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Strategies to Address Hyperactivity




What is hyperactivity?

Hyperactive behavior usually refers to constant activity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate, aggressiveness, and similar behaviors.


Some of the characteristics of hyperactivity include:

  • Constant movement

  • Aggressive behaviour

  • Impulsive behaviour

  • Being easily distracted


INDIVIDUALS MAY EXPERIENCE:


Behavioural: aggression, excitability, fidgeting, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint,

difficulty following instructions or persistent repetition of words or actions


Cognitive: absent-mindedness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or

short attention span


Mood: anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings



What causes hyperactivity?

Hyperactivity can be caused by mental and physical conditions. The most common are:

  • ADHD

  • hyperthyroidism, or having too much thyroid hormone

  • brain disorders

  • nervous system disorders

  • psychological disorders


SOME ACTIVITIES TO MANAGE HYPERACTIVITY COULD BE:


Karate/Martial Arts/ kickboxing

Is an ideal method to channelise energy. It not only helps build confidence, coordination and

concentration but is a great way to utilize energy in an effective manner.


Outdoor sports

An outdoor sport activity such as football, basketball, volleyball or badminton demands constant movement and hence is quite engaging for individuals with hyperactivity. These are games that build values of teamwork, healthy competition as well as turn taking which are important social skills.


Music

Music demands high levels of concentration and is equally calming. Instruments such as drums, tabla, Djembe and even string instruments require constant movement and help exhales tons of energy.


Swimming

Apart from constant movement and calorie burn, swimming helps build self- discipline. It is a

great way to regulate breathing and movement as it requires the individual to have complete

control over their actions.


Arts and crafts

Arts and crafts projects are great for teaching children to act on their ideas and creativity.

Whether they enjoy painting, model building, woodworking or sewing, it provides them with a

sense of accomplishment and boosts self confidence.


Theater

Drama is an engaging activity for children who are hyperactive as it needs practice, coordination, sharp memory, stage confidence, and people skills.


Nature trails

Natural surroundings and outdoor activities like a nature walk, water sport activities, boat rides, etc are a great way to channelize built up energy. It involves paying attention to the surrounding, looking for obstacles, finding their way out, becoming adventurers and feeling accomplished.


Household chores

Children who are hyperactive, can be engaged in strenuous activities even at home. Some of the things that can be done at home include; putting clothes in the washing machine, help with drying them off, engaging them in folding their own clothes, stacking them in the cupboard, washing dishes, stacking washed dishes back in place, help with dusting, swabbing, watering plants etc. They might not be 100% good at these activities but it can help them channelize their energy productively and it helps to a great extent to have a fixed routine.



References

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