Experience flow and find activities to get in the zone

Sometimes all people need are a few moments that redeem and nullify all other stressors in life. These moments come from hobbies or any activity for that matter. A powerful predictor of happiness and well-being is experiencing the “Flow State.” It’s the mental zone where people are one with activity and deeply involved in it.

The flow state is characterized by intense concentration, loss of time, moderate challenge, satisfaction, and a deep connection with yourself and an activity you are performing. In most scenarios, people get in the zone when motivation emerges from within and external rewards mean nothing. The activity is itself a reward. Distractions mean nothing too. In Flow, we are one with the activity.

Researchers describe a personality type called The Autotelic Personality which is linked to frequently experiencing flow. Autotelic people are self-motivated and do certain activities for themselves because it brings them immense joy.

This rewarding activity that puts you in a flow state is biochemical in nature: neural excitation in pathways that involve endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin; resulting in ‘feeling good.’ Experiencing flow correlates with a number of desirable mood states: satisfaction, frequent pleasure, joy, etc. All of those make your life conducive to happiness.

How to increase your chances of experiencing flow?

1. Find an activity you are motivated to do
2. Make it challenging
3. Gain competence
4. Continue doing it as long as you find it meaningful, rewarding, pleasurable, and valuable
5. Use these steps to become Autotelic