Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is when someone becomes deeply absorbed in what they’re doing — so much so that they might lose track of time, surroundings, or even basic needs like eating or resting.

It’s commonly linked with ADHD, but can show up in many neurodivergent experiences.

Hyperfocus isn’t something people can easily switch on or off. It often kicks in when a task is deeply interesting, urgent, or stimulating — and it can feel almost trance-like.

It might look like:

• Working for hours without noticing time pass
• Skipping meals or sleep without realising it
• Tuning out conversations or sounds completely
• Feeling unable to stop, even when you want to

Hyperfocus can lead to bursts of creativity, productivity, or flow — but it can also result in burnout, missed deadlines, or frustration when attention has to shift suddenly.

It’s not about control or discipline. It’s just how some brains engage when something clicks. The key is learning how to work with it, not against it — by noticing patterns, setting gentle timers, or creating softer transitions between tasks.