MARTIAL ARTS and Adult ADHD: Overcoming The Symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD can be devastating for school-aged children, but they can be even more debilitating for adults who feel like they don't 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 1. 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. 2. 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's not an appropriate time) or simply feel an urge to move around. They also tend to talk excessively and are always "on the go". 3. 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've 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'll 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'll be able to start controlling your urges to move and fidget. The same goes for your mind. As you discipline your mind, you'll 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're still not convinced, take the word of someone who's 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's when he decided to start training martial arts at Temple Kung-Fu Studios. "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." Even if you haven't been officially diagnosed with adult ADHD, you may suffer from some or even many of the symptoms. If so, you owe it to yourself to start alleviating the stress in your life. The self-discipline and self-awareness needed to train martial arts helps you stay in control of your environment and life. The best place to find these skills is at a fine martial arts school. Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. To make it even easier, I'll help you get started. Just contact me and I'll send you my free report on how to pick a martial arts school. If you are interested in learning more about how martial arts can help your change your life, please contact one of my three locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood or Kent, Washington at 800-508-6141 or martialadvice@hotmail.com to set up a free 2 week trail orientation. Also, please see our web pages at www.kungfutemple.com and www.martialarts-instruction.com Sincerely, Robert Jones Master Instructor Temple Kung-Fu Studios