Rake and Palette

Gardening “In the Zone”

When I work, I work enthusiastically. Well, more than enthusiastically — I hyperfocus: a “…tendency to become absorbed in tasks that are stimulating and rewarding…”(1), an aspect of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It occurs frequently during my garden projects, because once I get started, I just keep going and going and going… — like the Energizer Bunny.

Also known as being “in the zone,” hyperfocus is great for accomplishing tasks while displacing the cares of the world. I end up with pride of accomplishment and a self-induced worry-free reverie. That’s the good part.

Hyperfocus ignores other realities

Sometimes external concerns are legitimate — like,  “remember to turn off the hose in the front yard”, “hydrate yourself”, “moving that rock might take a little planning”, etc. Hyperfocus doesn’t hear those distracting messages. So, my liberation from external worries has consequences: my soggy basement, my parched throat, and my aching back.

Reportedly, a woman hyperfocusing on writing a paper was surprised to be rescued from her room – the rest of her house was on fire and she hadn’t noticed the sirens, the commotion or the firemen.

Going with the Flow

I don’t worry about it. I enjoy the good part and set limits. Having a partner helps in setting limits. If you’re lucky enough to have an understanding one, well then, everybody benefits. The garden looks great (benefit to all); the other chores get done eventually (benefit to partner and household harmony), and I get to zone out for a while (benefit to me).

Still, when the sun sets and I exit “the zone” I suddenly notice my aching back. I desperately run into the house for a long pull of cold water (I tracked in dirt?) and I discover my wet basement (I’ll take care of it, honey).

This is my tendency as a weekend gardener, landscape designer, and outdoor visionary: if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing to excess. I just have to be prepared for the consequences. What are your gardening excesses? Share the joy (and pain)