Written by Ahmed Ahmed
What is the state of flow?
Have you ever felt that you are being unproductive and that procrastination is ruining your ability to achieve goals? Then on some days, you feel that you can achieve anything and that your productivity levels have increased drastically as you are ‘in the zone”? This is the state of flow as stated by psychologists. The state of flow is not just activated during work or assignments, it can be achieved during reading, spending time with others or doing one single task where you seem to be really focused. The state of flow provides a person with the ability to be heavily involved and fully engaged in the task at hand, which can be concluded as the state of “optimal experience”. The theory behind the state of flow was first brought up in the book ‘Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’ by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
How can flow be achieved?
Take care of yourself: this could mean having a good meal before trying to achieve the state of flow, and being well rested. The foods that should be eaten should be healthy and fulfilling such as nuts, fruits or vegetables. Furthermore, being well rested will allow longer periods of flow and concentration.
Avoid distractions and be present: being distracted will prevent you from achieving flow as it destroys focus and draws your attention to other things. This also means that multitasking should be avoided. To improve this, create a study space, and schedule your tasks. Avoid using your phone and move it away from your study space. Always be present with your surroundings as sometimes, deep states of flow will not allow you to focus on your surroundings. All of this can be improved through different study techniques. One common study method is the Pomodoro method which consists of 25 minute blocks of studying followed by a 5 minute break that should be used to relax, avoiding screen time.
Set goals with feedback: setting goals is very important for any task that is being performed as it allows you to know exactly what you are trying to achieve. These goals need to be rewarding or for desire as this will provide motivation to enter the state of flow. When the goals are being met this will provide a feeling of progression. This feeling of small successes throughout a task will provide a push to keep moving and continuing with the state of flow.
Best times to achieve flow as a student
In class during work periods
While studying and doing homework
During tests and exams
Work
Daily tasks
Athletics
Free time
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