Addressing health concerns often follows a single path. A patient visits the doctor, is prescribed a treatment plan and accepts it without question. If the concern is a broken bone or a deep cut, this plan works perfectly. The problem is fixed and soon the patient is back to normal.
But what about the more complicated, chronic issues like attention issues or hyperactivity? A wide variety of factors contribute to the symptoms and the ways they present themselves in each child that a single treatment plan (or with a single pharmaceutical remedy) seems impossible. If you think there must be other ways to help your child navigate their attention issues, you’re right. In fact, many of the most effective ways to alleviate your child’s attention issues for your child are natural, holistic and easy to start. And the lifestyle changes that are recommended can be beneficial for the entire family!
1. Reduce Screen Time
Screen addiction is real, and it’s hurting our children. Especially during the critical development stage, too much screen time can prevent kids from developing language, focus and impulse control. Help them succeed by limiting the amount of daily screen time. Recommendations for exactly how much time is allowable differs based on the child’s age and each pediatrician’s viewpoint, but one thing is always true: the fewer hours your child is in front of a screen, the better. Engage them in other activities that pull them out of the virtual world and help them encounter the real world.
2. Use Mindful Meditation
Simply put, mindfulness is an exercise in being present. Those who implement a daily routine of mindful meditation see measurable improvements in their focus plus a greater control of their thoughts and impulses. Start today with your child by using a guided journal, picking up a book or downloading an app designed to help your journey.
3. Consistent Sleep Schedule
A sleep schedule benefits every person, but particularly for children who struggle with attention it can make all the difference. A consistent routine will not only improve the quality of sleep but also increase cognitive function and reduce stress.
4. Focus on Nutrition
Nutrition is the fuel that helps our body to function. When we feed ourselves low-quality, sugary foods, our brains suffer. We feel like we’re in a fog because our brain cells actually struggle to communicate when they have a quick increase of sugar. Give your child high-quality, nutritious food so they can perform at their full potential.
5. Exercise Daily
Physical activity, especially outside, is proven to help tremendously with attention issues. One study found a measurable increase in focus after children spent just 20 minutes walking in the park. Encourage your child to go outside as often as possible, especially if that means you can spend time together as a family.
6. Add More Omega 3s
Omega-3’s are a natural way to boost cognitive function and brain development. Although our body produces it naturally, we also must add to that supply with our diets. A simple fish oil vitamin every day is a great booster to help your child with more focused attention and fewer symptoms of hyperactivity.
7. Try Brillia
Unlike pharmaceuticals, Brillia is a homeopathic aid for your child during the times that they struggle with attention. A few easily dissolvable tablets a day can help improve their mood, enhance brain function and decrease feelings of anxiety or stress. The best part is that Brillia doesn’t have the harmful side effects that pharmaceuticals have.
8. Encourage Therapy
Therapy is helpful for multiple reasons. Just sitting down to talk to someone on a regular basis can eliminate stress and encourage healthy coping strategies. Researchers have also found that certain behavioral therapies can help manage the symptoms of attention issues or hyperactivity. These sessions can be between a parent and child at home, by creating an environment without any other distractions, where the child comfortable and at ease to talk about what’s on their mind.
9. Take Up Yoga
Think of yoga as a blend of mindful meditation and daily exercise. Especially if your child doesn’t respond to one (or both) of those options, yoga can be a great tool for learning those fundamentals in a new way. Most importantly, yoga focuses your child’s sensory system and organizes it while also building muscles and coordination.
10. Add More Zinc
Zinc deficiencies have been linked to children who experience attention struggles or hyperactivity. Luckily for us, that is an easy problem to fix. Zinc supplements can be found at your local health store or online. Beyond aiding cognitive function, zinc also boosts your child’s immune system, helps their bodies heal faster, and improves cardiovascular health.
As the name suggests, holistic strategies are meant to work together to focus on the child as a whole. No single approach will cure all your child’s symptoms. But that’s why you came here in the first place. You knew that a single approach can’t be the only answer. And if you find any other helpful holistic strategies for attention issues, we’d love to share them with other parents!
