The symptoms of ADHD can be devastating for school-aged children, but they can be even more debilitating for adults who feel like they do not have a place to turn for help. Adult ADHD has the same symptoms as those present in children (including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity). The fast-paced lifestyle that many adults lead also adds stress that can aggravate the symptoms. However, training martial arts is a great way to alleviate these symptoms and overcome the stress they cause.
THE SYMPTOMS
Inattention.
The first symptom of adult ADHD is the inability to focus and lack of attention. This includes not being able to follow through on tasks, not being able to focus on what other people are saying and not being able to organize thoughts, tasks and activities.
Hyperactivity.
The second symptom of adult ADHD is hyperactivity. People who suffer from this symptom feel the need to fidget with hand and feet. They also tend to get up out of their seat often (even when it is not an appropriate time) or simply feel an urge to move around. They also tend to talk excessively and are always on the go.
Impulsivity.
The third symptom of adult ADHD is impulsivity. People who have difficulty waiting their turns, who often interrupt and who answer questions before they have been completed may suffer from this symptom.
THE TREATMENT
Training martial arts solves for these symptoms of adult ADHD. To be successful in whatever martial art you choose, you need a high level of physical control. The only way to reach this is through lots of practice and self-discipline. This ability to control your body also helps you to discipline your mind. These two skills feed off of one another and carry over to other parts of your life. The more you learn to control your body, the more you control your mind. The more you can control your mind, the more you will be able to control your body. This control carries over to other parts of your life as well: Once you can control your body while training, you will be able to start controlling your urges to move and fidget. The same goes for your mind. As you discipline your mind, you will be able to concentrate and focus on your daily activities, your job and your relationships.
In addition to practice and self-discipline, martial arts teach breathing techniques. Many of them use the slow breathing techniques that have been used by martial artists for centuries. Similar to how specialists help people deal with panic attacks and stress, martial arts use breathing techniques for both physical and mental health and to create the body and mind connection. This connection allows you to run at a peaceful and happy level because you have achieved mastery over your mind and body.
If you are still not convinced, take the word of someone who has experienced the effects personally: Jody Walsh spent most of his life not finishing projects and dealing with hyperactivity. He wanted a way to treat his ADHD symptoms without relying on medication for his entire life. That is when he decided to start training martial arts at The Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. The first thing I noticed was that the breathing techniques helped me to calm down, be patient and focus on one thing at a time, he says. The physical applications showed me to be more aware of what my body is doing at all times.
Sincerely,
Robert Jones
Master Instructor
Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts Studios P.S. My 3 studios are located in Lynnwood, Kent, and Bellevue, Washington. If you live near one of those locations, please contact me. 800-508-6141
