Rebounding for my ADHD brain and nervous system. In my family, the backyard trampoline is not just for my kids. Sure. My hubby and I invested in our first trampoline for the kids when they were little. Since then, however, I’ve learned the benefits of rebounding for my entire neurodivergent family.
So, today, I’d like to share why jumping on the trampoline is one of my go-to strategies for supporting my 46-year-old ADHD brain and body. Maybe it’ll give you a few ideas. Let’s get started.
5 Benefits of Rebounding for ADHD
There are numerous benefits to rebounding or jumping on a trampoline. And for me, knowing the science behind why it’s so good for me, really helps motivate me to engage in specific daily activities. Let’s dive into the why behind my trampoline practice.
1. Regulates the Nervous System
When talking about the neurodivergent brain and body, it all comes down to the nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves throughout the body. It’s the command center of our body and regulates everything we do and experience.
ADHD and a Sympathetic State
When in an activated state (fight or flight) the sympathetic nervous system is in charge. Neurodivergent folks, living in a world designed in opposition to our needs, often experience a highly sympathetic state. This leads to physical and mental discomfort, anxiety, stress, confusion, etc.
Jumping on the trampoline helps us process and release stress hormones such as adrenaline. After jumping a short five-minute rebounding session, I feel clearer in my mind and body.
2. Improves Balance
Jumping on the trampoline supports the body’s vestibular sensory system. The vestibular system relates to the brain’s awareness of head position in space. A strong vestibular system leads to balance and supports mental health. According to a 2012 research review,
Elevated levels of stress and anxiety often accompany vestibular dysfunction, while… complaints of dizziness and loss of balance are common in patients with panic and other anxiety disorders.
In the end, the relationship between vestibular function and mental health is crucial. Understanding this has helped motivate me to jump on the trampoline when I’m feeling stressed and anxious.
3. Provides Proprioceptive Input
Jumping on the trampoline or a rebounder provides the brain and body with calming proprioceptive sensory input. Proprioception is related to joint position, body awareness, and perception. Proprioceptive activities involve deep pressure on the joints and limbs.
Jumping on the trampoline gives me deep pressure. This, in turn, supports my ADHD brain with essential neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits
One of the most obvious reasons to jump on the trampoline is its cardiovascular benefits. Cardiovascular exercise improves blood flow throughout the brain and body.
SPECT scans show lower blood flow to the prefrontal cortex in most types of ADHD. Increasing blood flow to my brain is a “no-brainer benefit” that leaves me with clearer thinking. And don’t forget the calorie burn, muscle growth, and bone health of such low-impact exercise.
5. Encourages Deep Breathing
Rebounding or jumping on the trampoline encourages deep breathing which supports a regulated nervous system. Taking deep belly breaths reduces both physical and mental stress. According to one review of the literature,
The evidence suggests that diaphragmatic breathing may decrease stress as measured by physiologic biomarkers, as well psychological self-report tools.
Nasal Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing is an essential strategy to support my ADHD brain and body. Jumping on the backyard trampoline helps me do it with intention.
I try to inhale through my nose as often as possible throughout my rebounding time. This helps calm my nervous system.
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Recap: Rebounding for My Adult ADHD
Rebounding has become just one of the ways that I support my ADHD nervous system. As a woman with ADHD, I experience executive function and emotional regulation challenges daily. But, they do not stop me in my tracks the way they used to.
Being aware of how my neurodivergent nervous system communicates with me is key. I’m learning to listen to my body, offer myself compassion, and then support myself with the right self-care tools for me.
So, Friend. Do you have a trampoline in your backyard? If so, do you use it as often as the kiddos? Perhaps you want to order a mini-trampoline for your living room and give it a try? Let me know what you think.
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About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
