Have you realized how quickly time passes when you are engrossed in an activity? It can be playing cards, musical instruments, or fine needlework. What is happening here? Scientists call it a state of Flow or being in a zone.
What is it?
“Psychological Flow” refers to feeling fully immersed and focused on an activity, which brings enjoyment. This state is often referred to as “in the zone” and was first described by a participant during early research on flow (Book by Csikszentmihalyi).
The Flow state is brought about by at least two key things: goals and feedback.
– People experience an optimal Flow state when tackling challenges at the right difficulty level.
– They have clear short-term goals and receive instant feedback on their progress.
– Being in Flow is a highly pleasurable and rewarding experience due to the ongoing feedback and sense of control.
What is the advantage of being in Flow?
Keeping a frequent flow in your life can lead to some fantastic things. It can boost your life satisfaction and productivity and help you achieve your goals. Not only that, but it can also improve your health and inspire your creativity. So why not strive for a steady flow in your daily routine and see what positive changes it can bring?
Why does it work?
When you enter to flow state or zone, you are hyper-focused and get into a hypnotic state. It’s great for getting motivated to tackle personal challenges and boosting creativity by eliminating distractions like phones. Plus, it helps you build self-discipline by shifting your mindset for a little while.
Our brain’s default mode network (DMN) is active when we’re daydreaming or in flow. It’s essential for neurological functioning, and activity levels are higher. In flow, our minds are fully engaged, freeing up other areas of the brain. Dopamine is released, making us feel relaxed, energized, and dedicated.
What is the process of being in the Flow?
- Merging of action and awareness: a person is aware of their actions but not of the awareness itself; “You do not see yourself as separate from what you are doing.”
- Centering of attention on a limited stimulus field: high degree of concentration; “When the game is exciting, I don’t seem to hear anything − the world seems to be cut off from me, and all there is to think about is my game.”
- Loss of self-consciousness: considerations about self become irrelevant; this could be described as “the loss of ego” or “fusion with the world.” “You are in an ecstatic state to such a point that you feel as though you almost don’t exist”
- The feeling of control of one’s action and the sense of control over the demands of the environment: “I feel powerful, as though I have the fate of another human in my grasp.”
- Being in the zone frees up demands from other areas of the brain. “I think of it as you don’t feel you have all sorts of demands, often conflicting, upon you.
- Autotelic (hypnotic) nature: no need for external goals or rewards; “The act of writing justifies poetry. The purpose of the flow is to keep on flowing.
How to achieve a Flow zone?
Advice from Allaya Cooks-Campbell
- Choose clear goals: working on a task with a definite outcome is essential. This approach can help you concentrate and enter the right mindset. Avoid setting time goals and instead focus on understanding the task.
- Make it challenging: Activities with the right amount of difficulty are more engaging. Finding ways to make a routine task more difficult made it more enjoyable.
- Make it easy to focus easily: Set aside time for work, avoid distractions, and turn off your cell phone and notifications.
- Take care of yourself: Create self-care routines to stay comfortable while in a flow state. Keep water and snacks nearby, and watch your ergonomics.
- Create a pre-flow ritual: Create a routine to help your brain get into the zone. Cue your brain that you’re about to get to work — and it should, too.
- Get to know yourself: Recognize those times when you were in a flow. If you find work too hard, break it down and take a break. Have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? Look it up here.
Flow can be dangerous and addictive for some, as described in a video. So, use it wisely.
Tarak Vasavada, MD