|
Author: Jennifer Koretsky Article source: http://www.cumuli.com/. Used with author's permission.
Just about every expert in the ADD field will tell you that exercise is one of the best ADD management strategies there is. According to the book Delivered from Distraction:
"When a person exercises, she sets in motion a cascade of events that her brain loves. She sends more blood to her brain. With more blood comes more oxygen. Exercise also stimulates the release of a plethora of nutrients, hormones, chemical precursors of neurotransmitters, growth factors and cleansing agents that bathe the brain in precisely what it needs to function at its best."
From Delivered from Distraction by Edward Hallowell, M.D. and John Ratey, M.D. Copyright 2005. Page 219.
And in addition to the health and focus benefits, exercise feels good. So why don't we do it more?
For many adults with ADD, the answer to that question is "boredom". When exercise becomes boring for an ADDer, it becomes something to avoid.
Here are 4 strategies for alleviating the boredom associated with exercise:
1. Get out of the Gym
Many ADDers join gyms with a lot of excitement, only to find that their enthusiasm wears out quickly. Being on a stationary bike, treadmill, or stair climber for 30 minutes begins to seem like torture after a while.
Instead of feeling forced to get your exercise at this gym, take these activities outside. Walk or bike around the neighborhood, or find some real stairs to climb! Change of scenery goes a long way in alleviating boredom.
2. Follow the Seasons
Find seasonal activities that you might enjoy. In the winter, skiing, ice skating and snow showing are great forms of exercise. In the summer, the choices are almost limitless: team sports, swimming, rollerblading, biking, etc.
3. Join an Activity Club or Take a Class
A great way to ensure that you get regular exercise is to follow some pre-set structure. Exercise classes that meet once or twice a week for an hour or so will really help you shape up. Try dance or martial arts classes for a good workout!
Or, if there is a physical activity that you really love, but never allow yourself the time to enjoy, give yourself permission to join an activity club. You'll meet new people, spend more time on what you enjoy, and get your exercise in the process.
4. Use Music
If you must go to the gym, bring along some headphones and some fun music. It will keep your energy level up, and will allow you to focus on something a little more interesting than the wall in front of your exercise equipment.
Exercise is an excellent tool for managing ADD. It offers many physical and mental health benefits, and it can be a lot of fun! Remember, when an ADDer starts to get bored with exercise, it's time to mix it up.
Note: Always check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. 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 http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm
Vacationing with Children
Traveling with children will be a memorable event - the question
is "What kind?" Your chances of a lifetime memory you will
cherish increase significantly with ...
Sales and Marketing: Numbers Rule
By the numbers! That's what they told us in the army. It works in network marketing too.
The Research Sector
Thinking of starting your own business? Or perhaps you are ready to make other changes in your life. First you have to do some research. But are you one of tho...
Personal Mission -- Dont Settle For Less
Success is not an easy concept to define. What does it take to be successful? How does success look? When should a person feel like a success? Can success ev...
The Failures Guide to Small Business Success
How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have you invested in numerous legitimate business endeavors only to have them not work for you? Have you started...
Pitfalls To Avoid In Being A Successful MLM Distributor
You don't need me to tell you that network marketing is hard work, but here are a few pitfalls to avoid on your path to success. Read on...
Estrogen Side Effects - Do You Know Them?
Estrogen side effects definitely exist, and one should understand the difference between natural estrogen and synthetic estrogen. Besides estrogen side effects...
Define Me
We've all had a vision or a great idea and had someone who knows better squash it.
We've all decided to clear our debts, but been tempted by the next great off...
Sex, Drugs, & Rock-n-Roll: Trade Show Traps and Tips
You're at a trade show. Out of town. It's probably an
unfamiliar city. Maybe overseas. Lots of strangers. There's a
client or two. A couple of buddies. Lots o...
Finance Guide Basics
Every one or rather almost every one in this world would definitely want to have his or her future secured. Thus, every person who earns even a bit would like t...
Use eBay as Cheap Traffic!
Did you know that eBay is practically the new search engine? Learn how and why you should consider marketing through eBay.
The Three-Mile Radius
To make your sales take off, focus on the Three-Mile Radius around your small business. There are plenty of nearby customers just waiting to find out about you.
Golf Equipment – The Most Expensive Is Not Always Correct For You
The essentials of golf begin with the clubs you choose. Shopping on the Internet will save you time and money but choosing can be difficult, as there seems to b...
5 Tips To Keep Marital Bliss Alive After You Retire!
Ample free time and drastic lifestyle changes can be a burden or a blessing for your marriage...
Preparing Lobster Tails
Learn 3 easy ways to prepare these succulent treats.
Exercise The Right Way - Seated Pulley Rows
It is crucial that beginning bodybuilders are shown how to perform the core exercises correctly. This article provides step by step instructions for the Seated ...
Transforming A Site From Good To Excellent
One of the challenges of moving a web site up from good to excellent is transforming it from just a bunch of web pages and graphics to an interactive experience...
So You Have A New Website But The Phone Isnt Ringing Off The Hook?
So you have a new website but the phone isn't ringing off the hook? Were you expecting an overnight success with your website? This article is not about web des...
Get a Prenuptial Agreement before Your Next Marriage
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the all-time romantic turnoffs, for people heading into their second marriage, a prenuptial agreement can giv...
Air Purifier Filters – Do You Want To Clean Or Replace?
You need to think about air purifier filters before you buy your air purifier.
Beware The Summer BBQ!
Now that it's summer, it's almost impossible to avoid the ever-popular summer BBQ. Some of our favorite meals are cooked over charcoal, but we still need to be ...
High Risk Personal Loan and High Risk Loans
High risk personal loans are for people who have a troubled credit history, but need money to pay current debts or unexpected expenses.
Free Anti Wrinkle Product - Staying Young is Much Easier Than It Looks
Going for botox, a chemical peel, laser treatments or injections may not always be the answer to younger looking skin. Sometimes it pays to take a look at some ...
Burn Fat in 15 Minutes
Do you want to lose fat in 15 minutes? This article shows you how and debunks many traditional myths regarding exercise and fat loss. Read this and you could be...
|
Print this page