Your New Super Power
In neuroscience, there is a new super power. It is the concept of ‘flow’ and is currently all the rage. Flow describes a specific mental state that allows us to focus intensely on a single task or subject matter. In this state, time will actually appear to slow around us, giving us more time to react and improving our performance significantly. We become faster at solving problems and reacting and we can completely block out all distracting thoughts and temptations. So, what is this ‘flow’ exactly and how does it come about?
What is Flow
Flow is a certain mental state in much the same way that the ‘fight or flight’ puts us into a particular state of mind. Fight or flight makes us more panicked and distracted whereas flow is calm, heightened focus and positive. When the body detects that it is in danger it will produce chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and cortisol. These increase the heart rate, contract the muscles and generally make us more highly alert and ready for action.
The difference is that a flow state also produces serotonin (the feel good hormone) and anandamide (the ‘bliss’ hormone). This makes the sensation far more euphoric and also makes us more creatively inclined. Examples of “flow” are those times when you’re performing in a band and you become ‘one with the music’. When you’re engaged and in the state of flow you are able to create and access the best of your mental or artistic capabilities when completing a task or project. Leveraging this ability can become your new super power when it comes to performing at your best and enhancing multiple areas of your life.
How to Access Flow
So how do you access this incredible mental state and find your flow? The answer is you have to remind yourself why what you’re doing is important, be present and to fully engage in that moment. Only then can you tap into your flow! Tapping into your flow requires you to focus 100% on what you’re doing by building up its importance in your mind.
Life coaching can help you learn to improve your ability to access flow and create positive changes in your life as you harness this new power habit.
To learn more about life coaching go to https://melindacoaching.com/
