The previous article on the phenomenon of Flow focused on the principles underlying the emergence of this mental state (also known as flow). Part of the article also addressed the mental experiences associated with this state. This follow-up will focus on the physiological processes that the Flow state triggers in our bodies—and how it affects our cognitive functions.
As a reminder: the state of Flow usually arises in situations where we are performing a challenging activity that we have mastered. This phenomenon was first described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. When you “enter” a state of flow, you lose track of time and yourself, and experience a sense of detachment and energizing meaningfulness. Because states of flow have a beneficial effect on us, this theory belongs to the field of positive psychology.
The Impact of Flow on Brain Processes
If you ask an athlete after a performance during which they experienced Flow how they felt and what they were experiencing, they will most likely answer, “Actually, I don’t even know,” or “Nothing at all.” Many neurological studies have focused on this manifestation of the Flow state and have yielded remarkable results.
During Flow, several processes are at work in the brain. First and foremost, one part of the brain—the prefrontal cortex (the frontal part of the brain), which houses our rational consciousness and (to put it simply) our personality—slows down significantly. This process is also called hypofrontality.
During the Flow state, activity in another area of the brain—the amygdala—also decreases. The amygdala is responsible for feelings of fear and is typically active in situations we perceive as dangerous. During Flow, however, its activity is significantly reduced. This makes sense, because fears (such as the fear of failure) have no place in Flow—a person feels literally capable of anything.
The brain, having reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, can then devote its capacity to peak performance. Even an untrained person can then achieve a result that even a professional would be proud of.
Flow and Attention
During a state of flow, there is an enormous surge of concentration. However, this is not intentional attention, but rather automatic attention. In other words, during this activity, we do not pay attention to what we are doing or whether we are doing it correctly, but rather switch to a completely automated state of attention. This attention is focused solely on the activity itself, not on thinking about it.
In fact, if we start paying deliberate attention to a given activity, the entire magic of the flow moment vanishes like steam from a pot. We therefore only realize that we were in a state of flow after it has ended. However, when we see another person who is in a Flow state, we usually recognize it immediately.
How to Train Yourself to Enter a Flow State
It’s not that difficult to enter a state of flow. According to research, the most common activities with Flow potential are those we do every day—whether it’s driving a car or working. Contrary to expectations, we have a much better chance of experiencing Flow at work than during leisure activities. All it takes is for the work to have at least some meaningful and fulfilling content, and we’re halfway there.
Bobby Hoffman offers advice on how to do this in his book Hack Your Motivation. The main prerequisite is to avoid tasks that are stressful or boring. If we can’t avoid boredom, Hoffman advises simply “enhancing” the task—taking it to the next level. For example, by trying to complete a routine activity in a personal best time, taking on a greater share of responsibility for the task, or occasionally swapping tasks with a colleague to break the routine. If we repeat this “enhanced” activity often enough until it becomes automatic, we will most likely begin to experience the desired state of flow. However, once the task becomes too simple, it’s time to take the “enhancement” to the next level. It’s important to have some form of feedback—whether it’s a time metric or a tool for measuring work efficiency.
If, despite these efforts, you’re unable to induce a state of flow at work, there’s no need to despair. There are also opportunities for leisure activities or pleasant social interaction. It’s definitely worth cultivating states of flow—they usually lead to satisfaction, relaxation, and renewed energy, which fill us with happiness and pave the way for future Flow experiences.
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