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Using Yoga to Manage ADD
By ADD Management Coach Jennifer Koretsky


Exercise is a powerful tool for ADD management. Medical
professionals recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes
of aerobic exercise (such as running or biking) 3-5 times
per week to improve their general health. For ADDers, this
type of exercise is particularly beneficial, because it may
balance production of neurotransmitters and reduce stress
levels. Another form of exercise that ADDers are finding
valuable is yoga. When practiced regularly, yoga offers
numerous health benefits, such as increased strength and
flexibility, and decreased blood pressure and cholesterol
levels. However, the greater benefits of yoga are arguably
the psychological ones. Yoga combines physical activity with
self-awareness, which promotes a mind-body connection that
many ADDers lack.

When ADDers report challenges with impulsivity and
hyperactivity, they often describe feeling like they don't
have control over their own bodies. They find themselves
speaking before thinking their thoughts through, and often
regret their words. They constantly fidget, unaware that
their bubbling energy can be disruptive to others in work
and social situations. And they feel as if they simply
cannot stop the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in their
heads.

Yoga can help ADDers learn how to forge a mind-body
connection that promotes self-awareness and self-control.
Yoga practitioners are taught deep breathing and relaxation
techniques that help center the mind in the present moment.
Practitioners are also guided into holding different
postures, called asanas. Each asana is held for an extended
period of time, as the practitioner focuses on holding the
best posture that they can, while breathing calmly and
deeply. The asanas promote stretching, strengthening, and
balancing, as the deep breathing promotes relaxation and
mental awareness.

It is important to remember that yoga is not meant to be
stressful or taxing on the body. People should be encouraged
to concentrate only on themselves and not the others in the
class, and to do only what feels comfortable. A practitioner
should never feel pressured to perform. If an ADDer finds
him/herself at a yoga class that moves too quickly, or
focuses heavily on strength training, they will not reap the
intended benefits, and may find themselves overwhelmed. The
best place to find yoga instruction is at a yoga center,
where the instructors practice yoga as a way of life, and
teach both the physical and psychological components.

Yoga can help ADDers feel calm, centered, in control, and in
touch with their bodies. Practiced regularly, ADDers will
find that yoga is a powerful mental and physical refresher
that they can retreat to when feeling out of control or
overwhelmed.


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© Copyright 2004 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