Do you have a habit of monotonous work? It could be a problem with hyperfocus

 Do you have a habit of monotonous work? It could be a problem with hyperfocus

The habit of focusing on one task for too long can indirectly increase the risk of stroke.

Do you have a habit of monotonous work? It could be a problem with hyperfocus

According to psychiatrist Dr. Rit Poudel, hyperfocus is when the mind is so deeply immersed in one task that it forgets the needs of time and the body.

Neurologist Dr. Suresh Sapkota said that people with ADHD are more likely to lose attention control and become too immersed in hobbies.

Studies by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization have shown that working more than 55 hours a week increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and mental problems.

Once you get stuck in a job, you don't want to leave. You don't know where the time has gone.

You forget about hunger, sleep, and thirst. You don't sleep, eat, or do anything else. Your attention doesn't go anywhere, you just want to keep doing the same thing.

Many people experience this.

Especially when immersed in work, reading, writing, design, coding, gaming or social media, they lose track of time.

At first, this situation seems very good, there is a lot of work, and achievement increases. But experts say that this habit can be risky for mental and physical health in the long run.

At first, this situation seems very good, there is a lot of work, and achievement increases. But experts say that this habit can be risky for mental and physical health in the long run.

This condition is especially common in people with ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’. In psychiatry, it is called ‘hyperfocus’, where the mind is so deeply immersed in one task that the outside world seems to disappear.

This problem is common in Western countries, where people work 12-15 hours a day. Similarly, this habit is increasing in Nepal due to work pressure, competition and digital lifestyle. According to experts, many consider the habit of working continuously as a sign of success, but this habit can gradually have a serious impact on mental health.

What is ‘hyperfocus’?

Hyperfocus is a condition where the mind is completely ‘locked’ on one task. The sense of time is lost. The body’s needs are forgotten. Attention remains fixed in one place.

According to psychiatrist Dr. Rit Poudel, hyperfocus initially seems very positive, because a person can do many things in a short time. But if this habit is repeated for a long time, fatigue builds up in both the mind and body, the effects of which are only visible later.

‘The problem occurs when people find it difficult to take breaks,’ says Dr. Poudel, ‘even when the body asks for rest, the mind remains stuck in work. Initially, this condition seems to increase productivity. But over time, problems such as sleep disturbance, disordered eating, increased irritability and mental fatigue may appear.’

Who is more likely to suffer?

Many people work for hours in a busy lifestyle.

Office, studying, digital work, creative work or social media, wherever people are immersed in work without breaks.

Initially, it seems to increase productivity. But over time, both the mind and body start to tire. It is easy to understand the signs of fatigue in the body, but it is difficult to understand the signs of fatigue in the mind. Dr. Poudel says, “When the mind is tired, people become exhausted, have difficulty concentrating, and get angry over small things. Many consider this to be normal stress, but this condition can gradually turn into anxiety, depression, and burnout.”

He says that people who develop this habit due to work pressure or digital addiction are more likely to have hyperfocus problems. This problem is especially common in those with ADHD.

What is ADHD?

According to neurologist Dr. Suresh Sapkota, it is a type of neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, control behavior, and level of activity. It is not a mental illness, but rather a condition related to the functioning of the brain.

It usually begins in childhood, but its effects can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Although it is more common in boys, girls also have this problem, but it is often recognized late.

This condition is believed to be related to genetic factors, brain chemical balance, and environmental influences. Not all people with this problem are the same, some are extremely fidgety, while others only show a lack of attention.

With this problem, the person is not able to pay attention, but rather is unable to control attention. That is, it is difficult to maintain attention on tasks that are not interesting, and they get distracted quickly. But the brain is highly focused on tasks that are of great interest, such as mobile, games, writing, design, research - says Dr. Sapkota.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, attention management is the main problem of those with this problem. Therefore, a person cannot pay attention to tasks that they do not like or have to do regularly, but can stay focused on tasks that they like for hours. This is called hyperfocus.

For example, a student who is not focused on studying may not realize that 3-4 hours have passed while playing mobile games.

Why does hyperfocus occur?

The main cause of hyperfocus is a chemical called ‘dopamine’ in the brain. Dopamine is also called the hormone of happiness. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, when we do something we enjoy, learn something new, or feel successful, the amount of dopamine increases. This chemical Keeps the mind focused on the task.

According to Dr. Poudel, ‘When you are doing something you love, your mind becomes focused. It is difficult to let go. This is called hyperfocus. Focusing on the task is not the problem, but losing control is.’

When you are immersed in a task of interest, the brain receives continuous dopamine. Therefore, you do not want to leave the task. This is why you do not realize that hours have passed.

When you are immersed in a task of interest, the brain receives continuous dopamine. Therefore, you do not want to leave the task. This is why you do not realize that hours have passed.

So, when asked if it can be said that everyone who focuses on work has this problem, Dr. Poudel says, ‘Of course not, focusing on work is natural and normal. There is a difference between normal focus and hyperfocus.’

Difference between normal focus and hyperfocus

In normal focus, a person can pay close attention to the task, but can take a break whenever he wants. The person is in control. But in hyperfocus, the mind controls the person. It is very difficult to leave the task.

You don't realize how many hours have passed. Even when the body asks for rest, the mind keeps on working, says psychiatrist Dr. Poudel.

According to neurologist Sapkota, people with ADHD are very immersed in their hobbies because the balance of dopamine is different. Therefore, it is sometimes called a 'super power'. But when the balance is not right, this habit becomes the cause of mental and physical fatigue.

How do you know if you are hyperfocused?

There are some clear signs, such as not caring about time while doing the things you like in your daily life, ignoring what is happening around you, and not being able to respond immediately even when someone calls you, this may be a sign of hyperfocus.

According to Dr. Rit Paidel, in this case, the person's mind is so focused on one task that he or she may forget to eat, rest, or other responsibilities.

For example, not realizing how many hours have passed while immersed in mobile games, writing, or any research is a major sign.

Dr. Poudel says, “If you are repeatedly stuck on the same task, find it difficult to change tasks, and feel tired when trying to shift your attention, you may have hyperfocus.”

A growing problem in Nepal

In Nepal, people are becoming accustomed to the habit of working continuously due to work pressure, competition, digital lifestyle, and lack of breaks.

This situation is especially common among IT sectors, media sectors, banking, healthcare sectors, and migrant workers. According to psychiatrist Dr. Poudel, the pressure and goal of being successful at work have made it difficult for many to take breaks.

Many consider taking breaks to be lazy, but the habit of not taking breaks is dangerous in the long run.

What does the study say?

Various studies have been conducted around the world on the relationship between work and mental health. The first study was jointly conducted by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization.

According to the study, the risk of heart disease, stroke, stress, and mental health problems is significantly higher in people who work more than 55 hours a week.

The study concluded that working continuously for long periods of time is not only harmful to the body, but also to the brain.

The second study was conducted in a study related to the US National Institute of Mental Health.

The study showed that people who work continuously without breaks are at higher risk of mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.

This study concluded that working continuously for more than 90 minutes leads to a decrease in brain function and an increase in errors.

Dr. Sapkota says, “Studies have clearly shown that working continuously without breaks does not increase productivity, but rather reduces it in the long term.”

Risk of stroke

The habit of sitting still for too long at one task can indirectly increase the risk of stroke. Sitting continuously for long periods of time reduces physical activity, can increase blood pressure, and slows blood circulation. All of these are considered major risk factors for stroke.

According to the American Heart Association, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. All three of these factors are directly related to stroke.

Hyperfocus people who are immersed in work and do not get up for hours, do not drink water, and do not exercise can increase this risk.

A study published in 2018 also showed that people who sit for more than 8-10 hours a day have an increased risk of vascular problems and stroke.

Similarly, the World Health Organization has also considered prolonged inactivity as a ‘silent risk factor’, which affects both the heart and brain.

Therefore, although hyperfocus itself is not a disease, the inactive lifestyle, stress, and irregular routine that it causes can increase the risk of stroke in the long term.

Therefore, regular breaks, drinking water, and exercising are necessary, which helps reduce such risks.

There are also benefits

Hyperfocus is not always negative. If it is in the right balance, it can also provide many benefits. When hyperfocus is present, a person can work for hours without getting tired. Creative work brings deep thinking. Dr. Poudel says that it can give excellent results in areas such as writing, research, design or programming.

It is easy to become an expert in a subject. It helps in learning new skills and solving complex problems. ‘Hyperfocus is a quality seen in many successful people. But theyThey have maintained balance. If there is no balance, this quality becomes a problem,' says Dr. Poudel.

Disadvantages: When the mind forgets the body

The biggest disadvantage of hyperfocus is forgetting time, says psychiatrist Dr. Poudel. . 'When people are immersed in work, they forget to eat, drink water or rest,' he says, 'Sleep decreases. The body gets tired, but the mind still tries to work. Family, friends and personal life are neglected. Social distance increases. If this happens for a long time, symptoms of fatigue, irritability, depression and depression may appear.'

Risk of stress and anxiety

Working continuously, if the mind is not given rest, stress increases. When the mind is tired, irritability increases. Work becomes uninteresting. Anger arises over small things. Psychiatrist Dr. Poudel says, 'The risk of anxiety disorder increases if the mind is not given rest. Many people keep working without realizing that they are tired.

Burnout: Extreme mental fatigue

Burnout is extreme fatigue caused by continuous stress at work. In this, a person becomes extremely tired. He loses interest in work. Performance in daily activities decreases.

The World Health Organization has classified burnout as a work-related syndrome.

Psychiatrists say that such a problem is gradually increasing in Nepal as well.

How to manage hyperfocus?

According to psychiatrists, it is not necessary to completely eliminate hyperfocus. It can be used in a balanced way.

– It is good to take a 15-20 minute break after 90 minutes of work.

– Walking outside, taking deep breaths, drinking water or stretching are effective.

– You can remember to take breaks by setting a timer.

– Mindfulness and meditation practices are useful.

Dr. Adhikari says, “If work has started to control your life, that is a warning sign. It is important to take breaks on time and consult a specialist if necessary.