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Using Yoga to Manage ADD
by Jennifer Koretsky
Exercise is a powerful tool for ADD management. One form of exercise that ADDers are finding valuable is yoga. When practiced regularly, yoga offers numerous health benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility, and decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Looking for something else?
Medical professionals
recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise
(such as running or biking) 3-5 times per week to improve their
general health. For ADDers, this type of exercise is particularly
beneficial, because it may balance production of neurotransmitters
and reduce stress levels.
Another form of exercise that ADDers are finding valuable is yoga. When practiced regularly, yoga offers
numerous health benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility,
and decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, the
greater benefits of yoga are arguably the psychological ones. Yoga
combines physical activity with self-awareness, which promotes a
mind-body connection that many ADDers lack.
When ADDers report challenges with impulsivity and hyperactivity,
they often describe feeling like they don't have control over their
own bodies. They find themselves speaking before thinking their
thoughts through, and often regret their words. They constantly
fidget, unaware that their bubbling energy can be disruptive to
others in work and social situations. And they feel as if they simply
cannot stop the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in their heads.
Yoga can help ADDers learn how to forge a mind-body connection that
promotes self-awareness and self-control. Yoga practitioners are
taught deep breathing and relaxation techniques that help center the
mind in the present moment. Practitioners are also guided into
holding different postures, called asanas. Each asana is held for an
extended period of time, as the practitioner focuses on holding the
best posture that they can, while breathing calmly and deeply. The
asanas promote stretching, strengthening, and balancing, as the deep
breathing promotes relaxation and mental awareness.
It is important to remember that yoga is not meant to be stressful or
taxing on the body. People should be encouraged to concentrate only
on themselves and not the others in the class, and to do only what
feels comfortable. A practitioner should never feel pressured to
perform. If an ADDer finds him/herself at a yoga class that moves too
quickly, or focuses heavily on strength training, they will not reap
the intended benefits, and may find themselves overwhelmed. The best
place to find yoga instruction is at a yoga center, where the
instructors practice yoga as a way of life, and teach both the
physical and psychological components.
Yoga can help ADDers feel calm, centered, in control, and in touch
with their bodies. Practiced regularly, ADDers will find that yoga is
a powerful mental and physical refresher that they can retreat to
when feeling out of control or overwhelmed.
About the Author:
Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps
adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages
clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents,
and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive
skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has
been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times
Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email
newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit
www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm
