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February 1, 2013Music Therapy for the ADHD Brain
People use music for all sorts of reasons- to distract themselves while exercising, to relax after a long day, or to create a romantic atmosphere. For those living with ADHD, the added benefits of listening to music can be sustained attention and focus, reduced hyperactivity, and strengthened social skills.
1. Music’s rhythm provides structure
Structure is soothing to the ADHD brain as it struggles to keep itself focused. Music has a structured beginning, middle, and end that can be expected. This can help people plan, anticipate and react with the structure of the music.
2. Enjoyable music fires up good synapses
Music that the listener enjoys increases the brain’s dopamine levels, which helps regulate attention, working memory, and motivation, and these supplies can be lower in ADHD brains. Using music, the brain muscles can be re-trained over time to help enhance focus and self-control.
3. Music can be social
Music therapy can be a good option for the ADHD brain. Getting involved in a music class or band can help with listening skills, anticipating, and picking up cues. Adding a music class can create a scheduled time to work with others and enhance group work skills.
4. Music helps tune out distraction and keep the ADHD brain on track
Selected music can help calm the listener and drone out other distractions that might keep people with ADHD on task. Experiment with different tempos and styles of music to see what is most calming and focusing to you. You can also create a playlist for daily tasks that reminds you to keep on track with them. You’ll know that when a certain song plays, you should be finishing your breakfast, putting on your shoes, or heading out the door.
Whether you use music to move around and rid yourself of excess energy or use it to relax and focus yourself, it can be a positive tool for the ADHD brain.
