581 - The Science of Flow
Tiny Leaps, Big Changes
English - August 10, 2020 23:37 - 13 minutes - 11 MB - ★★★★ - 853 ratingsMental Health Health & Fitness business marketing entrepreneur leadership entrepreneurship health finance career investing money Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
In this episode, we look at the state of flow, what it is, how it works, and how to take advantage of it.
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Part 1: What is Flow
Definition: An altered state of consciousness in which the mind functions at its peak, time may seem distorted, and a sense of happiness prevails. In such a state the individual feels truly alive and fully attentive to what is being done.
Part 2: What's Going On?
In an article for Psychology Today, Steven Kotler (the same steven kotler) writes:
"during flow, the brain releases an enormous cascade of neurochemistry. Large quantities of norepinephrine, dopamine, endorphins, anandamide, and serotonin flood our system. All are pleasure-inducing, performance-enhancing chemicals with considerable impacts on creativity. Both norepinephrine and dopamine amp up focus, boosting imaginative possibilities by helping us gather more information..."
Part 3: How to Get Into Flow
Let's look at the requirements for flow.
The first requirement would be a degree of skill in the activity. Flow as a state allows for quicker thinking, faster information process, and a more effortless feel. In order for these things to happen though you first need to be good at the task.
Another requirement is a distraction free environment. Some research has been done on this that states that being able to work distraction free for at least 10-15 minutes is required in order for your mind to get into the space that a flow state could be possible.
Optimize your body and mind. Having internal "distractions" like hunger, being tired, stressed...etc will make it harder to reach a state of flow as well.
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Resources Used:
https://time.com/56809/the-science-of-peak-human-performance/
https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/flow+state
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-playing-field/201402/flow-states-and-creativity
https://www.stevenkotler.com/book-pages/the-rise-of-super-man