Brain Warm-Up Exercises for Kids with ADHD

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Summer is the Perfect Time to Build Better Brain Habits

If your child has ADHD or other learning challenges, summer is more than just a break from school—it’s a valuable opportunity to strengthen brain function before the next academic year.

Like athletes training in the off-season, children with ADHD benefit greatly from routines that activate and coordinate both hemispheres of the brain. These warm-up exercises are fun, easy, and science-backed—and when done regularly, they can improve focus, self-regulation, coordination, and readiness to learn.

Why Brain Warm-Ups Matter for ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with executive functions like attention, working memory, and task-switching. Simple movement-based exercises can:

  • Stimulate brain integration
  • Improve left–right hemisphere coordination
  • Prepare the brain for learning and concentration
  • Reduce restlessness and improve focus
  • Build confidence and mood stability

Many of these techniques come from movement science, educational therapy, and books like Brain Gym. Others come from years of practical experience in private practice and youth sports.

When to Start? Right Now—Summer Is Ideal

During the school year, families are busy juggling homework, after-school activities, and early bedtimes. But in summer, you have the perfect window to introduce new habits. Practicing brain warm-up routines now means they’ll be second nature by fall.

Sample Brain Warm-Up Exercises

💡 These exercises can be done in just 5–10 minutes per day. Try them in the morning, before screen time, or as a break from summer workbooks or reading.

1. Cross-Crawls

March in place while touching your right elbow to your left knee, then switch. This motion activates both brain hemispheres and supports coordination and attention.

2. Lazy 8s (Infinity Loops)

Use your finger to trace a sideways “8” in the air or on paper—slowly and steadily. Great for focus, hand-eye coordination, and calming.

3. Hook-ups (Brain Gym classic)

Cross ankles, cross wrists, and interlace fingers. Breathe deeply for a minute while relaxing. This position can promote calm and integration, especially before homework or transitions.

4. Balance and Hold

Stand on one foot and count to 10, then switch. Builds proprioception, attention, and motor planning. Try it with eyes closed for a fun challenge!

5. Neck and Shoulder Rolls

Slow neck circles and shoulder shrugs can relieve muscle tension and “wake up” the nervous system before learning activities.

Real-World Results

Many families have found that doing these exercises regularly results in:

  • Improved morning transitions
  • Better homework focus
  • Increased emotional regulation
  • Improved reading and writing posture

Even elite athletes use these kinds of drills. In fact, my nephew Casey Fien, featured in the original version of this article, went on to pitch for the Minnesota Twins after his time with the Detroit Tigers. His success wasn’t just from talent—but from years of consistent, focused routines.

Want More Brain-Boosting Tips?

Check out the CES CalmBox, the Lifewave patch technologies, and neurofeedback.

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