One of the positive aspects about ADHD is that when you manage to get focused and engage with a task or project, you can slip into a hyper-focus where everything else slips away, and you are fully immersed what you’re doing. It usually is something that I’m excited about, have a great interest in, or I have an imminent deadline. During these episodes, I can accomplish a significant amount within a short span or maintain complete concentration on that specific subject. It’s really great … until it isn’t.

The issue is that there’s a subsequent toll or “tax” to pay when this occurs. Sustaining this level of concentration requires a considerable amount of energy, and eventually, you exhaust your resources. Then attempting tasks that involve executive functions such as decision-making, managing your mood, and so on, becomes even more challenging than the usual level of difficulty.

For instance, last weekend I was taking a coaching fundamentals class. The class spanned four hours on Friday and eight hours on Saturday and Sunday. It was a great experience that I may talk about later. The instructors did a fantastic job and made the class fun, keeping my interest for almost the whole twenty hours. The fact that it was a subject of interest played a role, but towards the end, I was really beginning to lose steam.

Monday was the worst. I couldn’t focus on anything. Even the things I enjoy doing, like reading, felt laborious. It felt like I had a hangover, without the enjoyment of a fine adult beverage. “I’ll feel better tomorrow,” I thought. “I just need a good night’s sleep.”

Things really weren’t any better on Tuesday. Or Wednesday. A little better on Thursday. Today I finally feel like my old self (hence, I’m able to post this today). As great as the weekend was, I’ve been paying the “tax” all week.

Honestly, I really don’t know what to do about it, other than being mindful of when I’m in hyper-focus mode and limiting it’s duration. I’ll have to do some more research on it and see what can be done. In the mean time, if you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.