This video shows how physical exercise helps the ADHD brain work better, and it includes tips that can help you build an ADHD-friendly exercise program.
Video Transcript
Hi. I’m Mike Testa, The ADD Advisor. In this video I discuss how exercise benefits the ADHD brain, and I share some tips for developing an exercise program that fits the ADHD lifestyle.
The ADHD brain has low levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These are brain chemicals that impact things like motivation and the ability to think clearly.
Basically these chemicals act like little messengers that carry information back and forth between our brain cells.
Exercising increases the amount of these chemicals within our brain. As chemical levels increase, our mental fog begins to lift, and we experience life with greater clarity, and a higher degree of self-control.
And the physical exertion also siphons off much of the hyperactive energy that so often gets in the way of our own best interests.
Exercise also helps us feel better about ourselves, and this benefit is especially valuable to ADDers because so many of us struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Exercise can make a positive impact on each of these conditions.
Unfortunately, starting—and sticking with—any type of exercise program requires motivation and consistency—both of which are in short supply for ADDers.
Here are some tips for creating an exercise program that plays nice with your ADHD brain.
Tip one: Incorporate variety into your exercise program.
Consider varying your activities—for example, go for a run one day, and a bike ride the next—or vary your location—for example, if you’re a walker, choose a different route each time you head out.
As ADDers, we’re always on the lookout for something new, and mixing up our workout routine caters to this need for novelty.
Tip two: Connect with others.
Consider working out with a friend—or even a personal trainer, because peer pressure can be a powerful motivator for many ADDers.
Even talking to a friend on the phone while walking by yourself can provide a dose of accountability that makes your exercise session more stimulating.
Tip three: Go green.
Try exercising outdoors more often. Moving our exercise program outdoors allows us to immerse ourselves in the world around us. New sights and sounds draw our thoughts away from our problems and afford our minds time to recharge.
Spending 20 minutes walking through a park often refreshes us far beyond what we’d experience from time spent on a treadmill in the basement. Nature just has a unique way of replenishing our reserves.
I’ll share more tips and tricks in future videos, but in this video, the main idea that I want to leave you with is that regular exercise makes the ADHD brain work better.
That’s it for now—so be kind, take good care of yourself, and reach out to me if you need a little help.
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