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Lifestyle Therapy for ADD

February 14th, 2008 by Stephen

Posted in GTD with ADD, Lifehacks |

Welcome back! It's good to see you again. Please note that I am now publishing all new material at my hub site: StephenPSmith.com

As part of my quest to overcome my own ADD difficulties through lifestyle changes, rather than medication, I offer the following tips. (Please note, I am not a doctor! Discuss any changes with a physician before beginning. These tips are based on my own, unscientific experiences and research)

  • Positive Human Contact Face-to-face interaction is very good for everyone, in terms of slowing down our mental processes in order to communicate with another person. Your brain is able to think at a rate of 500+ words per minute, but we tend to speak at 100-200 words per minute. Taking the time to listen and interpret what others are saying is healthy brain excercise.
  • Spend less time with electronics Recent research indicates that not all ADD/ADHD symptoms fall into the genetic neurological, dysfunctional or disabled categories. Often children diagnosed as ADHD have experienced too much information in sound and picture images (via TV and video games) coming at them too rapidly for them to process. They are overloading their senses and are unable to understand what these images represent at this speed. As a result the left side of the brain is unable to fully integrate what the right side of the brain is experiencing.
  • Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep means going to bed and sleeping until you wake up on your own.

    A study of 866 children between the ages of 2 through 13 found that youngsters who frequently snore or have sleep disorders are almost twice as likely to suffer from ADHD than those who sleep well.

    “Inattention and hyperactivity among general pediatric patients are associated with increased daytime sleepiness and – especially in young boys – snoring and other symptoms of SDB (Sleep Disordered Breathing),” wrote Dr. Ronald Chervin, a University of Michigan neurologist and sleep researcher. “If sleepiness and SDB do influence daytime behavior, the current results suggest a major public health impact.”"

  • Eat a balanced diet While somewhat unscientific, there is anecdotal evidence that diet can be a major factor in your ADD expression. Reduce sugar intake, as well as refined carbohydrates while increasing protein consumption. Be careful of foods that are frequently associated with allergies, such as milk, eggs, and wheat.
  • Regular excercise Being active is good for your body and your mind, whether you have ADD or not. Aerobic exercise increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters provide emotional stability, the ability to focus, mental alertness and calmness. Conversely, a deficiency in neurotransmitters can cause depression, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, attention problems, stress and sleep problems.
  • Prayer or meditation There is evidence that meditation can be a powerful tool in controlling the symptoms of ADD:

    Meditation can help improve symptoms in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an international psychiatry conference heard this week.

    The Australian study in 48 children diagnosed with ADHD found Sahaja yoga meditation led to an average 35% reduction in symptom severity over six weeks, and enabled many to reduce their medication.

If you found this post useful, please share it with your friends on Twitter using the tinylink http://tinyurl.com/6gmohl. Thanks, I appreciate it! Feel free to comment below, I enjoy discussing these ideas. ~@Stephen


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7 Responses

  1. Lifestyle Therapy for ADD at adhd advice.net Says:

    […] the rest of this post and contact the author: here Filed under Uncategorized […]

  2. Yoga » Blog Archive » Lifestyle Therapy for ADD Says:

    […] Stephen put an intriguing blog post on Lifestyle Therapy for ADDHere’s a quick excerptThe Australian study in 48 children diagnosed with ADHD found Sahaja yoga meditation led to an average 35% reduction in symptom severity over six weeks, and enabled many to reduce their medication. … […]

  3. lily Says:

    I find your post highly enlightening! ADHD medications can aid in improving one’s condition. At http://www.attention-deficit-disorder.net they provide a variety of solutions to the attention deficit disorder. I’ve tried them and it really works! I highly recommend this to all of you.

  4. Molly Siesta Says:

    Check out our new recording, “A.D.D. Blues” a free sample can be heard here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

  5. HD BizBlog- The Blog: Productivity in Context » Blog Archive » Review - Week 7 Says:

    […] - Week 7What the…Friday LinkiesFriday Morning ZenLifestyle Therapy for ADDRe-Thinking Time ManagementGTD Cafe: Plan & Plan AgainStigmergy - Making Your Mark7 Weeks, 7 […]

  6. Stephen Says:

    Thanks for the links and comments. Lily, If you are subscribed, shoot me an e-mail, I have a question for you.

  7. Cute Toys and Bears » Blog Archive » Lifestyle Therapy for ADD Says:

    […] in order to communicate with another person. Your brain is able to think at a rate source: Lifestyle Therapy for ADD, HD BizBlog- The Blog: Productivity in […]

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