Many people try to increase productivity by using different methods, but something that works for them is the so-called state of flow.
By achieving this psychological state, you can be more productive and achieve more in less time. The good news is that everyone can do it. Here's what you need to know.
State of Flow: Explained
The state of flow is a powerful mental situation in which one is highly productive, accompanied by a sense of complete focus. You don't have to force yourself to continue working hard, and you won't struggle to continue working. Everything just flows automatically. Hence the name.
This is linked to the study, which observed that the best moments in people's lives are not the relaxing, receptive, or passive times. In fact, the best moments are when the mind and body are voluntarily challenged to the limit to accomplish something interesting and worthwhile.
You might also know this psychological state by other names. Other people call it being in the zone, flow state, or flow. No matter how you call it, the benefits are always the same.
However, contrary to what most people might think, entering the state of flow does not happen by accident or mere chance. Achieving a state of flow in any area of your life requires practice and effort from anyone.
Fortunately, anyone can do it. There are many ways and tips you can follow to enter the state of flow.
Where Can You Use the State of Flow
The best part is that you can use it in many different aspects of your life, whether that's work, sports, or even when you're playing games.
The State of Flow in Sports
The state of flow undoubtedly correlates with various attributes in sports, such as athletics. These attributes include focus, perception, self-motivation, and the ability to apply psychological skills to complete a task.
Additionally, studies show that the state of flow is affected both positively and negatively by confidence and anxiety. Additionally, athletes cite motivation to perform, physical readiness, preparation, focus, and confidence as factors influencing their ability to experience flow during competition.
However, it has been confirmed that when athletes enter the state of flow, they are likely to perform better because of increased concentration and focus on the task at hand.
Flow State and Video Games
Most gamers agree that video games themselves allow them to enter a state of total relaxation, which is one of the easiest ways for them to reach a state of flow.
This means that flow state is an important factor in video games, and gamers can improve their skills by concentrating fully. The best way to use the state flow in video games is to minimize visual distractions, select the best soundtrack, enforce time limits, and create multiple levels.
Using the Flow State When Studying
When learning, students find it easier to achieve certain goals when balancing the task they need to accomplish with a reward, similar to what you can do when gaming.
As a student, you can enter the state flow when you are working toward an objective, which may take a few hours. This helps any student keep self-control, be involved in the task, and be interested in achieving their goal.
Furthermore, the student also needs support in the form of feedback and the confidence required in accomplishing the task and achieving their goal. Due to this, students who are immersed in the state of flow can better concentrate on their tasks and overcome anxiety, effectively motivating them to complete them.
State of Flow While Working
The benefits of the state of flow can be related to increased performance in any work you do since it makes people enjoy whatever task they are doing.
When a sense of absorption is generated at work, you start to feel engaged with what you do, leading to a complete focus on what they're doing.
As a result, anyone can achieve an optimal physical and cognitive performance when you become one with the action you're doing, which fuels their ultimate professional achievement.
Additionally, an engagement with work, created from the flow state, contributes to the overall organizational growth and a feeling of fulfillment reflected in all other personal endeavors.
The Tips to Enter the State of Flow
Now that you know more about it, here are some tips you can follow to enter a state of flow. However, keep in mind that these tips require practice and constant repetition, so don't expect to get in the zone every time at first.
Still, if you put some effort into it and practice it regularly, you can enter the state of flow by doing the following.
Eliminating All Distractions
You need to get rid of any distractions in your surroundings. Turning Do Not Disturb on your phone and staying away from people and things that you know will distract you is the best way to enter the flow state and become more productive.
Working at Your Biological Peak Time (BPT)
Each person's productivity differs based on their time of day. Some people are more productive in the morning, while you might enjoy working late at night. The key is to find the best time of the day to work for you and take advantage of it.
Listening to the Right Music
Another great tip is to use a pair of noise-canceling headphones and put some music on. However, it needs to be the right music. Try to use a playlist with ambient or wordless sounds.
Some people recommend using the same playlist, so your brain knows that it's time to work when you hear that playlist. Some people go as far as listening to the same song on repeat to avoid any distractions.
Do a Single Task at a Time
Despite our desire to think otherwise, humans cannot multitask. To be immersed and in a flow state, you must focus on a single task. As an example, if you're writing an essay, don't worry about editing until after you've finished writing.
Get Your Tasks Done With the State of Flow
Knowing a little bit more about the flow state, now it's your turn to learn how to maximize your productivity no matter what you're doing.
Remember that everyone's work style is different. What works for your friends or family may not necessarily work for you. It takes practice for you to be able to achieve the flow state. Start by using a To-Do list and working on a single task at a time with little to no distractions.