Today’s Google Doodle is artwork that commemorates Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, considered one of the co-founders of positive psychology, was the first to identify and research flow. The experience of flow is universal and has been reported to occur across all classes, genders, ages, and cultures, and it can be experienced during many types of activities. If you’ve ever heard someone describe a time when their performance excelled and they were “in the zone,” they were likely describing an experience of flow.
Read on to learn more about what flow is and how to cultivate it.
Flow occurs when your skill level and the challenge at hand are equal. Flow isn't merely about achieving goals; it's about the intrinsic pleasure derived from the activity itself. In the midst of flow, people often report feelings of joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment. They lose self-consciousness and become one with the task, whether it's playing a musical instrument, painting a canvas, or solving a complex problem.
The Universality of Flow: Flow isn't confined to specific activities or professions. It can manifest in virtually anything we do, from sports and creative endeavors to everyday tasks and work-related projects. It's a universal phenomenon, accessible to all.
How to Cultivate Flow: To experience flow more frequently, aim to strike a balance between the challenge of an activity and your skill level. Push your boundaries without overwhelming yourself. Minimize distractions, set clear goals, and maintain unwavering focus on the task at hand
Once you understand how the flow works, you can set up your schedule and work environment to make it as flow-conducive as possible. Here’s a guide to how to get into flow more often — and stay there.
1. Choose clear goals
Part of getting into a flow state means working on a task that has a specific, finite outcome. You’ll find that it’s easier to achieve the right frame of mind when you know exactly what you’re working on. While you could set a time goal, it’s often more effective for the task to have a designated end or completion point. Knowing what you’re out to accomplish also gives you a sense of control
2. Make it easy to focus
Take time to look at your calendar and block off periods where you can work without distractions. You may want to schedule these blocks around certain activities or times of day when you’re naturally more productive and alert. Learning more about your circadian rhythms can help you identify your most productive times of the day.
3. Take care of yourself
In the state of flow, you forget about food, water, sleep, or how long you’ve been sitting on your foot. While this is great for staying focused, it’s not so great for your body. Create self-care routines that help you stay comfortable and taken care of so you can stay in flow longer. You might leave a bottle of water on your desk, a protein bar within easy reach, or invest in a supportive desk chair.
4 Turn your phone off
Part of eliminating distractions means turning off your phone. It deserves its own category, though, because it doesn’t help to block off your calendar if you’ll be carrying a distraction in your pocket. Once you’ve communicated that you’ll be unavailable for a certain amount of time, put your phone away. Turn off your notifications or use an app like Forest to prevent you from sneaking back.
5. Create a pre-flow ritual
You can help your brain get into the zone by creating a ritual. For example, before I write, I check my messages, put my phone on silent, grab a beverage, and turn on “focus” music. It doesn’t have to be formal, practical, or the same for every activity. It’s just a way of cueing your brain that you’re about to get to work — and that it should, too.
Flow may be the most enjoyable of all human experiences. It might even be the secret to happiness. Flow is intrinsically rewarding, lowers our stress, and brings meaning and joy to just about any experience.
Looking for ways to maximize the amount of time we spend in a flow state makes us more engaged, satisfied, and creative. Whether you’re working, playing, or something in between, you feel better when you’re in the flow.
If you are interested in going deeper in order to cultivate your inner happiness, peace, and positivity, l am offering a free energy healing consultation. Schedule yours today.
To Your Health + Happiness
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