What is Flow state?
This term is new to me. I read that it refers to being occupied in an activity that is challenging but doable and engaging. You enjoy the activity so much that you are fully immersed in it. You are completely involved and focused on what you are doing. You are living in the moment, you don’t notice the passing of time. You are quite skilled in this activity, and you stretch your skills, so that your skills in this area improve. As your skill levels increase, you continue to adjust the level of challenge. You do it for internal rewards. Activities that put you in the flow state make you happy.
Activities that put you in the Flow State
These activities tend to be associated with creative tasks. Some examples are painting, drawing, writing, dancing, playing musical instruments, athletic activities like skiing and gymnastics, cooking. There are many more, each person discovers for himself what activity puts him in the flow state. Of course, not everyone who undertakes such activities are in the flow state. You may not enjoy the activity at all. Children forced to take piano lessons are good examples.
It also does not mean that you have reached perfection when you are in your flow state. What it means is that your enjoyment helps you to persist and you get better from repeated practice. This flow state increases levels of happiness, satisfaction and self actualisation. And you will keep seeking new challenges to maintain this state.
If you watch jazz musicians like Jeremy Monteiro, you can tell he is in his flow state. Jazz musicians improvise as they go along, enjoying themselves.
One of my grand daughters is in competitive gymnastics, not just recreational gymnastics. I could not understand why, but having discovered the concept of flow state, I now understand her determination to spend hours upon hours each week going for gymnastics training.
Dopamine Release
Activities that put you in the flow state give rise to dopamine release, which is the hormone for feeling pleasure, satisfaction and motivation and a feeling of well being.
Social Media
Many people spend hours scrolling through social media platforms. This is not your flow state. This is junk food, numbing your sensibilities. Your creative juices do not flow. Bingeing on social media or Netflix does not put you in the flow state or make you happy.
What Activities put you in the Flow State?
I have discovered my flow state. It is writing. Words flow easily and quickly. What is yours? When you discover your flow state, you will be happier.
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
