5 Simple Brain Exercises to Help with ADD/HD

Studies have proven that simple brain exercises and memory games, as described below, can have a lasting positive impact on children with ADD or ADHD. Work a few of these activities into your daily routine and track your child’s progress over time.

1. Memory and Concentration Games

There are a variety of options in this category. Find a pack of paired cards and turn them face down. Every turn, flip two cards face up and then try to memorise their position. Turn them back face-down and in your next turn, try and uncover two cards that match. There are also fun online games that work with the same concept, and the electronic ‘Simon’ game is another great option that helps your child focus on memorising and replicating auditory and visual sequences.

2. Crossword and Picture Puzzles

Simple yet effective, crossword puzzles are great for improving attention for words and sequencing ability. Picture puzzles that have hard-to-find objects or that involve having to spot what is ‘wrong’ in a picture can also improve attention and concentration.

3. Mind/Body Integration

For children, one example of this approach would be to get your child to sit in a chair, and ask them to see how long they can sit still for. Use a stopwatch to time this, and repeat every week. You should see gradual improvement over time. This activity strengthens the neural connections between the brain and body, which can result in improved self-control.

4. Relaxation and Positive Visualisation

Combining relaxation techniques with visualisation can help the brain learn and improve a variety of skills.  Use your imagination, breathe deeply and focus on something specific you wish to improve. For a child, they can learn to visualise concentrating in class. Repeated practice can have a positive impact on a child’s abilities; the power of positive visualisation is not to be underestimated.

5. Strategy Games

Chess helps to improve strategic thinking, memory, and planning skills. Another such activity is juggling, which although quite different from chess, also works on improving the same abilities. In the long term practising things like chess and juggling can help improve organisation and reduce a sense of chaos and scatteredness.