Move Your Way to Focus: The ADHD Brain’s Best-Kept Secret

Exercise is more than just physical fitness; it’s medicine for the ADHD brain. Physical activity elevates dopamine and norepinephrine levels—neurotransmitters essential for attention and mood regulation.



Another key player is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neuron growth and plasticity. Exercise boosts BDNF, helping the brain learn, remember, and regulate emotions effectively.

Schools incorporating movement breaks see improved student behavior, and adults engaging in regular aerobic or yoga routines report clearer thinking and less impulsivity.

Movement activates the task-positive network, helping shift the brain away from rumination and toward productive focus.

Incorporating daily exercise—whether walking, swimming, or yoga—is one of the most accessible and effective ways to enhance ADHD management.

Sources: Latest studies on exercise and ADHD from Spark Mental Health, CHADD, and QBTech (2025) 1 3 4