In my last post I talked about the importance of a regular exercise routine as a part of treating my ADHD. But this is really just a small part of the over-all path I try to follow to manage the condition so that I can function at an optimal level. Experts in the field of ADHD recommend what is called "multi-modal" treatment as the most effective way to manage ADHD. In the next series of posts, I will describe my own version of this multi-modal treatment model. I based it upon Buddhist principles, not because I'm a Buddhist or think you need a religious approach, but because the the treatment and management process just seemed to fit so nicely into the teachings of the Buddha. It's simple, easy to remember, and best of all, it allows to you take one step at a time as you work toward managing what is a life long condition.

Be looking for Part One: The Overview coming shortly.

Staying on Track with exercise: Finding the right tool is the key

In my last post I talked about why I needed exercise everyday. For the last month I've been successful at staying on track with getting at least 45 minutes of strenuous exercise 6 days a week on average. This is remarkably consistent for me. The difference was that I found a new tool for helping me to stay on track. I found the website Daily Mile. You can take a look at he site here .

What's great about the site is that you can record your run, or bike or whatever everyday and it gives you a color chart of what you've done. The graphics are great and really speak to my need for instant feedback. What's great about this site for people with ADHD is that you can invite friends and view their stats as they view yours; you can actually set up built in accountability. Once a week, the site sends you an email with your training stats, and also keeps track of things like how many doughnuts you've burned, how many times around the world you've gone, etc. If you're really looking for accountability, you can also have it update your Facebook page or twitter account with your runs/workouts. This site is really great for those of us with ADHD: it's simple and easy to use, it provides instant feedback, it looks cool, it gives you a reward for every run, and you can build in accountability. For me it's the best tool I've found that not only tracks what I've done, but motivates me to get out there the next day!

Exercise is a truly important piece of treating your ADHD, but it is only a piece of the puzzle. In my next series of posts, I'm going to begin my discussion of how treating ADHD mirrors the teachings of Buddhism. This idea originally came to me on a run, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on this as I refine them.

Is exercise a magic bullet?

I've done an awful lot of reading on ADHD since my diagnosis. The one thing I've seen consistently throughout all the literature is that exercise is a vital component of any ADHD treatment regimen. I've been what I would call an active person for most of my adult life, and I know from personal experience that things go better for me after a run or a workout at the gym. The problem for me has always been planning to do it or following through on a plan. I get really excited when I start a new routine, or I commit to finally training for that marathon. Then things would come up, or I'd get busy, or I just wouldn't run, and my program would gradually fall by the wayside. Well, here's the thing: I'm now committed to making exercise a daily thing because I need to! Without it, I'm not effective. I'm making it as integral to very day as bathing and brushing my teeth. It's good for my body, but it's better for my brain. I'm not just happier, but I get more done, and I feel great.

Check out Dr. John Ratey's website for more information about the benefits of exercise for ADHD. You can find his site here: http://www.johnratey.com/newsite/index.html

If you want to read a great book about exercise and its mental benefits pick up a copy of Spark, Dr. Ratey's book on the subject.

In my next post, I'll talk about what I'm doing for exercise and how I'm staying motivated.

The End of Regret

People who come to their diagnosis of ADHD later in life tend to feel regret...or at least I do. I think back to all the things I might have done had I known what was holding me back. I think this time of year especially bothers me as kids go off to college, full of potential. Then I realize that what I'm feeling isn't regret: it's shame. Shame and ADHD go hand in hand, and in order to move forward, you have to forgive yourself. Everyone can feel regret, it's a normal human emotion. But when we let our regret turn to shame over past mistakes or perceived failures, regret turns to shame. Put an end to regret! Turn toward the future! The past cannot be undone. But from this day forward, you can start taking the steps you need to be the person you want to be.

The real way to gain mastery over regret and shame is through knowledge and understanding of ADHD and the effects it can have. Below is a link to a great article dispelling many common myths about ADHD. For more information, please visit www.help4adhd.org

Myths and Misconceptions About AD/HD:
Science over Cynicism
By Phyllis Anne Teeter Ellison, Ed.D.

http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/myths