Flow State: Why it Matters and How to Access it
Creating brings me a lot of joy. And painting is no exception to this. The greatest amount of joy I can experience, however, happens when I enter “the zone.” The zone, also known as “flow state” is a mental state where you are fully immersed in an activity, feeling focused, energized, and enjoying a deep sense of concentration. Reaching this state can greatly enhance your productivity and creativity…and some of my best work comes when I can enter this state.
Whether you’re a creative professional or not, you can benefit from accessing a flow state. The good news is that you can achieve this state through a variety of activities…not just by creating. Yes, that means that your financial spreadsheet might actually give you an opportunity to achieve a state of flow.
For me, the benefits I’ve found from achieving a state of flow include:
Enhanced Productivity: When I’m fully immersed in a task, I find that I’m more efficient and can accomplish more in less time.
Improved Focus: I am able to reach a great level of focus and concentration.
Creativity and Innovation: My mind is more open to new ideas and solutions, making it easier to come up with innovative solutions to problems.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: I can feel a sense of control and a lack of self-consciousness, thus reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Increased Satisfaction, Happiness and Self-Esteem: I feel deeply satisfied and happy while in a flow state and this sense of fulfillment has a positive impact on my overall well-being. Additionally, I find that my self-esteem and confidence get a bit of a boost, as well, as I see the fruits of my labor unfold.
Greater Motivation: I find that it motivates me to want to get better and learn more, which means that I will continue to improve at my artwork.
The benefits listed can vary from person to person and activity to activity. Even when I paint, I don’t always enter a state of flow. I wish I did, because I can see a huge difference in my attitude and the outcome of my effort. As a result, I’ve been committed to finding ways that increase the likelihood that I can achieve flow state when I work.
Here are some of the things I find most helpful:
Remove distractions: Minimize interruptions and distractions as much as possible. So yes, you should turn off notifications on your phone, close your browser and tabs on your computer, and create a quiet workspace. I typically put my phone and computer on focus mode, which means I won’t be distracted by texts, phone calls or pop ups, so I’m free to focus on what I’m working on.
Create the Optimal Environment: For me, playing the right type of music that matches my mood and the work I’m doing is important. It dulls other disruptive noise but also allows me to engage in a multi-sensory experience. I also believe working in the right temperature and level of light is important. As well as, a clutter free space (which admittedly is a challenge for me).
Block off the Time: Avoid limiting time on your activity to too short of a duration, as you may find you don’t have enough time to enter flow state or to stay in it long enough to fully benefit. I find that if I paint, I need to make sure I have a minimum of 1.5 hours to have the opportunity to access flow state for long enough to feel the benefit.
Enjoy the process: Try to enjoy the activity itself, rather than focusing solely on the end result. When you're deeply engaged in the process, it's easier to enter a flow state.
Have you been able to achieve flow state? What are your tips to get there and stay in it? Share in the comments below.