What is hyperfixation? Plus 42 Smart Ways to Cope, Never Alone (2023)

Hyperfixation is completely absorbed in one action or mental focus.While hyperfixation is typically associated with autism and ADHD, those who struggle with mental health issues can also experience hyperfixation. Hyperfixation habits can include gaming, cleaning, painting, social media, and more.

Hyperfixation is when a person is completely obsessed with something.They are so invested in a task or duty that they usually don't care about anything else until it is completed.They tend to focus on things like cleaning, repairing, reading, or anything else that can be repeated over and over again. People with autism and ADHD tend to fixate on areas of their lives. It can also be used as a coping mechanism for those struggling with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

It's a special feeling to see something nurtured from scratch and growing. Even caring for a houseplant or two can remind you that there is something bigger in the world than your problems, that you are part of something bigger.

Bird watching can reduce depression, stress and anxiety by having beautiful birds to look at and even track in a bird book.It's easy to forget about everything else when it comes to identifying a bird by song or appearance..

Exercise is a healthy way to release any pent-up negative energy, anger, fear, or stress. Getting fit makes you feel good, but knowing how to do it isn't always easy, which is why we created this article.How long does it take to get in shape?.You can focus on creating routines ahead of time or doing helpful research.This way, you further reduce anxiety by preparing for your next training session and knowing how exercise affects your body to prevent injury or make it more efficient. now ask yourselfHow often should you go to the gym?

Running or even jogging is not child's play. It forces you to focus your mindset and develop an "I can" attitude if you want to keep going.It's a healthy way to relieve tension and anger that also leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and endorphins.

You don't have to be a kid to go on a treasure hunt. As a hyperfix idea, instead of bringing a checklist to check off items, you could leave your search answer open and open. Pick a category of things you want to write, describe, or even draw. Or go on a sensory scavenger hunt and use your senses to notice what catches your eye and why.This is a great way to reconnect with your surroundings and learn new things.

Get involved in local environmental efforts in your community. Where there's a clue, there's a cleanup crew. Even if you don't live near a trail or body of water, you can in your neighborhood. Because where there are people, there is always garbage. Just play it safe. Wear gloves and avoid walking on busy streets.

It's a good thing to have something to look forward to! Whether it's your wedding or the wedding of someone you know, one way to deal with anxiety or depression is to look for interesting things or come up with ideas to remind you of what to expect.

Clothes can be very comforting. Whether you're searching for recycled clothing online and getting inspired by your favorites, or scouring the shelves at a thrift store to find things that are one-of-a-kind or that you can upcycle or resell, it can be exciting!With used items you can draw inspiration from the old or let your creativity run wild to give something a second life.

Cleaning is a powerful way to blow off steam when you're angry or stressed, andThe endorphins that you release through exercise will improve your mood.Plus, you'll have a clean place to focus and a sense of accomplishment when you're done.

Hyperfixation on potential purchases is a helpful and often fun way to snap out of your depressive, hurtful, or anxious thoughts. You don't have to buy anything to make this hyperactive solution productive.Just by reading reviews and looking at product details, you can learn a lot about what you need or don't need or want in this life.You might also end up creating a wish list so that when the time comes that you need something, you already know where to look!

Fashion is a form of self-expression. Just flipping through magazines or online stores is like a form of therapy, drawing your attention to self-assessment and getting a better idea of ​​what you do or would do.
happy.Finding or wearing something you love will boost your self-esteem and allow you to feel more comfortable with the authenticity of your self-image.

When you're feeling down and anxious, shopping can change the way you think. Even if you look at it from the point of view of pure enjoyment,There's no denying that putting together an outfit or finding the best deal takes time and focus.

Planning your days and weeks can help you redirect anxious energy and worry so you can feel more in control.When you are prepared for what is to come and have important dates written down, worrying about missing something is the fraction of your fear that you can control and let go.

Investing your energy and focusing on your passions and plans is a productive way to avoid stress about other things in your life. Mainly,School keeps people incredibly busy, but in addition to using it to cope, you'll also end up feeling fulfilled and successful.

You might be thinking, wouldn't something as crowded as an antique mall be stressful, right?distress? and for some people it might. But for others, it's a hyper hobby obsessed with reviewing, learning, collecting, or possibly upgrading so many things that have the opposite effect on them.

The multi-sensory experience of television can relieve stress and worry by taking attention away from your busy mind. Your hyperfocus may be on a show you watch repeatedly because it calms you down, makes you laugh, or connects you on some level.Or you may find that, despite the special program, watching television relaxes you by reducing your beta waves, the waves of active thinking and learning.

Pokémon is a fun and relaxing activity for many people. It's easy to focus on Pokémon hunting (card purchases) when working on building or finishing a collection.I could spend hours looking at card states and determining their value or, in game terms, picking one to farm specific stats or moves.

Minecraft is known for helping people think outside the box and be creative. At other times, players can enjoy farming without having to think too hard.In any case, this is a game that can keep you from getting lost in thought, be it in creative or survival mode.

Twitter can be a useful platform for learning information in small chunks without the stress of reading long articles or seeing all the unrealistic images on platforms like Instagram. Scrolling through a Twitter feed can be relaxing, say hi! Along the way, you'll likely learn many new facts and current events; You might even discover something that interests you that could turn into a more productive passion or hobby.

Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that has been around since the 1970s, which means there are many ways to interact or connect with Star Wars, and many people still do. When watching the movies, it's easy to get lost in the cinematography or music, or connect with their complex characters, which some people with mental health issues say they can relate to.

People who play video games can interact and get lost in virtual worlds, a different story than theirs.The gameplay (which focuses on story and tactical skills) can help you forget about your mental struggles for a while.

Try your hand at digital art, whether on a tablet or computer. There are tons of free and affordable programs you can try, as well as tutorials on YouTube.This is especially useful for beginners and those who consider themselves less artistic, as you can easily trace and recreate a design.In a way, graphic design is easier than other forms of art because the computer can create perfect straight lines and circles for you. Even so, it takes time to learn the tools and the creative paths taken are endless.

They may not be from the Polaroid era, but we all have documents or medical records that could use a backup. Either way, you probably have photos and files that are already digital but need some serious organization. This doesn't seem like everyone's hyper fixation thing, but once you're in, you may not want to stop until you're done.Having a fast filing system, digital or not, helps me tremendously to alleviate some of the anxiety.

Reading is a hyperfixation habit that propels the brain to new heights. Not only are you concentrating precisely word for word, but your mind is creating images at the same time. Reading puts your brain in a trance-like state, similar to meditation, and helps relieve stress. To findThe best meditation apps to improve mental health.

The repetitive movement of activities like crocheting and knitting is a helpful and calming way to direct your attention and channel and hyper-fix nervous energy. Maintaining fine motor skills requires great concentration and coordination.Crocheting and knitting is also an opportunity to express your creativity and create something beautiful and useful.

Books like Harry Potter, The Alchemist, The Golden Compass and many more have allowed many readers to step into a world of fantasy and magic instead of plunging into their current undesirable situation. While one book may be enough to transport you into a world of possibilities, the series can really draw you in as the full story unfolds and expands.

When it comes to anxious or busy thoughts, creating projects with Legos can refocus your attention. Between problem solving, spatial awareness, visualization, and experimentation, building three-dimensional objects draws your attention back to the project at hand and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment.

When painting you need to focus on everything from colors, lines, brush strokes to shading.Not only does it keep busy minds or restless hands focused on small sections at a time, but it also focuses on the image as a whole as you try to achieve what you want it to look like in the end.Then, when you're done with a piece, hang it up and lose yourself in the design or reminisce about your experience.

The great thing about cars as a hyperfix habit is that there are many ways to hyperfix vehicles.Some people relieve stress by learning about parts, installing appliances, or building cars from scratch.Cars can also draw you into a community of other car lovers, e.g. B. to a car show, where it is not necessary to have an affinity for construction, but simply appreciate the aesthetics and development of the cars.

Cats and dogs help improve mood and control emotional pain. Pet sitting will not only keep him busy and distract him from something cute, but it will also make him feel good about taking care of something that needs it.

Focusing on schoolwork is an effective way to distract yourself from other things.Between problem solving and memorization skills, hyperfocusing on your homework is like replacing your negative thoughts with new and useful information.

One of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety is through planning. Focusing on making a list or budget makes you feel in control and limits the possibility of anxiety-causing problems down the road, such as: B. Missed deadlines or overspending.

Have you ever noticed that even when your space is less crowded, your spirit feels the same way? Organization requires your full attention, whether you're working with limited space or trying to place things more strategically.Consider organizing your kitchen cabinets based on what gets used the most; the same goes for your clothes. It will also save you time and hassle later.

The next time you feel stressed or anxious, pass the time with a riddle and see how much attention it requires. Even connecting two pieces together can convey a sense of pride and excitement.

It is possible to work a piece of ceramic for several weeks.Pottery relieves stress because there are multiple steps to take and opportunities to work on the smallest details.You can create something beautiful and useful.

It's hard to run out of ideas for what to do with your leftover baked goods. There's almost always a friend, neighbor, or social gathering who appreciates a few sweets at any given time. I say this because hyper-fixing when baking can be a slippery slope when you're the only one eating your creations. However, there are countless ways to be a healthy baker, like replacing butter with applesauce.No matter what, baking can be a pretty therapeutic multi-step process.

You could spend hours in the kitchen making homemade pasta. The entire dish can be homemade, from the cheese filling to the sauce. There are countless pasta recipes that are time consuming to find one that suits your taste. And in the end you have created something delicious that is worth sharing.

Find a book with a variety of short puzzles to flip through.They don't have to be overly challenging or thought-provoking and can even have some coloring pages thrown into the mix.Think word jumbles, word scrambles, and crossword puzzles. Alternatively, you can dive into a larger crossword puzzle or Sudoku game.

Candle crafting is a great way to hyper-focus. Not only is it a multi-step process that smells great, but it also allows you to be creative and give thoughtful gifts. One day it might even become a profitable business!

If you've never played or solved a Rubik's Cube, it's worth a try. You could end up spending hours feeling like you're just playing with it.But it's okay if you don't solve it; It is still an important exercise for your mental acuity. It's no wonder that the Rubik's cube is the best-selling toy of all time.

Use your mental muscles to start learning a new language. There are tons of apps and programs you can try, like Duolingo. Choose a language you are excited about or one that is the native language of a country you would like to visit one day. Don't pick one just because everyone else says it might be helpful.

Is there a topic you've always wanted to learn more about? Maybe it's the whales or sea turtles that pique your interest, and if so, there are countless documentaries, books, and online resources to dive into (no pun intended).