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146: Increasing Focus Without ADHD Meds
FromScience Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health
146: Increasing Focus Without ADHD Meds
FromScience Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health
ratings:
Length:
21 minutes
Released:
Dec 11, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
When addressing issues of focus and attention, the conversation often gravitates towards the use of ADHD medication as a primary solution. However, it's crucial to explore and consider alternative approaches like natural solutions before immediately turning to medication. By initially exploring other options such as lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, and environmental adjustments, we can better understand and cater to the multifaceted nature of attention-related issues in a more proactive and holistic approach. This does not only mitigate the immediate reliance on medication but also promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's needs, fostering a more personalized and effective long-term solution for improving focus and attention.Optimizing brain function and addressing ADHD.Attention isn't solely influenced by ADHD; numerous other elements play a pivotal role. Stress, a common companion in our modern lives, can hijack our focus, while depression, with its veil of fog, can dim our attention. Learning disabilities, each with its unique challenge, can also paint a complex landscape, influencing how we direct our focus. The intricate interplay of these factors underscores that attention is a delicate orchestra, conducted by a multitude of influences beyond the scope of ADHD alone.Attention is likened to a mental spotlight, maintaining our alertness in the present. In contrast, executive functioning goes beyond this vigilance, operating as a cognitive orchestrator. It intricately manages mental processes and facilitates the planning and execution of future actions. Its functionality significantly hinges upon the foundational bedrock of attention, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between these cognitive faculties. This intricate interplay fundamentally shapes our cognitive prowess, dictating our interactions with the environment and the execution of our life's endeavors.ADHD is characterized by a history of attention, impulse control, or hyperactivity issues before age 12 which is why it’s important to have an established ADHD history prior to assuming attention problems as solely ADHD-related. Genetic patterns, including the MTHFR gene variant, and diverse health issues within families might contribute to attention difficulties. However, regardless of genetic predisposition or ADHD, there are a multitude of ways to optimize the brain and enhance neurotransmitter levels.I encourage everyone to check out our Brain Behavior Reset program as it effectively regulates the brain while also addressing behaviors. By shaping behaviors through education and reinforcement, individuals, especially children, can better understand and align with expected behaviors, reducing friction and fostering a more empathetic understanding of their brain's unique workings. Exercise and ADHD symptoms.One of the most evidence-based strategies I always turn to for boosting alertness is movement and exercise. Research consistently shows the profound impact these have on brain function and behavior, especially for individuals dealing with ADHD. In fact, research studies show that even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, three times a week, could reduce ADHD symptoms by about 40%. Many parents I work with are passionate about getting their kids with focus challenges involved in sports. However, it must be noted that group sports might not always be the ideal choice, especially for children with ADHD. Issues like delays in auditory processing, differences in visual alertness, and coordination problems can make group sports a bit difficult. Tuning into body sensations can be a game-changer, especially for your child's focus. Personally, I keep my brain active through neurofeedback and a healthy lifestyle. One big hack that's often overlooked is leveraging IEP and 504 accommodations. That is why I'm actually thrilled to
Released:
Dec 11, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (100)
05: What is Neurofeedback and How Does It Work? by Science Backed Solutions for Children’s Behavior and Mental Health