Exercise and ADD — ADD Tip o the day 175

We all know that exercise is good for us, for our general physical and mental health, but did you know that it specifically helps for ADD and ADHD?   Why is that?

Exercise lowers stress and is an antidpressant, so that helps, but it probably has a specific action in the brain.  Recent studies have suggested that our focusing problems, and others, reside in the basal ganglia, nuclei near the center of the brain (nuclei are collections of cells), and also the cerebellum, which sits at the back of the brain.  Interestingly, both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum are involved with the coordination of movement, and that is probably why the exercise is specifically helpful with ADD or ADHD symptoms.

We need to find phsyical activity that we actually enjoy, so that it isn’t an unpleasant chore, and we need to be gentle with ourselves and not overdo it or expect too much of ourselves.  Just do some regular exercise, and your day will go better.

Especially if you had a good night’s sleep.

doug