When a person is fully immersed in a task, they could be in a state of flow.
A person in a flow state may not notice that time passes as they do the task. They might not even judge their efforts or think about why they are engaging in the specific task.
Flow State
A flow state generally describes a mental state in which a person is fully immersed and focuses on a single activity or task. A person in this state is directing all of their attention to finishing the task. They do not have much thought about their performance or themselves.
This concept came from positive psychology, which is a field of study that focuses on helping humans thrive.
A flow state shares great similarities with mindfulness. Both of them involve focusing on the present. However, the term "flow" is frequently used in reference to situations of productivity, unlike mindfulness, which can happen regardless of whether a person is engaging in a task or not.
Some tasks that may encourage flow state could be rewarding, challenging, and in-depth.
Signs of being in a flow state include focusing, lacking self-consciousness, persistence, and enjoyment. Some activities that could induce this state may include playing games, playing sports, reading, solving puzzles, engaging in creative hobbies, engaging in crafts, or gardening.
A flow state has been associated with less self-judgment, better performance, greater motivation for task completion, fewer distractions, the capacity to spend more time doing tasks, and more practice that allows a person to become more competent and skilled.
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The Brain During Flow State
Various changes happen in the brain when a person is in a state of flow.
Studies have also revealed that the reward system of dopamine apparently has a crucial role to play. The neurotransmitter dopamine supports feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. It could also help in suppressing certain bodily sensations, including hunger.
Individuals who are in a flow state have higher dopamine levels, which could explain why they may not notice when they feel tired or hungry.
A mini-review from 2021 claims that the LC-NE (locus coeruleus-norepinephrine) system of the brain also plays a role in the flow state. This brain system aids in the regulation of decision making and task engagement.
In a flow state, a person could have high engagement levels with a task that is challenging, and that matches their skills. This is necessary for the system to properly regulate task engagement.
It remains unclear whether the flow state leads to such changes or if these changes are the reason behind the flow state. Both could possibly be true.
Researchers have also claimed that there are two primary theories that explain how flow impacts the brain.
The first one is the transient hypofrontality hypothesis, which holds that executive function declines temporarily. Such a decline stops a person from thinking actively about themselves, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in a task.
According to fMRI (functional MRI) studies, the prefrontal cortex has lower activity during flow. This brain region plays a role in executive functioning.
The other theory is the synchronization theory of flow, which holds that brain regions have better communication during a state of flow. It suggests that a person can better coordinate and control their activities, which suggests executive functioning that is higher.
Those who support this latter theory point to studies on neuroimaging during meditation and hypnosis, which show higher frontal cortex activity.
Entering a Flow State
Several people may enter the flow state without them knowing. However, there are also some helpful strategies that could induce a state of flow.
It is important to keep in mind that it is not always possible for a person to put themselves in a flow state. Rather, it is more about producing the right circumstances for the flow state to occur. They may consider the environment, the type of tasks, and their mental state during that time.
Other strategies for entering a flow state could include allowing sufficient time to enter the state, reducing interruptions, adjusting the task, and practicing mindfulness.
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