The Effect of Exercise on Behavioural Conditions

Understanding Behavioural Conditions

Behavioural conditions are mental health conditions that affect a person’s behaviour, emotions, and ability to interact appropriately with others. These conditions can result in actions that are disruptive, inappropriate, or harmful. Behavioural conditions often develop in childhood but can persist into adulthood if untreated.

Some common behavioural conditions include:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
2. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): A pattern of angry, defiant, and vindictive behaviour toward authority figures.
3. Conduct Disorder (CD): Involves more serious behaviour issues, such as aggression, destruction of property, theft, and violation of societal rules.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental condition that affects communication and behaviour, often marked by difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviours.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterised by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions).

If this sounds like something you’ve been struggling with, keep reading to learn how targeted exercise can lead to better health!

Benefits of exercise for behavioural conditions

Exercise is a crucial element in the management of many behavioural conditions. Here’s how it helps:

1. Improved Mood and Reduced Stress

• Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that reduce pain and stress and improve overall mood.

2. Enhanced Focus and Attention

• Regular exercise helps increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are involved in attention and focus. This is particularly helpful for individuals with conditions like ADHD.

3. Reduced Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness

• In conditions like ADHD, exercise helps burn off excess energy, leading to a decrease in hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours.
• It also promotes relaxation and better self-control, making it easier for individuals to regulate their emotions and actions.

4. Better Sleep

• Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration, which is crucial for emotional and behavioural regulation. Many individuals with behavioural disorders, such as anxiety or ADHD, struggle with sleep, and better rest leads to improved behaviour.

5. Increased Social Interaction

• Participating in group exercises or team sports fosters social interaction, helping people with behavioural conditions improve their social skills, build relationships, and reduce feelings of isolation.

6. Development of Routine and Structure

• Regular exercise can help create a sense of routine and discipline. This structure is especially helpful for those with behavioural conditions like autism or OCD, where predictability and routine are essential for reducing anxiety.

7. Boosted Self-Esteem

• Achieving exercise goals or improvements in physical fitness can increase self-esteem and confidence. Feeling successful in physical activities can reduce feelings of frustration or inadequacy that often come with behavioural challenges.

8. Decreased Aggression and Improved Impulse Control

• Physical activity can act as a healthy outlet for pent-up frustration or aggression, making it easier for individuals to manage anger and stress in a more controlled manner.

Exercise for ADHD and many other behavioural conditions can also complement other therapies and medication that may already be in use.

Here’s how we can help

At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we offer a range of services to help manage behavioural conditions:

• Personalised Exercise Plans: Tailored to address your specific needs and pain points.
• In-Gym Sessions: One-on-one guidance and supervision to ensure proper technique and effectiveness.
• Outdoor Workouts: Enjoy exercise in a refreshing environment while managing behavioural conditions.
• Home Visits: Convenient sessions at your home for a personalised approach.
• Telehealth Consultations: Access expert advice and exercise routines from the comfort of your home.

Our customised approach ensures that you receive the most effective and convenient care for all behavioural conditions, leading to significant improvements in your daily life.

Additional tips for managing behavioural conditions

In addition to exercise, consider these lifestyle tips to manage behavioural conditions:

• Establish a consistent routine: Having a consistent daily routine can help individuals with behavioural conditions, like ADHD or autism, feel more secure and less anxious and helping with emotional regulation.
• Prioritise sleep: Establish a calming bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment. Poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms of behavioural conditions like anxiety, ADHD, and ODD.
• Focus on nutrition: Nutrient-rich foods, especially those containing omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds), have been shown to improve brain function and reduce behavioural symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity

Managing behavioural conditions involves integrating these habits into your daily routine to support long-term relief, as well as improving your strength, endurance, flexibility and overall functional capacity.

Ready to make a change and better manage behavioural conditions for you or a loved one?

To schedule your personalised consultation and take the first step towards a better quality of life, call us at  Longevity Exercise PhysiologyDrummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Castle Hill, Randwick, Pymble, Kingsgrove, Neutral Bay,Rhodes, Five Dock, Casey,Gungahlinand Coburg on 1300 964 002  to book an initial consult with one of our Exercise Physiologists.

By Kurtis Wood