Have you ever experienced the flow state (it’s a real thing)?
You may have read our title and thought, “The flow state, what is that?” Well, let me elaborate…
We have all felt in the zone, unstoppable, and locked in concentration. This is what is called, the flow state. The scientific definition of a flow state is an altered state of consciousness where the participant is experiencing effortless engagement (flow). For some, it’s staying up all night playing piano, a writer writing 100 pages in one sitting, or a football player practicing the same free-kick for hours. The thing is everyone can experience flow. People who reach a flow state report high levels of creativity, accomplishment, and happiness. Flow helps to increase productivity, academic achievement, and learning.
When do you know when you are in a flow state?
People in a flow state report reaching a level of concentration where time seems to fly by and are not easily distracted. Flow diminishes feelings of worry, and it can feel hard to stop once you’re in it. Flow improves creativity as a result. In your brain, the areas where attention, self-awareness, and self-consciousness are all firing.
With all this said, there are still many questions as to what flow is, and how to practice to achieve it. They’re some interesting theories. People who report flow report that they reach the state when they are doing something difficult, but at the same time, something they find purpose or happiness in. Some theories suggest flow is when there is a perfect balance of skill and challenge. Perfect balance is flow. Another idea about flow is that it’s only relevant when you can see a goal/experience progress.
How can I reach the flow state?
- Go to a quiet environment free from distractions
- Break down the task into small and simple segments
- Set clear end goals that are challenging, but are not overly frustrating
- If the task is annoying, set a challenge/parameter to help motivate you.
- Do not focus on reaching flow. Focusing too much on reaching this state can create a new distraction.
Just go with the flow! We all can become the most productive and best versions of ourselves.