States of – “FLOW”

That’s called the state of flow or FLOW, moments where we are completely immersed in an activity.

Flow states are characterized by moments where we experience total focus on what we are doing, moments where we have a different perception of time and at the same time, we are fully attentive to the things we are doing. Also, these are moments where we don’t allow distractions, in other words, we are so immersed in our activity that distractions don’t exist, and the best part is that these are moments where we perceive a sense of complete fulfillment, and scientifically proven, the brain registers that we perceive happiness.

Neuroscience has discovered that when we are in a state of flow, hormones like norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins are released more than with any other activity. These help create brain waves and activation of the neocortex, which creates faster learning, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and judgment, shuts down, making room for greater creativity, and that’s why the sense of time is lost. The ideal neurological conditions are generated for maximum concentration and extraordinary performance, opening up spaces for problem-solving, increased productivity, and a sense of full satisfaction, something we surely want for ourselves and our collaborators or work teams.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist of Hungarian origin, has stood out for his studies on flow states, and he explains that when a person combines their maximum level of skill with great challenges, flow states are achieved.

We can reach flow states at work or in complementary activities, and a recommendation is to encourage leisure activities related to music, dance, art, so that people experience what it is to reach flow states, and then apply them to our work life.

Part of wellness programs in companies should be related to promoting and encouraging activities of “good quality leisure” (Mateo Jaramillo – Mattelsa), where people can easily enter flow states, understand how they are lived, and the positive sensations they provoke, to know how to bring them into the workplace.

Wellness in companies should not be limited only to health weeks, ophthalmological or musculoskeletal reviews, and talks about nutrition. It must be a comprehensive package that involves activities where mental health is the main objective.

FLOW seminars and workshops available at Maka Wellness.