Start Fidgeting and Pay Attention
When I Sit Still My Mind Goes Blank
As a child I constantly heard “Stop fidgeting and pay attention.” As if one cannot pay attention, if they fidget. Where is it written that one must sit perfectly still in order to concentrate? I found that once I forced myself to sit still, my mind went blank or I would find myself daydreaming.
But still because it had been so ingrained in me and I had the misconception that fidgeting distracts one's focus, I insisted my children sit still and pay attention. When attending college, I would write extensive notes while listening. This way I gave the appearance of sitting still and could still pay attention, because my hands were busy.
What a Relief
Coming across this book helps me in knowing that I am not alone, nor is my son who is diagnosed with ADHD. I sincerely believe that I have an attention deficit, as I am constantly distracted. Staying on task can be draining, and I have a habit of taking multi tasking to new heights. On the rare occasion that I sit down and watch a television show, I must find things to occupy my mind simultaneously, such as knitting and mending. This
works fine during the show, but during commercials I am putting away laundry, doing crossword puzzles, running back and forth into the kitchen to wash the dishes, or any number of other tasks. It drives my husband crazy, but if I do not stay occupied, it drives me crazy. I hate going on long trips without a book, crocheting, or a writing tablet, and he feels he must exert his influence to stop my busy work. He says things like “Why can't you just relax and enjoy yourself?” Being busy is enjoyable, and relaxing.
Do You Chew Gum When Taking a Test?
In a book review found at Attitude Magazine I find reassuring words such as:
“Do your kids swear that listening to music helps them focus when working on homework assignments? Do they score higher on tests is they're allowed to chew gum? And how about you? Are you the kind of person who can either sit still or focus, but can't do both at the same time?”
After reading just this one paragraph, I felt immediate relief. So maybe I am not that strange after all. I couldn't wait to inform my husband. Although it made me feel some what guilty for insisting my children sit still and pay attention all throughout their childhood. After all isn't that what I was taught?
Simultaneous Sensory-Motor Activities Improve Concentration
According to the authors of Fidget to Focus, Roland Rotz, PhD, and ADD coach Sarah D. Wright, doing simultaneous sensory-motor activities can be an effective way to improve one's ability to concentrate.
Fidget to Focus helps us find acceptable ways to “fidget”. It gears one away from nail biting, smoking, picking at one's cuticles, and so forth. It advises against socially unacceptable habits that may be annoying to coworkers such as drumming at your desk, and provides a workbook of “Fidget Strategies” in order to assist the reader with acceptable forms of fidgeting.
More Resources
Here is an outstanding site that offers programs, tools, and various sites directed at assisting those with different variations of attention deficits.
Groundbreaking Ideas
This book is full of groundbreaking ideas based on personal stories of hundreds of patients. Research in neuroscience will aid in the way that attention deficits are dealt with and the therapy used to help those with this disorder to stay on task. What a relief to find a treatment that does not merely consist of medication, but on self management.
Substance Abuse of Ritalin
While I in no way endorse self treatment, or ignoring the recommended treatment advise of a qualified professional, there is much to be addressed and examined in the medications prescribed for treatment of various disorders. Ritalin is abused for the stimulant effects it provides including appetite suppression, wakefulness, euphoria, increased focus and attentiveness.
Many cases of drug abuse have been reported with Ritalin being used by those without a prescription; crushed and snorted, swallowed, or dissolved in water and injected. Abuse of this drug may lead to severe psychological or physical dependency.
According to an annual report performed by the University of Michigan, in 1994 it was found that more seniors abused the drug Ritalin than were prescribed the drug.
Addressing the need of improving methods of learning with the learning disabled by therapy and self management should be an alternative that is seriously considered. It just makes sense to use every tool accessible to improve the teaching and learning experience. In the meantime, I fidget discretely and focus more completely.
Great article, Judy.