Flow state: what it is and how to achieve it

The flow state is characterized by complete focus, a sense of freedom and self-confidence. You are completely immersed in tasks, not noticing what is happening around.

Flow state is the feeling of maximum productivity when you are fully focused on a task. Surely you have been in this state more than once, for example, playing computer games, flipping through product pages in online stores, or discussing your favorite hobby with a friend. Then you were at the peak of your effectiveness involuntarily, without affecting your feelings in any way. However, there are several ways to artificially enter the flow and increase your performance.

The secret to getting into the flow state is getting the right amount of external and internal stimuli. When we lack motivation, we feel apathy and unwillingness to do anything. When its amount rolls over, we become wound up and irritable. In both cases, it is difficult to concentrate on work and be as efficient as possible.

How to get into the flow state if you are stressed?

If everything around you annoys you, every little thing makes you angry, there are a lot of thoughts in your head, you feel overwhelmed and breathe often – these are signs of stress. To reduce stress, try one of the following:

1. Take a rest break. It takes 10 minutes to fully reboot. At this time, you can do meditation or take a walk in the fresh air.
2. Use breathing practices. Relax, inhale slowly, then exhale. Repeat several times.
3. If you’re worried about whether you can handle a particular task, try splitting it up into multiple parts. This will create a plan and relieve stress.
4. Clear your brain of thoughts. In life, you have to solve a lot of problems. Sometimes they make it hard for us to focus on a particular task. A piece of paper and a pen will help unload the brain. Just write down the questions you can’t find answers to.
5. Take a shower. Water will help relieve fatigue and relax.

How to get into the flow state if you are depressed?

If you feel tired, bored and indifferent, although you have a lot of work to do, you want to eat something, then try the following steps:

1. Think about how you will feel when you complete the task. What happens if you miss the deadline. Match pain with pleasure.
2. Play some music. There are many compilations of songs on the Internet that will help you focus on work.
3. Have a snack, drink some water/coffee, take a walk outside.
4. Try multitasking for 20 minutes to get you going. Call someone, write a letter, then return to the main task.

Summarize: In order to be in the flow more often, you need to learn to observe your body, thoughts, feelings and apply one of the reboot methods in time. If you want to learn more about the resource state, how to increase personal efficiency and always be in good shape, then watch the free webinar “Fundamentals of the leader’s resource state”. You will learn how to quickly restore your strength after stressful loads and transform irritability into the ability to achieve your goals.