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.