Like meditation, many people may think that yoga and ADHD do not mix. Yoga is a very slow, calm and deliberate practice – quite contrary to most ADDers hyperactive nature.

In fact, yoga can do a lot to positively impact ADHD symptoms, especially when practiced regularly.

Yoga teaches you to focus inward, to concentrate on your breathing and to be aware of your body. As you do a certain pose or asana, your focus is on doing the pose to the best of your ability while still maintaining normal breathing. You strive to hold the pose for a few minutes if you can, which helps with focus and concentration.

At the Samarya Center in Seattle, they practice Ashtanga yoga along with Integrated Movement Therapy. Integrated Movement Therapy was developed at the center by Certified Yoga teachers who also had a Master’s in therapy. It’s a holistic approach that integrates both mind and body.

Yoga can help integrate both halves of the brain, so that they may work more effectively together. It can also provide some quiet and peace to the mind, as well as calming it.

In addition to ADHD, yoga has also produced beneficial results in children with Autism and Asperger’s.