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Are You Struggling With Hyperfocus?

Simple Strategies For ADHD

By GYST Assisting Published about a year ago 3 min read
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For us ADHDers, hyperfocus can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows you to laser in on a task and get things done quickly and efficiently. But on the other hand, it can also make it difficult to switch gears and focus on something else when needed. If you’re struggling with hyperfocus, here are some simple strategies that can help.

Defining hyperfocus — what it is and how it affects people with ADHD

Hyperfocus is what happens when someone with ADHD becomes completely absorbed in something, typically to the exclusion of all else. It can come on suddenly and last for hours or even days, making tasks like completing homework and participating in daily life tasks challenging. Even though hyperfocus has unique effects on people with ADHD, it can also provide a sense of self-fulfillment and productivity. Hyperfocus can help to create an intensity of focus on tasks that would otherwise be forgotten or overwhelming, allowing people a brief escape from their feelings of distraction or distractibility.

Why it can be a good thing:

Hyperfocus is an often underrated cognitive skill that can be incredibly beneficial to those with ADHD. It is the ability to hyper-concentrate on a task, and this phenomenon can actually help the lives of many with ADHD by allowing them to focus fairly intensely on things they may find interesting or satisfying. Through hyperfocus, tasks and projects that were once daunting become exciting and rewarding opportunities. This unique skill helps people stay engaged and motivated in their work, as hyper-focusing on something makes tackling goals more enjoyable than it would be without it. It’s also a great way to stay organized and productive, making any goal achievable with enough dedication. So if you have ADHD and hyperfocus is part of your experience, don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it’s strictly bad — try to focus it for positive experiences instead!

Why it can be a bad thing:

So we know that hyperfocus allows an individual to deeply engross themselves in their work and interests, providing bursts of intense productivity. However, it can also be a disadvantage since it often causes the person to become over-engaged, resulting in the neglect of other responsibilities and activities. In some cases, it can even disrupt relationships, as hyperfocus tends to take away from the attention given to people who matter most. It should be managed carefully so that it does not prevent us from living our daily lives accurately and happily for both ourselves and those around us.

Simple tips to help manage hyperfocus:

Managing hyperfocus can seem overwhelming at times, but luckily there are a few simple strategies to try.

  1. Setting limits for yourself or those around you is an important step in managing your focus levels
  2. Letting others know what triggers extreme focussing and then setting boundaries accordingly is key.
  3. Taking regular breaks from any one activity can also be really helpful as this gives your brain time to rest and reset — which can help prevent getting stuck in a cycle of overworking yourself.
  4. Visual aids provide a great way to remind yourself when it’s time to switch tasks or take a break. Whether it’s colored post-its, an app timer, or even just writing out how you plan on splitting your day into chunks — these tools will keep you on track and make it easier to remain productive while respecting limits.
  5. Keeping an organized schedule and planning ahead can be very helpful in staying on track with tasks

Hyperfocus can be both a good and a bad thing, depending on the situation. If you have ADHD, it’s important to learn how to manage your hyperfocus so that it works for you, rather than against you. There are some simple strategies that can help, like setting limits, taking breaks, and using visual aids. If you’re struggling to deal with your ADHD and hyperfocus, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With the right support, you can learn how to use your hyperfocus to your advantage.

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About the Creator

GYST Assisting

Systems & Strategies for Online Business Owners | Mental Health | Multipassionate | I’m Your Small Business Case Study|

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