Have you ever felt like this? When you start something, especially something you love, you get so engrossed in it that you don't even notice what's going on around you, what time it is, or if anyone is talking. It's like you forget the whole world. There are times when you forget to eat, drink some water, or even go to an important meeting. That's what we call hyperfocus in medicine.
Simply put, what is this hyperfocus?
Hyperfocus is the act of paying attention to something very intensely, deeply, and for a long time. It can be so intense that you can't feel anything else around you. It feels like the only thing left in the world is you and what you're doing.
Doctors often see this condition in people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . Although it is not officially classified as a symptom of ADHD, there is a strong connection between the two. Some studies have found that the brain activity of people with ADHD may be different from that of a normal person when they are paying close attention to something. Therefore, they are more likely to become hyperfocused.
But this is not limited to people with ADHD. Any of us can get into this state when we are engaged in something we really enjoy and that challenges us. Psychologists call this 'flow'. It means that you are completely absorbed in what you are doing, even forgetting about the time. But for someone with ADHD, it can be a little difficult to break free from this hyperfocus state and shift your attention to something else.
This is especially true when you are working in front of a screen, whether it's playing video games, watching TV, or using social media. You've probably seen people sitting in the same position for hours doing these things.
Why is this happening to us?
There may be two main reasons for this.
1. Brain function : The frontal lobe of our brain is where our reward centers are located. Sometimes, when you are doing something that is so rewarding, your brain doesn't want to stop and move on to something else. It's what keeps you going.
2. Behavioral patterns: Some people have difficulty controlling how much attention they want to give to something. This can also be due to poor attention control.
How does this look between children and adults?
The way hyperfocus affects children and adults is a little different. Let's explain it further with this table.
| Age group | How to see hyperfocus |
|---|---|
| Children | Imagine your child is playing a video game. You say "Son... Son..." several times, but he doesn't hear you. He's in a completely different world. Or, when he's doing homework on a subject he really likes (e.g. art), he just keeps doing the same thing for hours on end. He doesn't care what's going on around him. |
| Adults | As an adult, you may become completely absorbed in work or household chores. For example, you may forget to eat lunch while finishing a project at the office. Or, you may start cleaning the house and get so absorbed in it that you miss an important meeting or event that you were supposed to attend in the evening. |
The good and bad sides of hyperfocus
Benefits
This isn't just a bad thing. Hyperfocus is like a superpower when used properly. If you have a project that you really want to finish, and you're really passionate about it, you can use this ability to finish it with the highest quality and speed. Because you're giving it your full attention, the result can be very successful.
Disadvantages
But there is another side to this. No one will say anything about you spending hours doing housework or working in the office. However, this can affect your social relationships and family life . You may neglect your partner, children, and friends without giving them the attention they deserve.
Another important thing is that this hyperfocus makes it difficult to even diagnose ADHD in some gifted children. Imagine, a child with ADHD is very good at math. He scores high in math because of his hyperfocus. Teachers and parents who see this think that he has no problem. But he may be struggling with other subjects because he can't concentrate. So it's important to be aware of this as well.
What can we do to control this?
Although hyperfocus cannot be completely eliminated, we can manage it.
Advice for adults
- Identify yourself: First, you need to identify what kinds of things you hyperfocus on the most. Don't start those tasks too close to bedtime. Also, don't start these tasks before an important task that you're likely to procrastinate on.
- Be mindful: You can get into this state without even realizing it. So be mindful of your mental state. Ask yourself, "Am I lost in this right now?" Mindfulness exercises can help a lot with this.
- Keep track of time: Set a timer or alarm when you start a task. This way you'll know how long it took you to complete the task. It's a good idea to set an alarm every hour and take a short break.
- Change your posture: As soon as you notice that you're hyperfocused, get up and walk around, stretching your body a little. Changing your posture can help you get out of that state of mind.
- Set goals : When working on a big project, break it down into smaller parts, or goals. Take a short break when you finish one goal.
Advice for parents for children
- Limit screen time: Limit the amount of time your child spends watching TV and playing video games. Talk to your child and set some rules for this.
- Create a clear schedule: Create a clear, consistent schedule for your child's day. Plan the day around mealtimes, playtimes, homework times, and bedtimes.
- Talk to your child: Explain to your child in simple terms what hyperfocus is. Discuss what you can do together to manage the condition.
The most important thing is that if you have any concerns about this condition, especially ADHD, don't be shy or afraid to talk to your doctor . He or she will provide you and your child with the guidance they need.
Take-Home Message
- Hyperfocus is the act of focusing on something very intensely and for a long time.
- This is most common with ADHD, but it can happen to anyone.
- It has advantages such as getting work done quickly and efficiently, but also disadvantages such as neglecting family and other responsibilities.
- This situation can be managed by knowing yourself, being punctual, being mindful, and having clear schedules.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about this or your ADHD condition, do not delay and consult your doctor for advice.
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