Re: Exercise and ADD: RUNNING FROM DISTRACTION

[ADDled]

Interesting ideas there, wsharpe. Everything I have read about ADD suggests that physical activity does reduce the severity of these conditions. I can see why the “higher risk” activities such as rock climbing or white water paddling are particularly suited for people with ADD.

I also agree with your points about the education system concentrating (no pun intended) on those things that are quantifiable and testable, rather than encouraging self-discovery, say, through the arts or developing personal survival skills to actually use in the world. But, then, look at how we work these days: stuck in a cube farm staring at computer screens eight hours per day. A beige, dull, mind-numbing, spirit-crushing corporate environment where creativity and free thinking is actively discouraged. If the education system produces more self-actualized, creative people the corporate world won’t know how to handle them!

My experience with most physical activity or sports is that I find them very boring (jogging, cycling) or in the case of team sports such as hockey or football, I don’t remember the rules. I enjoyed squash, but it’s the rule thing again: I’d rather chase the ball myself in the court rather than play against someone. Or, that I act impulsively without thinking about the strategy needed in order to win. It would be interesting to find out how many people with ADD are team players as opposed to those who participate in solitary sports such as rock climbing, swimming, cross country skiing or white water paddling.

I do Tai Chi and and I find that works for me.

Another recurring theme is that when you get ADD people outdoors the symptoms also diminish. This I have experienced myself, so I don’t doubt it.

I will definitely look into Dr. Ratey’s book and the Ken Robinson link. Thanks for the ideas.

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