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Oh, this magical state of “flow”, when we are completely absorbed in our occupation and are so passionate about what is happening that we do not feel how time is running! Everyone around is talking about him, but it seems that experiencing the experience described by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihaly is not easy. Is it really?
In his 1990 book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described flow as a complete merging with one’s work, which brings inspiration and special joy. According to him, “the best moments usually happen when the body and mind are strained to the limit in an effort to achieve something difficult and valuable,” and in these moments we forget about everything in the world and completely dissolve in what is happening.
It would seem that today such a state is an inaccessible luxury: how can one completely and completely surrender to some process if we are constantly interrupted and distracted by children, pets, colleagues, households, notifications on the phone … But, it turns out, this is difficult, but not impossible, and there are several strategies to enter the stream.
1. Understand what time of day you are less likely to be distracted
Many people prefer to get up earlier than the household in order to enjoy peace and quiet in the morning. Determine what time relatives wake up and when colleagues start writing to you — it may turn out that you have time, say, until 9:30-10:00.
Or your parents are taking their grandchildren home on Sunday morning. Or the partner is busy on weekday evenings or goes to bed early. Analyze time slots and try to understand when you have the most energy and resources and when you are more likely to reach a state of flow.
2. Pick the best time to complete different tasks
Once you understand what time windows you have, schedule work in those windows that requires flow, such as creative or analytical work.
It may be that your work tasks are not conducive to flow. In this case, switch to a hobby: schedule in the allocated “slots” activities for the soul, something that brings you satisfaction. For example, having painted in the morning or sawing a beautiful cutting board, stock up on a good mood for the whole day.
3.Create yourself the necessary conditions
Of course, when we truly get into a state of flow, we can hardly be distracted, but still try to prepare the ground in advance. Turn off your phone or computer notifications, keep a bottle of water handy to keep your thirst at bay, and put a notepad on your desk to jot down thoughts that come up as you go. Pay special attention to work that can bring a state of flow: what you get as a result is important for your mental health.