A Fun Approach for ADHD: Progressive Relaxation
Illustrations in the video make it easier for a child to relate to the exercise.
MARCIA GOMEZ
Many parents seek to avoid using standard drugs for ADHD in a child. It’s well known the medications have negative side effects, often causing more harm than good.
Progressive relaxation offers a safe alternative and has the potential to turn your child’s life around. While not studied extensively for ADHD, limited research suggests the technique can be beneficial— and it certainly makes sense that it would.
You may be thinking, “Expect my hyper child to relax! You’ve got to be kidding!” But teaching relaxation to a child is easier than it sounds. Plus, when children are able to experience a more relaxed state through their own efforts, even for a little while, it helps them feel empowered.
Here’s great way to teach progressive relaxation to your child
Plan to dedicate 15 minutes for this session. First, watch this online video and give it a try yourself: Progressive Muscle Relaxation- For Kids and Adults!
Decide if you think your youngster will relate to it before trying to engage them in it. The program uses simple illustrations to help get the point across. A few examples: A cat is used for some muscle stretching. A lemon for squeezing and releasing tension in the hands, and a turtle for scrunching the shoulders.
Follow along with your child as you show the video the first time. Do the exercises in front of a laptop or computer screen in the beginning, if you think having the visuals will help get the child interested. Later, doing it just with the audio will allow for more concentration.
Ah-h-h-h. Easy does it. Happy relaxing!
Monica Gomez is a freelance health writer. She is an advocate for natural ways to prevent and treat illnesses.
