Peak productivity times are highly individual but worth discovering. Make notes and learn what times of the day you are most productive. Recognize your peak productivity times.However, a difficult task will prevent you from entering a flow state since the effort required is too much. A simple job will be completed quickly and without much effort.
Your task should be challenging enough to keep your full attention without being overwhelming.
We become more creative when we silence our inner critic and are free of self-judgment. The situation is somewhat dreamlike.Īdditionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of people in flow states has shown that self-monitoring activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is suppressed during these states. It is one of the main reasons we feel “flowy.” Our higher cognitive abilities are disengaged, and the mental processes that might hinder us from making quick decisions are disabled. Transient hypofrontality is the term for this phenomenon.
Our slower, energy-draining conscious thought is exchanged for faster, more efficient subconscious thinking. So what exactly is happening in there to create this magical state?Īpparently, Csíkszentmihályi was onto something when he coined “the flow.” Neurobiologically, our brains change in a way that facilitates mental flexibility.Īs we enter a flow state, our attention becomes more focused. What Is the Science Behind the Flow State? A flow state induces a feeling of fulfillment and well-being that is long-lasting. There is evidence that flow states are associated with elevated levels of happiness and satisfaction. Flow indicates mastery of a skill, so we must continue to look for new challenges and information to stay in flow. Having fun with a task makes it more rewarding and fulfilling.
We are more satisfied with what we are doing in a flow state, so we find it more enjoyable.
Research has demonstrated that flow states can boost performance and productivity in many areas, including sports, learning, and the arts. It’s pretty common to experience flow states while doing creative tasks, encouraging deeper creative and artistic motivation. The benefits of reaching flow extend beyond simply making work more enjoyable.