Flow

When was the last time you got completely lost in a task you were doing?

The kind of thing where you look up, and you’re surprised to see how much time has passed?

This is what I want to tell you about for this week’s Mental Sunshine.

I don’t mean getting lost in thought as you anxiously over-think something.

I mean doing something you enjoy and can easily spend hours on.

Getting into that sort of flow state where you’re focusing so much on what you’re doing, the rest of the world ceases to exist.

Some people have this when they write or draw.

For others, it’s dancing or singing.

When we are in a flow state, our stress levels lower, and we think less.

Being in a flow state regularly can improve our focus and even boost our confidence.

It can also reduce stress and anxiety, improving our emotional regulation.

If you’re able to spend a couple of hours in that flow state, it can feel like your brain has had a holiday from daily life.

So it’s worth doing!

Flow state is not the same for everyone.

If you’re struggling to think of an activity where you access a flow state, think back to when you were a child - what could you do for hours on end?

Experiment with different activities, until you find the thing that’s right for you - and then make sure you add it to your schedule so that you can begin to feel the benefits!