The Wandering Mind and Hyperfocus (Rebroadcast)

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Jun 13, 2022

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INSIGHT

The Default Mode Network and ADHD

The Default Mode Network (DMN) is responsible for daydreaming and mind-wandering, especially during rest.
In ADHD brains, the DMN doesn't disengage during tasks, explaining off-task thoughts.

INSIGHT

DMN and Creativity

ADHD traits like creativity and idea connection are linked to the default mode network.
Mind-wandering and divergent thinking, common in ADHD, may enhance these abilities.

ANECDOTE

Divergent Thinking Example

The alternate use task assesses divergent thinking by asking for novel uses of common objects.
An example is finding alternate uses for a fork, like a catapult or musical instrument.

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One of the thoughts I kept coming back to while working on my episode's on multitasking was what it really meant to be multitasking. I settled on using the idea of doing two cognitive tasks at the same time, but that left me with another quandary - what about when I'm doing one thing and just thinking about doing something else. Surely just thinking about something else wouldn't count as multitasking.

But still... There have absolutely been times when I've been thinking about something else and found myself getting engrossed in my thoughts and losing track of conversations or what I was doing. Clearly, my thoughts can play a big role in what I'm doing and if my focus is somewhere else then it certainly isn't here in the present.

Today we're going to explore what our brain is doing here - how our thoughts can kind of run away with us. We'll also be looking at hyperfocus and then bringing together how these things relate. Support me on Patreon Connect with me on: Facebook Twitter Instagram or ask me a question on my Contact Page Find the show note at HackingYourADHD.com/wanderingmind This Episode's Top Tips

The Default Mode Network is a collection of brain regions that are responsible for daydreaming, mind wandering and are primarily active in our wakeful resting state.
In neurotypical brains the Default Mode Network disengages when we start working on task-specific work - this relationship doesn't hold up in ADHD brains and is why we can drift off in thought while trying to do complex tasks.
Hyperfocus is when our concentration engages so much that we kind of just tune out the rest of the world. It can be a double-edged sword, however, because we can also miss cues to eat, use the bathroom and overuse our executive functions, and leave us completely drained when we come out of it.
We can help both our default mode network and our hyperfocus by taking breaks throughout the day. We can go further by using those breaks for positive constructive daydreaming where we let our minds wander with purpose.