As a yoga teacher, I've always been drawn to the concept of Moksha - the yogic philosophy of liberation from suffering and the freedom to be one's authentic self. For me and other neurodivergent practitioners, this concept takes on additional meaning - it's about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing our unique ways of experiencing and moving through the world. This liberation extends both to how I teach and how I practise yoga.
Understanding the ADHD Revolution
If you've been living under a rock (or in a sensory-friendly blackout tent) for the last five years, you might have missed the wave of adults—especially women—being diagnosed with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions such as autism. I've watched this surge in diagnoses, largely driven by increased awareness, particularly through social media, as more people recognise their lifelong struggles as signs of neurodivergence rather than personal failings.
What I've Learned About ADHD
Through my journey, I've learned that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition involving differences in brain structure and function. Our prefrontal cortex—responsible for impulse control, attention, and executive functioning—develops more slowly, sometimes delayed by up to three years. Our brains typically have lower dopamine levels, affecting motivation and reward processing.
Despite its name, I've discovered ADHD isn't simply an attention deficit. Many of us experience hyperfocus—becoming intensely absorbed in engaging tasks while struggling with routine activities. This variation in attention regulation can make traditional yoga class structures challenging for neurodivergent students and teachers like me.
My Late Diagnosis Story
Historically, ADHD was associated with hyperactive young boys. It wasn't until the late 1980s and 1990s that researchers began recognising its presence in girls and women, often presenting very differently to the research and texts. While boys might display obvious hyperactivity, many of us internalise our struggles and mask our behaviours, leading to misdiagnoses of anxiety or depression.
The COVID-19 lockdowns catalysed a surge in late diagnoses. Stripped of our usual coping mechanisms, many of us confronted long-standing challenges with focus, motivation, and emotional regulation. In the UK, NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments now span from 12 months to over 10 years, prompting the creation of a government ADHD task force.
My Personal Journey
I received my ADHD diagnosis in late 2022 at age 51, and whilst going through perimenopause. It was an epiphany for me—finally understanding why I felt perpetually behind, struggled with task completion, generated endless ideas, spent so much money impulsively, and often interrupted others. As a yoga teacher for 20 years, my ADHD traits—particularly my insatiable appetite for learning and perfectionism—have led me to acquire a large skill set at considerable expense! (Often with money I don't have, but the purchase was such a thrill – dopamine boost.)
Now, as a Yoga Teacher, Menopause Champion, ADHD advocate, and teacher trainer, I help others understand their neurodivergences as a positive rather than viewing them as a deficit!
The Hormone-ADHD Connection in My Life
I've experienced firsthand how hormones significantly impact ADHD symptoms, especially in women:
• Menstrual Cycle: Now aware of how oestrogen influenced my dopamine levels, I can now inform my students how their ADHD can be influenced by the changes of hormones during their cycle.
• Perimenopause & Menopause: The declining oestrogen often exacerbates ADHD symptoms, which I've experienced personally during my menopausal transition. I was diagnosed at this stage of my life.
Managing ADHD: My Approach
While medication can be transformative, I know it's not the only path. Some prefer non-stimulant medications or alternative approaches, including therapy, lifestyle modifications, cold water immersion and exercise/yoga. I've learned the choice to medicate is deeply personal—there's no universal solution, as everyone's ADHD shows up differently!
Executive Function Challenges I've Encountered
In my experience, executive function difficulties affect various aspects of yoga:
• Task Initiation: Getting to class on time (yes, even as the teacher!) • Working Memory: Remembering postures, philosophy, pronunciation of Sanskrit; as for sequences, well, without any prompts I am lost! • Emotional Regulation: Noticing someone frowning and worrying they are not enjoying the class. • Time Management: Maintaining a consistent practice (I very rarely practise on my own – I need a teacher to direct me or rather to direct my brain!)
Breaking the Traditional Mould: My Teaching Journey
As I've begun to understand my neurodivergence, I've started challenging the conventional teaching methods I learnt in my yoga training:
• Being told to observe rather than demonstrate, I desperately need to move to focus. • Managing lesson preparation with executive function challenges. • Handling booking systems and marketing tasks (I have so many strategies!)
However, I've found ADHD brings valuable unique skills to teaching yoga: • Creating innovative classes and modifications. • Bringing laughter, energy and passion to class. • Thinking flexibly and responding to student needs. • Understanding diverse learning styles is a necessity.
How I Create Neurodivergent-Inclusive Classes
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Rethinking Stillness – Never make us feel we must sit STILL! Offering alternatives to traditional meditation: • Walking meditation • Movement-based mindfulness • Breath-led flows • Fidget-friendly options (props, gentle movement)
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Managing the Sensory Environment – Too much is often really too much! • Dim lighting when possible • Mindful music choices • Freedom to adapt postures • Considering fragrances used
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Using Clear Communication – We forget very quickly Instead of vague cues, I provide clear verbal cues, numerous modifications as well as lots and lots of personal demonstrations.
Yoga Benefits for ADHD
In my experience, yoga offers numerous advantages for ADHD: • Movement increases motivation and focus. • Structure – weekly routine. • Supports emotional balance. • Helps overcome task paralysis. • Reduces overwhelming thoughts. • Provides understanding and acceptance.
Final Thoughts:
Through my experience, I've learned that ADHD isn't a learning disability—it's a different way of processing the world. Many successful individuals, including Zoe Ball, Sue Perkins, and Chris Packham, demonstrate how ADHD traits can become strengths. In yoga, our neurodivergence enables us to create more inclusive, dynamic, and authentic spaces for all practitioners.
My journey with ADHD continues to evolve. While I haven't overcome every challenge, I've developed stronger strategies and deeper self-understanding. Most importantly, I've learned to embrace my authentic self, letting go of the masks I wore for so long. I wouldn't change a thing!
Together, we can create yoga spaces that celebrate neurodiversity and support every student's unique path to Moksha—whatever that means for them.
Join My Workshops
I run regular Inclusive Yoga Teaching Workshops to share practical tools for creating neurodivergent-friendly classes. Email me to join the waiting list for the next workshop date.
Connect With Me:
• Website: kimpierpoint.co.uk/yoga-for-adhd
• Facebook: Perimenopause and ADHD
• Email: [email protected]
Kim Pierpoint
kimpierpoint.co.uk | 07811 385411.
