Can Yoga help me manage my ADHD symptoms?
ADHD symptoms can be a nightmare and permeate into all areas of your life. They can become a vicious cycle where your difficulty sleeping leads to more fatigue which only makes the ADHD worse. What can we do beyond medication to help manage our symptoms and help us to flourish?? Yoga has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with ADHD, including improved focus and attention, reduced impulsivity, and better self-regulation.
Research has found that practicing yoga can help with specific ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Yoga incorporates movement, breathing, and meditation, all of which can be helpful in managing these symptoms. The physical movement in yoga can help release excess energy and tension, while the breathing and meditation practices can calm the mind and improve overall mindfulness.
One study found that practicing yoga twice a week for six weeks led to significant improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Another study found that yoga and meditation were helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.
If you're interested in trying yoga for ADHD, look for classes that focus on gentle movements and mindfulness practices. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with ADHD is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. However, incorporating yoga into your routine may be a helpful tool in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Looking for more information? check out these sources:
Jensen, P. S., Kenny, D. T., & Childs, B. (2004). The effects of yoga on the attention and behavior of boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Journal of Attention Disorders, 7(4), 205-216.
Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K., & Glaser, R. (2010). Yoga and meditation: greater benefits than simple stretching. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19(3), 161-166.
