Can Exercise Help Manage ADHD Symptoms?
This is a collaborative post.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that can affect concentration and impulsivity, among other brain functions. People with ADHD often find that by making certain changes to their lifestyle, they can learn to manage their ADHD symptoms better, and stop them from having a significant impact on their day-to-day lives.
In this article, we’ll be looking at where exercise fits into this – what is it about getting the blood pumping that changes the ways in which ADHD brains work?
How Lifestyle Can Impact ADHD Symptoms
With ADHD in adults, and in children, a healthy, active lifestyle can make a significant improvement on certain symptoms. Some people assume that because genes have a significant role in ADHD, natural remedies are less beneficial than seeking professional treatment. However, research has shown that the environment surrounding a person with ADHD as well as specific lifestyle choices they make can indeed help to mitigate the impact of certain ADHD symptoms.
Below are some of the ADHD lifestyle changes that you might want to try:
- Developing a healthy sleep schedule – going to sleep and waking up at similar times every day
- Daily mindfulness practices
- Increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods
- Eliminating trigger foods (sugar, dairy, additives) and caffeine from your diet
- Regular exercise and fresh air
People with ADHD who make these fairly simple lifestyle changes are more likely to experience a regulated mood, and an increased ability to maintain attention throughout the day. Good sleep, food and exercise can also strengthen one’s learning ability, and having a healthy diet in particular can ensure micronutrients that are important for a healthy brain function, like zinc, iron, and Vitamin D, are not lacking.
What Exercise Does To The Brain
The key thing to remember about ADHD is that it is a behavioural condition, and all to do with brain functionality. During professional treatment, specialists may provide patients with CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) to help them change how their brain impacts specific behaviours, or even brain training exercises for younger patients to help certain areas of the brain become stronger.
So, what is it about exercise that has such a positive impact on the brain, and how can this in turn help people with ADHD to manage their symptoms? We know already that people with ADHD tend to experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks or conversations
- Talking excessively or interrupting
- Impulsive behaviours through actions and speech
- Difficulty sitting still and constantly fidgeting
Of course, not all of these symptoms will suddenly disappear after a strong bout of exercise, but there is certainly evidence to suggest that the symptoms will be less severe once the blood gets pumping.
When it comes to exercise, the brain is engaged on a different level when compared to standard brain activities during the day. When we exercise, we increase our levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters which both play an important role in regulating our attention spans and ability to focus. Overtime, with regular exercise, the baseline levels of these neurotransmitters will increase, giving people with ADHD more control when it comes to managing their attention. Other benefits can include reduced impulsivity and hyperactivity.
In short, for a healthy, active brain, you need to work towards maintaining a healthy, active body! Try easing yourself into regular exercise and monitor whether you notice any significant improvements surrounding your ADHD symptoms.
How To Get Help For ADHD
Whether you have already been diagnosed with ADHD, or you think you might be recognising symptoms later in life, there is always help available. Consider making some of the aforementioned lifestyle changes and engaging in a regular exercise routine to help you manage your symptoms, and see a specialist if you would like to try other treatment options.
If you are keen to get more support for your ADHD symptoms, or those of a loved one, Psymplicity Healthcare can provide assessment, diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan. Psymplicity is home to ADHD experts with years of experience treating the many differing symptoms of the condition, so you can rest assured that whatever you’re experiencing, you will be in safe hands.
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