Mindfulness Is A Valuable Tool For Reducing The Symptoms Of ADD And ADHD
For adults who have recently been diagnosed with ADD, that initial diagnosis can, oddly enough, come as a welcome relief. Finally, these adults can point to a specific, physical reason that they have had trouble with procrastination, disorganization, follow through, planning, and finding motivation for their entire lives. After diagnosis by a doctor, of course, comes management of the disorder. The last thing a sufferer of ADD can picture doing, for instance, is sitting still and meditating, but this is where a qualified ADD coach can work along with doctors to give ADD patients a new lease on life.
There are a few ways that the disorder is initially treated, and the first line of attack is usually medication. These drugs (usually low doses of certain stimulants that have the counter-intuitive effect of slowing down the racing, disjointed thought patterns that ADD patients suffer through on a daily basis) have helped millions, but are not for everybody, and are sometimes not quite enough. ADD coaches use various techniques, the newest of which is mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness is a meditation technique that has its roots in ancient basic Zen meditation practices. In practice it usually takes the form of sitting comfortably and simply concentrating on one’s breathing (also called the “attentional anchor”). When thoughts arise (and they will) the idea is to release them and simply go back to concentrating one’s breath. Try this first for five minutes, and gradually increase the time to fifteen or twenty minutes. As one improves and learns the technique, fewer and fewer interrupting thoughts are encountered, and a sense of calm can begin to take over.
Studies have found that this sort of meditation has the real potential to improve brain function and attention span. The positive effects are not just felt when meditating. In everyday life, one often finds that he or she is able to slow down their thoughts, observe situations more calmly and proceed in a more even and centered manner. This is great for anyone, but is especially helpful for those who suffer from ADD. Even kids and teens have been shown to improve their daily functioning greatly by using mindfulness.
These techniques, of course, are not treatments, but, rather, are tools that sufferers can use to be more peaceful and productive. Medications are wonderfully helpful, but they can only do so much. Therapy and tools such as those learned by DC ADD coaches can really work together to help those who suffer live better lives.
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