Like many American children, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He says his mother helped him manage his ADHD with routines and structure, but he also credits swimming.
“Being able to get in the water, I felt more relaxed,” Phelps told Men’s Fitness. “The more time I spent in the pool, the more relaxed I found myself. It was something that was exciting and challenging, so I decided to stick with it.”
Chances are good that you know someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Eleven percent of American children ages 4 – 17 have been diagnosed with the disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Once diagnosed, most children are given medications and school accommodations and receive behavior interventions. Recent research indicates sports — particularly swimming — is the treatment of choice for hyper children who have difficulty with focus.
Swimming with proper technique requires focus and attention, while the rhythmic breathing and oxygen exchange increase blood flow to the brain which benefits children with ADHD. I can say from personal experience that swimming is physically taxing and demands focus and internal drive — when my head is in the water, the only distraction is myself.
Even if your child is not diagnosed with ADHD, but has boundless energy (like I had as a child), a pool might be the best place for your child to channel this energy. My mom certainly knew that swimming would help me focus in school, be well-behaved at home and sleep well at night — and it worked.
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