Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a constant challenge for those living with it, especially for children and teens who don’t always find conventional activities, like sports, a way to channel their energy.
But what if there were alternatives to calm the mind and sharpen focus? 🤔
Manual activities, like crochet, painting, and other crafts, have proven to be powerful therapeutic options to improve focus and reduce impulsivity while fostering creativity.
If you’re looking for alternatives to sports, these manual activities can be especially effective for children and adults with ADHD:
🧵 Sewing, Crochet, and Knitting: These require concentration, patience, and attention to patterns, which help improve focus and self-control.
🎨 Painting and Drawing: Perfect for those who enjoy expressing creativity and contribute to emotional regulation.
🖌️ Ceramics, Clay, or Pottery Work: Handling tactile materials is relaxing and helps maintain focus.
🔨 Woodworking and Carpentry: Working with wood develops fine motor coordination and brings a sense of accomplishment when the project is complete.
Attention: For children, activities involving sharp tools, needles, or pointed objects should always be adjusted to their age and carried out under adult supervision, ensuring a safe and controlled environment to explore creativity.
Manual activities not only bring practical benefits for those with ADHD but also work on various levels that promote emotional balance and well-being. 😊
Let’s look at some ways these practices can help:
In our interview with Luísa Cabral, founder of Alanja Handmade, we explored how crochet became an essential tool in managing ADHD symptoms.
Luísa discovered in this activity a passion that not only helps her stay focused but also serves as a creative and calming outlet.
"I highly recommend manual activities for anyone with ADHD. They are an excellent way to express creativity (and, in general, we are very creative people!) and help calm the mind."
👉 To learn more about Luísa’s experience and the other strategies she uses, check out the full interview.
Manual activities offer a valuable alternative for those seeking to complement conventional ADHD treatments.
In addition to cognitive and emotional benefits, these activities provide a unique means of personal expression and can be adapted to various interests.
If sports aren’t your preference (or your child’s), consider exploring the world of manual activities—a powerful and enriching way to manage ADHD! 👏
Stuckey HL, Nobel J. The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. Am J Public Health. 2010 Feb;100(2):254-63. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497.
Galvão, C. M. (2015). Alunos com Hiperatividade com Défice de Atenção e as Artes Plásticas. [Dissertação de Mestrado, Lisboa]. Disponível em http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/14280.
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