Have you ever felt like you were in a zen-like meditative state while working? Feeling entirely absorbed in an activity? No constraints of time —just pure, invigorating work driven by heightened awareness.

We talk a lot about the flow state here, after all, it’s the central focus of our proprietary product – The Crown. But one thing we don’t often talk about is how flow state is not just a state of focused attention, it’s actually the driving force behind humanity’s most significant feats. 

What Exactly is the Flow State?

Coined by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the 1960s, the term "flow" is explored in his book "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience." Within, he defines it as a state of intense focus that enhances productivity. 

Dr. Csikszentmihalyi's research revealed an intriguing discovery: the human mind finds its greatest contentment when actively pursuing a meaningful goal.

“The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.” Dr Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Author & Psychologist.

Flow of Human History

The flow state, which is a state of deep absorption and focused engagement, holds immense significance in the tapestry of human existence and history. It is in these states of flow that extraordinary (and ordinary) humans have unleashed their full creative potential to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Throughout history, individuals who have entered the flow state have forged art that transcends time, composed symphonies that stir the soul, and formulated scientific breakthroughs that reshape our understanding of ourselves and the universe. From ancient artisans mastering their crafts to the renaissance man pushing the boundaries of science and technology, the flow state has been an integral catalyst for human progress.

Mozart, for instance, composed some of his most famous symphonies in a state of intense concentration and inspiration. Painters like Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh produced some of their most iconic pieces during moments of creative absorption. Thomas Edison is known to have entered states of deep concentration while working on inventions like the phonograph and the incandescent light bulb. Steve Jobs also spoke about the importance of being in a state of flow while designing groundbreaking products like the iPhone.

And the list goes on…

It’s like there is an infinite source of energy that human beings can tap into, a wavelength or frequency that transcends limitations on our creative output.

This is why flow state is so important to my mission here at Neurosity, it’s about more than maximizing productivity and success (which is amazing in itself) – it’s about leaving a piece of history here that will enable even more innovators to make progressive discoveries.

So here are our 5 top tips on how to get into the flow state:

1. Select the right task: Achieving flow state requires finding the delicate balance between: the activity has to align with your skill level but also present a reasonable challenge. This is where the state of flow emerges from. Being in the zone is harder if the task is either excessively simple or overly challenging. So make it easier for yourself from the jump!

2. Establish your objective: Attaining a state of flow necessitates a well-defined ultimate goal. If you continually disrupt your work to contemplate what should come next, you'll struggle to feel flowy. It can be as simple as writing down your objective!

3. Eliminate distractions: This means abstaining from phone usage, refraining from multitasking, using only essential tools (such as closing unnecessary browser tabs or shutting down your laptop for non-digital work), and ensuring your physical needs like eating and resting are met.

4.Find Your Peak Time: Identify when you're most alert and focused during the day. Schedule your most challenging tasks during these periods to capitalize on your natural rhythms.

5. Take Breaks: Although it might seem counterintuitive, taking short breaks can actually help maintain flow. Breaks prevent burnout and provide a chance to recharge before diving back into focused work.

The Crown and Flow state

The Crown was designed with flow state in mind. Its synergy with our Neurosity app allows users to track their progress and assess their flow experiences over time. By analyzing these patterns, users can gain deeper insights into their cognitive rhythms and learn to optimize their conditions for achieving flow.

So there you have it…

Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between neurotech and human potential, we’re committed to empowering individuals to harness the power of their cognitive abilities and achieve states of optimal experience. 

Follow our 5 top tips and you can improve your flow.