The secret to getting into ‘Flow State’ and how it will benefit you

Have you ever done something you enjoy and suddenly felt like your mind and body are working together, without too much effort, and time stretches because you’re so focused? Well, you were probably “in the zone”, which is what happens when you reach a flow state. A flow state can be described as a feeling where your body and mind are 100% in sync and absorbed by whatever you are doing at that moment. The present moment only lasts for about 2-3 seconds, and then it’s over, and the next moment happens. When you’re in the zone time feels like it expands and it’s an experience of effortless and deep focus, beyond the point of distraction. Flow state is a concept that was popularized by positive psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Jeanne Nakamura. In an interview with Wired Magazine Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes flow as a state of complete immersion in an activity. “The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost,”

How do you get into a flow state?

A flow state is less likely to occur during passive or relaxation times. To reach this state, you need to get actively involved with something you like. Something that challenges you, or something you want to get better at. It’s most likely to be reached when you really enjoy what you’re doing. You shouldn’t have to force yourself. Some people get into a flow state while dancing, climbing, doing yoga, or playing video games. So if you think about things you enjoy doing… what could it be? If you’re not so sure, there are a few things that can help you to get closer, and actually experience it.

+ Concentration & Engagement

I have personally experienced a flow state a couple of times. The key was always full concentration and engagement. The first time I had the feeling of being in this exciting flow was during a yoga session. I was so concentrated on my breathing and keeping my body strong throughout the exercises, that I didn’t pay attention to anything that happened around me anymore. I was in the zone, just my mind, body and the yoga poses. It was an amazing feeling, and I felt so relieved and energetic afterward.

+ Meditation & Mindfulness

A trained mind is more likely to experience a flow state because it knows how to stay present & tune out distractions. With meditation, we train our minds to be in the moment, focused, clear, calm, and content. In addition, we are also actively creating conditions that help us observe when we get distracted, what gets us distracted, and then return to the object of focus. Mindfulness is the result of regular guided meditation. It means being fully present and engaged with what is happening in that specific moment while blocking distractions and being aware of thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. I am trying to make some space for mediation 2-3 times a week. For me the evening works best, when the house has calmed down, the kids are in bed and I get some time for myself. It helps me get sort of “get have rid” of the day, with all its worries, to-dos, and responsibilities. It’s also a good way to calm your body down, get grounded, and be ready for the night’s rest. But there are multiple ways to incorporate meditation into your daily life. There are no rules, no set times, or durations. If you prefer to do a quick 5 min of your lunch break every day, then go for it. The only thing that matters is that you try to center your mind and focus on the present moment.

+ Activity

Another thing that really helps me forget anything around me is my daily morning run. When I’m running I feel at ease, grounded, while pushing to get better, faster, or run long distances. It’s a daily challenge, where at some point my mind switches into this state of unbroken attention, and nothing can get you out of it. Of course, this doesn’t happen all the time. The circumstances have to be good as well, so when you had a rough night, and barely got any sleep or wake up with a terrible headache, you cannot expect to get to that level. But getting active can act as a medium to get you to a better place, and in the long run, feel better.

+ Grounding Routine

Having a grounding routine before starting your activity can also help to set the right circumstance for you to enter the flow zone. Before my run, I usually take around 5 mins to stretch and get my mind and body ready for it. Anything that will make you feel comfortable or prepare you for your upcoming activity is fine.

So what are the benefits of reaching a flow state?

According to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi the conscious mind’s processing capacity reaches up to 120 bits of information per second. When we are fully engaged with a task, our mind can reach its full potential. Achieving flow state with an activity that you enjoy and that challenges you can leave you feeling ecstatic, motivated, and fulfilled. The few times I have reached getting into the flow, I felt lighter afterward, almost relieved, and just happy. There was nothing I had to worry about and I felt proud of myself for being dedicated. It also gave me the motivation to search for more. More ways I can get active or creative to let mind and bodywork together as one.