ADHDers might call this a “hyperfocus” or the kind of obsession which resembles a hobby. Some activity that you think about at work all day and have to tear yourself away from to do anything else. I know it sounds like addiction, and it can look like one, but it always passes. Creative people might call it a muse?
I’m just on the tail end of one (Doom mapping), but no longer to the point I’ll skip eating in order to do it. So will probably be moving on soon.
Does this sound familiar? What are your obsessions like for you? Do you get them? Have you ever had one?
Like for your mental health, or liked you just feel compelled to?
Oh I wouldn’t call it compulsion by any stretch. Just something I enjoy. I did some motorized bicycles for a time, that was fun. Kind of like a 3d puzzle that does something. On the other hand, I’m not a fan of just “puzzles”, cardboard pieces in a box. Not big on Lego really either. I really want my functional 3d puzzles to include explosions somewhere.
Ah that sounds nice. Maybe “driven” would be a better word than “compelled.”
Kind of related (in my mind anyway) but I love those videos of people restoring really antique devices like vices or hand crank motors. I find the sounds really satisfying. I’m curious how much of the appeal for you is sensory in addition to the functional aspect.
My pastimes’ sounds are the tapping of keys and scratching and rustling sounds of paper. Not as satisfying but I’m really into words and symbols and leaving little marks everywhere.
This is too good
I have enjoyed the semi-ASMR automotive videos, with tool sounds. I grew up in my dad’s shop, and I’ve always loved tool sounds.
You may also like Wristwatch Revivals on YT, those are very fiddly.