Does Mindfulness Help with ADD and ADHD?

Image courtesy of by Stuart Miles] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of by Stuart Miles] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When identifying the best way to cope with the effects of ADD and ADHD, we’re presented with many different options. From medication to therapy, our choices can seem endless. I am often asked if there’s a method I prefer, and my answer always remains the same…

if it works for you, then stick with it!

More specifically, don’t be afraid to try new things or combine treatments. Managing one’s ADD/ADHD isn’t a one size fits all approach, but one that requires us to identify a routine for success. Some may turn to herbal remedies like medical marijuana to help curb their ADHD, talking to a doctor can help clarify any questions with this. People who do will have quite a few questions, such as “how long can I take it for?” and “what are gravity bongs?” these can be answered by research and talking to a medical professional.

In recent times, the concept of mindfulness has been introduced to the ADD/ADHD world. What is mindfulness? According to www.meriram-webster.com,

the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis; also: such a state of awareness.

So what exactly does this mean? How do we exactly incorporate this into our daily lives?

In the simplest form, the concept of mindfulness is actually an ages’ old concept with strong Buddhist roots. Through the practice of meditation, one can get to a better and clearer state of mind. By relaxing and focusing on the present, we can remain more cognizant on the present and the current task(s) at hand. Identifying better ways of coping with stressors and dealing with the past are also a part of this process.

OK all of this sounds great in theory, but can us ADD/ADHD folks actually incorporate this into our lives? As I like to say, when we try to improve functioning, it isn’t as easy as just changing. Seeing personal and professional growth isn’t easy work. We have to dedicate ourselves to becoming better people. Just like when we go to the gym, results aren’t overnight. Incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine requires dedication; expecting immediate and easy results aren’t reasonable to the process. The best practice is to chart your progress from the beginning and follow the results throughout your experiences.

While there’s no easy way to quantify the results of mindfulness; I can tell you that using effective meditation practices certainly can’t hurt. If you’d like to explore this option, I would recommend seeking options like Transcendental Meditation as a starting point. If you have any feedback, please contact me with the details. I’ll be happy to share this with others seeking information.

For more information on my ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching, please visit www.adhdefcoach.com. In addition to working with clients in-person, I also work with clients all over the United States and World online, please visit www.onlineadhdcoach.com for more information. To learn more about my other services, please visit www.carrolleducationalgroup.com & www.iepexperts.com. I can be found on Twitter at ADHDGuru. You can also find me on Facebook, Google Plus and Tumblr. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.

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