Running to treat ADHD

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This topic contains 11 replies, has 6 voices, and was last updated by  Nathalie P. 1 year, 2 months ago.

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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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