Have you ever been so engrossed in an activity that you lost track of time? You were so focused on what you were doing that you didn’t notice the world around you. If so, you’ve experienced a flow state.
What does it mean to be in a ‘Flow State?’
Flow state is a mental state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity and is completely focused on the task at hand. Flow state is often described as being “in the zone”. It’s a state of deep concentration and enjoyment.
When you’re in a flow state, you lose track of time and you become completely absorbed in what you’re doing. You feel a sense of effortless action and a feeling of energised focus. You’re fully engaged in the present moment and you’re not thinking about anything else which can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and happiness.
“There’s this focus that, once it becomes intense, leads to a sense of ecstasy, a sense of clarity: you know exactly what you want to do from one moment to the other”
~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
What are the benefits of achieving a flow state?
There are many benefits to achieving a flow state, of which is positive on your mental well-being.
- Increased productivity When you’re in a flow state, you’re able to focus more intently on the task at hand, which can lead to increased productivity and concentration.
- Heightened Creativity Flow state can also lead to increased creativity. When you’re in a flow state, your mind is open to new ideas and you’re more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems.
- Happiness Flow state can also lead to increased happiness. When you’re in a flow state, you’re fully engaged in the present moment and you’re not thinking about anything else. It also stretches past temporary highs and gives you a longer sense of achievement.
- Lack of stress or obstacles The feelings of stress, panic, and procrastination all take a back seat when you reach a flow state.
How to get into a flow state
There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors that motivate humans to do something. Intrinsic motivation is the one you want to reach the flow state. That’s something that comes from within – so passion or enjoyment. You should be enjoying the journey, rather than the end goal. So enjoying playing football, not getting the win. Or enjoying the process of painting, rather than how much you can sell it for.
READ MORE: Balancing The Hustle And Flow Of Your Life
There are several things you can do to increase your chances of achieving a flow state. Here are a few tips:
- Find an activity that you’re passionate about When you’re engaged in something that you love, it’s much easier to get into a flow state.
- Challenge yourself The activity or task shouldn’t be too easy, or too hard. It should be on the edge of your comfort zone.
- It helps if you’re good at the task You’re more likely to enter a flow state if you believe in yourself and your abilities.
- Set clear, prioritised goals When you know what you’re working towards, it’s easier to stay focused. Choose the most important task first so that your mind doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
- Remove distractions Create an environment that will nurture focus. Turn off your phone or put it on ‘Do Not Disturb’, close your email, and remove yourself from physical distractions. Before starting your task, think about what might distract you and make sure you minimise them.
The basics of reaching a flow state are by doing something you love. You won’t reach for your phone or hunt down for distractions when you’re fully engrossed and enjoying what you’re doing.
10 prompts on how to get to a flow state
- Set Clear Goals: What specific goals or outcomes do you need to define to help you focus and achieve a flow state in your work or creative endeavours?
- Eliminate Distractions: How can you create an environment free from interruptions and distractions to help you fully immerse yourself in your task?
- Match Challenge to Skill: How can you balance the difficulty of the task with your skill level to keep yourself engaged without feeling overwhelmed or bored?
- Create a Ritual: What pre-task rituals or routines can you establish to signal to your brain that it’s time to enter a state of deep focus?
- Practice Mindfulness: How can you incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help clear your mind and prepare for a flow state?
- Use Time Blocks: How can you structure your schedule to include dedicated blocks of uninterrupted time for deep work or creative projects?
- Stay Physically Comfortable: What adjustments can you make to your physical environment, such as lighting, seating, and temperature, to ensure comfort and minimise distractions?
- Seek Immediate Feedback: How can you set up a system for immediate feedback on your progress to keep yourself motivated and on track?
- Focus on the Process: How can you shift your focus from the result to the enjoyment of the process itself to help sustain a flow state?
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: How can you ensure that you are eating and drinking adequately throughout the day to maintain energy levels and cognitive function?
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