The flow state

We experience the "flow state" when a given task becomes effortless and time slips by without our noticing. It's an absorbing, intrinsically rewarding state that we enter when performing certain tasks.

When in the flow state we experience mindfulness and actions and awareness merge, so that it seems like the task is almost performing itself. Despite this, there's still a sense of personal control over the task at hand, and performing it feels intrinsically rewarding.

40 people saved this idea

Save it with our free app:

Download on the AppStore
4.8Deepstash rating on AppStore
Get it on Google Play
4.8Deepstash rating on Google Play

IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:

What's the flow state about?

6 ideas
bigthink.com

TOPICS:

RELATED IDEAS:

  • The Six Parts of A Flow State

    Intense concentration on the task at hand. A merging of action and awareness - “being and doing become one”. A loss of reflective self-consciousness. A sense of personal control over the situation. A distortion of the perception of time. Autotelic experience: the activity itself is intrinsically rewarding, rather than the expected outcome.

    In The Flow: How To Master Your Brain's Peak Productivity

  • Flow = focusing on the present moment

    It seems like the task is almost performing itself. But there's still a sense of personal control over the task at hand, and performing it feels intrinsically rewarding.

    What's the flow state about?

  • Factors that often accompany the flow state

    Having clear goals about what you want to achieve Concentration and focus Participating in an intrinsically rewarding activity Losing feelings of self-consciousness Losing track of time passing Being able to immediately judge your own progress; instant feedback on your performance Knowing that your skills align with the goals of the task Feeling control over the situation and the outcome Lack of awareness of physical needs Complete focus on the activity itself

    Flow State: What It Is and How to Achieve It

  • When Not to Take a Break

    When you are in a state of “flow” it is not good to take a break. “Flow” is characterized by complete absorption in the task, seemingly effortless concentration, and pleasure in the task itself.

    How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers