In the seasonal cycles of our day, transition moments are like mini “winters” or “new moon moments.” They are a “dark,” or silent, time that marks the end of one task and the beginning of another.
This is where our brain processes what it needs to take from the previous task, decompresses, and clears out to start something new.
Studies show that task switching — the transition from one task to another — requires at least 10–20 minutes for ADHD brains.
Whether you do this by sitting at a desk staring out a window, in the safety of your car, or in a doctor’s waiting room after an appointment, it’s important to recognize that the time you spend just “sitting there” isn’t wasted — it’s essential time to process and decompress.
Transition time is how the system prevents overload.
That said, there is a point where you might have too much buffer time. Transition time can be a breeding ground for resistance, leading to behaviors that interfere with starting the next task.
It’s important to recognize where
- Processing becomes a vehicle for procrastination.
- Decompression time is derailed by decisions – or indecision.
- Recharging is thwarted by rumination.
Sometimes the “sitting there” is creating overload.
The line between valuable transition time and avoidance of the next task can be murky and variable. It might be context dependent.
Knowing whether you’ve crossed the line requires a lot of self-awareness and — perhaps more important — self-honesty.
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