although it's clear that 50 percent or more of kids who are diagnosed with the disorder carry it into their adult years. There are three subtypes of the condition:
• Predominantly inattentive, where concentration, organization and the capacity to finish projects are affected. Although once simply called ADD, this term is no longer used.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, with high energy, restlessness and impulsivity as the primary characteristics.
• Combined type, used to identify individuals who exhibit characteristics from both subtypes.
Traditionally, ADHD treatment consisted of therapy combined with stimulant medication, typically Ritalin or Adderall. When dependent solely on medication, the side effects have proven, in many cases, to be as damaging as the disease itself, leading many mental health specialists to seek alternative treatment options.
This is where physical exercise has proven so valuable. By increasing dopamine and serotonin levels - naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that are known to be in lower supply in children and adults afflicted with ADHD - exercise actually works as a natural type of medication, and most importantly, one without side effects. As brain chemical levels reach a natural balance through exercise, those who have ADHD experience enhanced focus and attention span, and often discover they sleep better, too. Apart from rare cases where stimulants are no longer needed, exercise works best when coupled with medication to help regulate brain function.
Simply walking for a half hour a few times a week can help individuals tremendously. Some other advantageous physical activities include yoga, swimming, running, gymnastics, martial arts and even team sports like soccer. Any sport or activity that requires people to focus on their body's movement tends to be a great workout for their attention system. This, say experts, is great for anyone struggling with ADHD.
As far as learning is concerned, the same natural chemicals that help to regulate mood and emotions help people behave in a more consistent, regular manner. This can beneficially affect learning, for the constant desire for new stimuli is reduced, while alertness is improved. With frequent exercise, individuals become less tense or fidgety, and they'll find they are usually more motivated as well. Exercise also improves Neurogenesis, or the creation of brand new neurons in the brain, which is directly linked with learning. The more connections the brain can make, the more one can learn and retain.
With an ADHD coach encouraging them, talking to them and helping them focus, ADD/ADHD patients not only have a helper, they have an advocate. Coaches discuss problems and provide resolutions. Add exercise to this beneficial, interpersonal exchange, and people can begin to see real change for the better. It takes work, resolve and the development of good exercise habits, but ADHD can be treated in ways other than the immediate prescription of stimulants. Though necessary in many cases, it's nice to know there are alternatives.
Author Resource:-
Author Stephen Daniels highly recommends Denise Gallagher a dc ADHD coach for her experience and expertise in coaching those who suffer with this disorder. She is committed to assisting people in achieving their goals, so they can live a more managed and organized life and feel better about themselves and their accomplishments in the process.
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