Running to treat ADHD

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    • January 15, 2019 at 3:53 pm #106803
      Nathalie P.
      Participant

      Did anyone of you manage your ADHD by doing sports such as running?

    • January 15, 2019 at 4:33 pm #106810
      Bert
      Participant

      I was tested for ADD twice, many years apart. I think a big part of why I’ve never been diagnosed is because I’ve always been athletic: sports in school (track & field), lots of cycling, hiking.

    • January 15, 2019 at 4:37 pm #106811
      Bert
      Participant

      … borderline ADD to begin with, anyway…

    • January 15, 2019 at 6:25 pm #106824
      rch13c
      Participant

      Natalie, this is an excellent question!
      The answer for me is YES!
      It beats any medication I was prescribed in the past for managing my ADHD.
      Best,
      Ryan

    • January 16, 2019 at 1:43 am #106833
      Nathalie P.
      Participant

      My only problem is that it only helps for 3 or 4 hours.

    • January 16, 2019 at 3:11 am #106834
      rch13c
      Participant

      I think staying focused and being productive for 3-4 hours is very good. I think people without ADHD would be very happy maintaining concentration for that length of time.
      However,it may be useful for you to take a break once it becomes no longer effective. Most people would disagree with me but I don’t have a daily routine. I know when it’s time, I just have to force myself to stop and do what I need to survive the day.
      I hope this helps.
      Ryan

    • January 16, 2019 at 4:59 am #106836
      Nathalie P.
      Participant

      I am not focused for 3 or 4 hours, but I see an improvement during that time compared to the days without sport. I would love to have at least a slight improvement for more than that. I never tried medication but maybe there is something else which prolongs the period?

    • January 19, 2019 at 12:21 pm #107073
      shares
      Participant

      I feel that running also just relieves some anxiety that I feel along with helping stay focused even for a few hours. I go on fast walks on my lunch break and that even helps me a little.

    • January 20, 2019 at 7:13 pm #107171
      mind-drive
      Blocked

      Running IS my psychotherapy. I am on a 4 days a week running schedule, with cross training 2 days and 1 day for rest. Cross training. Bleachers, walk with a backpack, weights. Nothing too hard. Running is a great anti-depressant and they say it helps focus.

      Ideally, I would spend at least 1 hour a day hiking in the mountains, but i live nowhere near mountains right now.

    • January 22, 2019 at 1:35 am #107290
      rch13c
      Participant

      It’s good to hear these comments because I have difficulty explaining to others how this therapy helps me.

    • January 22, 2019 at 5:19 pm #107375
      MrNeutron
      Participant

      How is your breathing when you’re not exercising? Do you tend to hold your breath or take shallow breathes when under stress? Do you remember the last time your breath had a deep, relaxed and satisfying feeling to it?

    • January 23, 2019 at 3:28 am #107391
      Nathalie P.
      Participant

      The breathing thing when I for instance meditate just helps for like 15 minutes. Been trying that for a couple years.

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