What is Flow state and how to achieve yours for maximum productivity

"The happiest people spend a lot of time in a flow state, where they are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. [...] A person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile."

– Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience”.

So, what is a flow state? How does this state uniquely impact individuals and work performance? Dig deeper into the science behind flow state and how to get in the zone in the article below.

What is the flow state?

Definition

The flow state is defined as a mental state where an individual becomes fully immersed in a single activity, losing the sense of space and time, and becoming unaware of external distractions.

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the father of this concept, noted that the flow state allows people to experience growth and fulfillment by utilizing their abilities to the fullest during an activity.

Examples of the flow state

Any activity that fully captures your attention without overwhelming you can lead you into a flow state. The flow state varies from person to person, depending on what interests, excites, or challenges them.

Have you ever seen doctors performing surgery? During these intense and highly focused procedures, which can last for hours, doctors often enter a flow state. This deep concentration allows them to perform complex procedures with precision and calm..

Another example of the flow state is in the process of creating literary works. While crafting their story, authors are entirely absorbed in writing. They lose track of time and are unaware of changes in their surroundings as they are fully engaged in the creative process, which brings them excitement and fulfillment.

The flow state isn’t limited to specialized professions; you can also achieve it in your work: diligently processing a stack of paperwork, passionately advising customers over the phone, reading and analyzing reports for hours, or any task that stimulates your mind.

How does flow state work?

What happens to your brain in a flow state?

When you're in a flow state, several key changes occur in your brain:

Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex: This area, responsible for self-criticism and time perception, becomes less active. This reduction helps you focus more on the task and less on distractions or worries.
Increased dopamine levels: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, increases. This boost enhances motivation and creates a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Flow of neurotransmitters: Other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and endorphins also increase, contributing to a sense of heightened focus, energy, and well-being.

What do you feel in a flow state?

The state of being in the flow isn’t just about feeling deeply focused and engaged in an activity. Rather, the essence of flow is the removal of the interference of the thinking mind. For example, when Michael Jordan is in the zone, he isn’t thinking about how to pass the ball. If he were, it would disrupt his flow and he might not make that behind-the-back pass.

Flow means being fully absorbed in what you’re doing, with your awareness merging into the activity itself.

To better understand the characteristics of the flow state, Csikszentmihalyi has defined some elements that create the condition:

Clear goals in every step: You have a well-defined sense of what to do next, keeping you focused and on track.
Immediate feedback to one’s actions: While in flow, you receive instant feedback on your actions, allowing you to adjust and correct as needed.
Action and awareness are merged: Your actions feel automatic, and you’re fully immersed in the activity, with no separation between doing and perceiving.
Distractions are excluded from consciousness: You filter out irrelevant distractions, concentrating deeply on the task at hand.
There is no worry of failure: You’re focused on the process rather than fearing failure, leading to a more relaxed and confident mindset.
Self-consciousness disappears: As you’re fully absorbed in the activity without concern for how others perceive you, self-awareness fades.
Sense of time becomes distorted: Time may seem to speed up or slow down, reflecting deep immersion and focus.
The activity becomes an end in itself: You engage in the task for the pure enjoyment it provides, rather than for external rewards.

How flow state benefits your work life

Flow state enhances work performance

A ten-year study by McKinsey revealed that top CEOs are up to 500% more effective when they are in a flow state.

Indeed, the flow state helps people significantly boost their work performance compared to the normal state. However, the boost varies based on some factors, such as the difficulty of the task, personal preferences, individual skills, and the work environment.

Flow state increases job satisfaction

Positive experiences and a sense of fulfillment at work are among the key benefits that the flow state offers. When you reach this state, you are almost at the "peak" of happiness both physically and mentally. The more you work, the more you realize that your activities are meaningful and worth the investment of your time and effort.

Flow state improves work quality

When enhanced focus is combined with exceptional work experience, the flow state easily helps you improve the quality of your output. Your creativity, skills, and personal experience are continuously stimulated.

Flow state improves psychological and mental health

Scientifically speaking, when a person enters the flow state, areas of the brain associated with awareness and perception of the surroundings "switch off." Instead, areas related to intense focus and active engagement become highly active.

Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, anandamide, and endorphins are released, creating a feeling of exhilaration and a deep desire to immerse yourself in the current task.

How to achieve the flow state at work

It typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes of focused attention to enter the flow state, and once you're in it, it can last from 30 minutes to several hours. However, achieving the flow state multiple times in a day is entirely possible if you put yourself in the right conditions.

Here are five steps you can follow to achieve the flow state at work.

1. Set clear goals

Clear goals in your work serve as a driving force that helps you focus and take specific actions to accomplish tasks. You’ll stay concentrated on what needs to be done without getting distracted.

For instance, you might set a goal for the day to complete the overall marketing plan for Q4.

2. Identify the tasks that require focus

Starting off your work goals, you should create a list of tasks, prioritize them, and allocate appropriate time for each. With this plan in place, your work process will flow smoothly.

For example, to complete the overall marketing plan, you can list out and prioritize task by task, such as: conducting market and competitor research, performing a SWOT analysis of your company’s product, and setting marketing objectives to distribute to various departments (Content, Digital, Event, etc.).

3. Create a favorable work environment

To easily achieve the flow state, ensure that you are in a favorable work environment with everything you need at your fingertips: a comfortable workspace, a reasonable amount of time to complete tasks, and all the necessary tools. Most importantly, make sure that your body and mind are well-rested and energized for the work ahead.

4. Eliminate all distractions during work

Distractions are the primary obstacle to entering the flow state. To mitigate them, turn off all unnecessary notifications, set your phone and computer to silent mode, and minimize any potential distractions like noise, unexpected tasks, or casual conversations. A quiet and minimalist space is ideal for fully immersing yourself in the flow state.

5. Enjoy the rewards

Enjoy the feeling of achievement and joy from tackling a tough task. Even small wins can lift your motivation and create a positive mindset for your next challenges.

Tips to practice and maintain flow state daily

Once you've mastered the techniques for achieving the flow state, it's essential to maintain them regularly to form a daily habit.

Since the flow state can be achieved during any personal activity, you can start practicing with the most natural aspects of life, such as:

Do the things you love: Only tasks that you genuinely love and are passionate about will make you feel more enthusiastic and motivated to perform them.
Set appropriate challenges: Choose tasks that match your skills. Challenges within your ability boost excitement and help you enter the flow state more easily.
Practice meditation: Meditation is a simple and effective method to train your focus and calm your mind. When your mind is sufficiently quiet, entering a state where time and space fade away—leading you deep into the flow state—becomes much easier.
Improve physical health: To maintain the flow state, you need a healthy body and mind. A balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and avoiding harmful stimulants provide a strong foundation to keep you energized and ready to focus when necessary.
Remain consistent: Irregular practice won’t help you achieve the optimal flow state. Make it a regular habit, even if it’s just for 30 to 60 minutes a day.

Mastering focus in a world of distraction

In today’s multitasking era, discovering and integrating your flow state into daily life is essential. When you dive into your thoughts and shed distractions, you'll boost productivity and cultivate a more positive mindset. Enthusiasm and capability are strongly awakened, and you may unlock much of your untapped potential.