Work Out to Manage Stress and ADHD

Work Out to Manage Stress and ADHD (1:08)

Managing stress is especially important if you have adult ADHD. In this Health Smarts video, Dr. Oz explains how unresolved stress worsens ADHD symptoms and how a little exercise can help.

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Hi, I'm Dr. Oz. We all know stress can pave the road for health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. For people with ADHD, unresolved stress can worsen their ADHD symptoms. Good old exercise is one of the best ways for people with ADHD to reduce stress. Any form of physical activity or exercise especially aerobic workouts helps burn off steam and crank up production of feel-good hormones in the brain like serotonine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and endorphins.

The ideal exercise program includes strength building activities and at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise such as a brisk walk every week, keep in mind that any exercise is better than none. In one study, as little as 14 minutes a day helped women fend off the negative effects of stress. Also exercise boosts that sets of well-being which can help you gain a positive outlook when it comes to stressful situations.

I'm Dr. Oz. For more ways to manage ADHD, check out all of our smart tips, right here.