Regular sleep, meals, and exercise are three really-important factors for people with ADHD. Daily exercise is as critical as medication in the overall well-being.
“Research shows that physical activity sparks real, positive changes in the brain that increase attention and improve mood. What’s more, exercise is an inexpensive, self-prescribed, and accessible supplemental treatment option for adults and children with ADHD.”
“‘Think of exercise as medication,’ says John Ratey, M.D., an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. ‘For a very small handful of people with attention deficit disorder, it may actually be a replacement for stimulants, but, for most, it’s complementary — something they should absolutely do, along with taking meds, to help increase attention and improve mood.'”
“So how, exactly, does exercise deliver these benefits to the ADHD brain? When you walk, run, or do a set of jumping jacks or pushups, your brain releases several important chemicals. Endorphins, for one, hormone-like compounds that regulate mood, pleasure, and pain. That same burst of activity also elevates the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. These brain chemicals affect focus and attention, which are in short supply in those with ADHD. ‘When you increase dopamine levels, you increase the attention system’s ability to be regular and consistent, which has many good effects,’ explains Ratey, like reducing the craving for new stimuli and increasing alertness.”
https://www.additudemag.com/exercise-and-the-adhd-brain/
ADHD Counseling with Elaine Korngold
I really enjoy working with adults with ADHD and I am a Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCPS): Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan. My specialties in Financial Therapy, Career Counseling, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy allow me to apply treatment approaches related to money, career, or relationships to unique struggles that adults with ADHD face. I also offer Brainspotting therapy to help clients address deeply-held shame, grief, self-esteem and other distress, in a gentle, efficient, and non-invasive way. In my private practice, we explore and address complex issues and emotions that manifest when clients with ADHD encounter financial, career, relationship, and other stresses that impact their emotional well-being. Contact me to learn more.