Flow State

If you could learn one thing that would change your life for the better, what would it be? For me, the answer is learning how to trigger Flow State. Flow State is a mental and physical state of optimal performance.

What is Flow State? According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, “Flow State is the optimal experience one can have while performing an activity.” Flow State, also known as "the zone", is a mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.

In essence, Flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does. Flow has been described as "being lost" in time. It's a place where you're so focused on the task at hand that everything else falls away. You're completely absorbed and unaware of your surroundings. The experience can be incredibly exhilarating and rewarding – it feels like you can do anything.

Flow has been linked with happiness, creativity, productivity, improved decision making skills, increased skill level, reduced stress levels and even greater lifespan! The best part is that anyone can learn how to trigger flow state with practice. Here is what I have learned about how to get into Flow State:

1. Find something that inspires you: Whether it’s a challenging workout routine, painting or writing, finding an activity that inspires and excites you is key to getting into flow more easily.

2. Set achievable goals: Trying to accomplish too much at once can actually lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, which will make it harder to get into the zone. Aim for goals that are challenging but still manageable so that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis.

3. Remove distractions: This one might seem obvious but when we have our phones or laptops right in front of us, it can be hard not to check them every few minutes (or even seconds). If possible, try turning off your notifications or putting your devices away when you need to focus on a task.

4. Everyone experiences flow state differently; some people may find they need complete silence while others may prefer background noise or music. If possible, experiment with different types of music until you find one that helps put you in the zone. There are countless playlists available online specifically designed for getting into flow state – just Google search and see which one works for you!

5. Take breaks: It might sound counterintuitive but taking short breaks can actually help improve productivity and keep energy levels high. Get up and move around or take a quick nap if needed – just make sure not to overdo it!

I know from personal experience that getting into flow isn't easy - it takes a lot of practice and dedication. But for me, the rewards are well worth the effort. I encourage you to give it a try as well - you may be surprised at just how rewarding it can be.

#energy #experience #learning #productivity #creativity #happiness