Flow states are a unique, elusive experience that many of us have felt at some point in our lives. It’s that feeling of being completely absorbed in an activity, losing track of time, and feeling at your most productive and creative. But what exactly are flow states, and how can we tap into them more often?
What are flow states?
Flow states were first discovered and studied by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1970s. He defined flow as “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”
There are several different types of flow states, each with their own benefits.
The first is the individual flow state, which is experienced during solo activities like writing, reading, or playing an instrument. This type of flow state can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment.
The second type is the group flow state, which occurs when a group of people are working towards a shared goal or objective. This type of flow state can lead to a sense of community, increased teamwork, and a heightened sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, there is the transcendental flow state, which is often experienced during meditation or other spiritual practices. This type of flow state can lead to a sense of inner peace, self-awareness, and connectedness to a higher power.
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How can I tune into a flow state?
Find something you love doing
So how can we tap into these flow states more often? The first step is to find the activities that allow us to enter a flow state. This could be anything from getting stuck in a project you’re passionate about, letting loose with your creativity, or even getting involved in a group sport. It’s all about what gets your gears going, and everyone is different.
Which activities do you enjoy doing, that require mental or physical energy and focus from you? That’s likely where you’ll find your flow.
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Challenge yourself
Another way to tap into flow states is to challenge ourselves. Flow states are often experienced when we are faced with a task that is just beyond our current skill level. By pushing ourselves to improve and master new things, we can increase the likelihood of experiencing flow.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says:
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times . . . The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile”
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Be open to it
Finally, it’s really important to cultivate a mindset that is open to flow.
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This means letting go of self-doubt and fear of failure, and embracing the process of learning and growth. By adopting a ‘can-do’ or ‘anything is possible if I put my mind to it’ mindset, we can approach tasks with curiosity and enthusiasm, which can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
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It’s all about challenging yourself through activities that keep your mind sharp and engaged. Often in life, we find our flow without even having to try. It’s about tackling reality head on, so go out there and find your flow!
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