Have you ever wondered why doing something creative is so good for you? Research has shown that one important reason is connected to “flow state”. You’ve probably also heard this described as being “in the zone”.
My first memory of experiencing flow state was during an art class I signed up to take shortly after the traumatic death of my dear dad. I was seeing a therapist, but still feeling sad and anxious. Time just seemed to move SO slowly and my mind was preoccupied with all that had happened around his death. John suggested that taking an art class might be good for me. And he was right…it was in this watercolor class that I became so absorbed in painting, enjoying myself, and able to escape my grief for a little while. It was such a gift and help in my healing.
In her blog, artist Eliza Todd describes some of the benefits of flow state:
✨ Enhanced creativity: Flow state unleashes your creative potential, allowing you to produce your best work and break through artistic barriers.
✨Increased productivity: Being "in the zone" helps you accomplish tasks more efficiently, making it a powerful ally in completing projects and overcoming obstacles.
✨Reduced stress and anxiety: Flow state encourages a sense of calm and well-being, helping you maintain a positive mindset during your creative journey.
✨Greater satisfaction: The deep engagement and enjoyment of flow state lead to a profound sense of fulfillment in your creative pursuits. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey, and transform your artistic (or whatever creative) endeavors into truly meaningful experiences.
Medical News Today suggests that it is not always possible to put yourself into a flow state: “Instead, it is more about creating the right circumstances for flow. A person can start by thinking about previous occasions when they entered a flow state and the factors that may have helped.” It’s important for us to take note of the type of task, the environment, and our mental state at the time, that help us enter flow. Other suggestions include allowing plenty of time, minimizing interruptions, practicing mindfulness, and making sure the task isn’t too boring or too challenging.
Can you remember the last time you experienced a flow state? What were you doing? Are you able to engage in this regularly? Reply in the comments…I’d love to hear about it!