Why consider Manual Activities to help with ADHD?

A Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)can be a constant challenge for those living with this condition, especially for children and young people who do not always find in conventional activities, such as sports, a way to channel their energy.

But what if there were alternatives to calm the mind and focus attention? 🤔

Manual activities, such as crochet, painting or other handicrafts, have been revealed powerful therapeutic options to improve focus and reduce impulsivity, also promoting creativity.

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Manual Activity Suggestions to Try

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If you are looking for alternatives to sports, these manual activities may be especially effective for children and adults with PHDA:

🧵 Sewing, Crochet and Tricot:They require concentration, patience and attention to patterns, which helps to improve focus and self-control.

🎨 Painting and Drawing:Ideal for those who like to express creativity and contribute to emotional regulation.

🏺 Ceramics, Modeling with Clay or Clay: Handling tactile materials is relaxing and helps to maintain concentration.

Carpentry and Works in Wood: Working with wood develops fine motor coordination and brings a sense of accomplishment when seeing the project completed.

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Attention: for children, activities involving sharp tools, needles or sharp objects should always be age-appropriate and carried out under adult supervision, ensuring a safe and controlled environment for exploring creativity.

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How do Manual Activities help manage PHDA?

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Manual activities not only bring practical benefits to those with PHDA, but also act on several levels that favor emotional balance and well-being. 😌

Let's look at some of the ways these practices help:

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Inspirational Testimony: Interview with Luísa Cabral

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In our interview with Luísa Cabral, founder of Alanja Handmade, we explored how crochet became an essential tool in the control of PHDA symptoms.

Luísa discovered in this activity a passion that not only helps her stay focused, but also works as a creative and calming outlet.

“I highly recommend manual activities for those who have PHDA. They are a great way to express ourselves creatively (and, in general, we are very creative people!) and help calm the mind.”

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👉 To learn more about Luísa's experience and other strategies she uses, confirm the full interview.

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Final Considerations

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Manual activities offer a valuable alternative for those looking to complement conventional PHDA treatments.

In addition to cognitive and emotional benefits, these activities allow for a unique personal expression and can be adapted to different interests.

If sport is not your (or your child's) preference, consider exploring the world of manual activities — an effective and enriching way to manage PHDA! 👏

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References

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Stuckey HL, Nobel J. The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. About J Public Health. 2010 Feb; 100 (2) :254-63. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497.

Galvão, C. MR. (2015). Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and the Plastic Arts. [Master's Dissertation, Lisbon]. Available in http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/14280.