{"id":9611,"date":"2022-03-01T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/?p=9611"},"modified":"2022-03-01T09:17:04","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T14:17:04","slug":"go-with-the-flow-how-to-find-your-flow-state-more-often","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/go-with-the-flow-how-to-find-your-flow-state-more-often\/","title":{"rendered":"Go with the Flow: How to Find Your \u201cFlow State\u201d More Often"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever been \u201cin the zone\u201d during a workout, wondered how four hours passed by while you were painting, or felt like your pen had a mind of its own, you\u2019ve experienced flow. It\u2019s a mental state that psychologists have studied for decades, trying to understand how to induce this positive and productive effect more regularly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At its core, flow simply means full immersion in an activity. You\u2019re fully absorbed by the task at hand, focused only on your own progress. When you\u2019re flowing, the present is the only time that exists. Many people experience it in their creative and athletic pursuits, but flow can also be achieved in the classroom, the workplace, the kitchen, and just about anywhere else! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of flow extend far beyond the enjoyment of your activity. People who frequently experience flow have been shown to have better emotional regulation, increased feelings of self-actualization, improved mood, more motivation, and higher skill development<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although flow is a special state of mind, there are steps you can take to help achieve and maintain it. Catching lightning in a bottle is easier than it sounds if you\u2019ve got the right approach! Here are six tips for finding your flow state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Reduce distractions  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because flow is all about focusing your attention, it\u2019s difficult to experience if your chosen activity is competing for attention with other things in your environment. So make dedicated time and space for you <\/em>time. For some people, that could be as involved as renting a studio art space. For others, it\u2019s as simple as remembering to turn your phone on silent while practicing yoga.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Avoid multitasking  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re totally engrossed in one single activity, that\u2019s flow. If you\u2019re trying to achieve a flow state while lifting weights, don\u2019t answer work emails in between sets. Don\u2019t try to write the next great American novel in the margins of your school notes. Don\u2019t do your daily meditation while you\u2019re cooking dinner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although multitasking is a valuable skill for workers, students, and parents everywhere, it\u2019s a no-go for flow. When you\u2019re preoccupied, you can\u2019t give your all to your interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Make time for creativity (even if you\u2019re a beginner) <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The realm of creative outlets is where many people report experiencing flow, because: <\/p>\n\n\n\n