Unlocking the Superpower of Deep Focus: Tools to Keep You in the Zone || By Annabelle Denmark MA, LPCC
As I type away, fueled by two sips of now-cold tea, I’ve accomplished a whopping 75% website revamp (it’s a glow-up, trust me) – all thanks to deep focus mode. 🚀
Deep focus, a superpower common among many neurodivergent individuals, is the art of zeroing in on a task to the point where the entire universe fades away – whether you’re cracking a puzzle or on a mission to find the perfect lamp.
Now, why is deep focus such a superpower, you ask? It’s because of the sheer amount of information processed or shared on a single topic. It’s what gets software written, buildings designed, and roads engineered. Yet, let’s not ignore the real struggle – reintegrating into the world of human needs after hours of intense focus.
Here are some tools to help you navigate the deep-focus journey:
Preparation is Key:
- Equip yourself with essentials – water, snacks, and anything that aids your body in sustaining mental effort. Think of it as gearing up for a mental marathon.
Gentle Interruptions:
- Enlist someone to gently but relentlessly interrupt you. It’s your lifeline to remember appointments or deadlines, ensuring you don’t inadvertently become a hermit in your focus cave.
Watch for Obsession:
- Deep focus can sometimes tiptoe into obsession territory. When you catch yourself there, stand up, peek out the door, or grab that much-needed coffee. A little reality break won’t hurt.
Post-Focus Transition:
- After your deep focus stint, ease back into the real world. Move around, marvel at your accomplishments, send a mental high-five to your abilities, and find something neutral to focus on (like finally finishing that cold cup of tea).
Remember, deep focusing is a gift, but like all gifts, it needs nurturing. So, nurture away and keep that superpower shining bright!
Happy Focusing!
Annabelle Denmark (she/they), MA, LPCC is a somatic therapist based in Lakewood, CO, They specialize in individual therapy for neurodivergent adults . You can find them at www.renegadecounseling.com
