How to Achieve Flow State & Get Out of Your Own Way

What Is Flow State? The Psychology of Peak Performance

Flow state, as described by neuroscientist Dr. Judson Brewer MD, PhD, is a mental state of complete absorption where time, self-consciousness, and distractions fade away. This phenomenon occurs during activities like:

• Extreme sports (like mountain biking)
• Creative work
• Deep meditation
• Musical performance

The Science Behind Flow State

Research shows that during flow:

1. The prefrontal cortex (responsible for self-judgment) quiets down
2. Brain waves synchronize for optimal performance
3. Neurochemicals like dopamine and endorphins flood the system

Why We Struggle to Stay in Flow

Harvard studies reveal that humans spend 50% of waking hours either:

• Regretting the past
• Worrying about the future
• Daydreaming (which brings no more happiness than the present moment)

How Self-Referential Thinking Blocks Flow

Common mental blocks include:

• "Am I doing this right?"
• "What will people think?"
• "I need to check my phone"

3 Ways to Cultivate More Flow in Daily Life

1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

• Trains the brain to notice thoughts without getting caught in them
• Builds present-moment awareness
• Reduces default mode network activity (the "overthinking" circuit)

2. Design Flow-Promoting Activities

• Choose challenges that match your skill level (not too easy, not too hard)
• Eliminate distractions (put phones on airplane mode)
• Set clear goals for each session

3. Recognize Early Warning Signs

Physical cues that you're leaving flow:

• Muscle tension
• Shallow breathing
• Racing thoughts

The Life-Changing Benefits of Flow

Regular flow state experiences lead to:

✔ Increased happiness and life satisfaction
✔ Higher performance at work and hobbies
✔ Greater creativity and problem-solving ability
✔ Reduced stress and anxiety

"Reality is so much more delicious than our concepts of it." — Dr. Judson Brewer

Start Your Flow Journey Today

You don't need special equipment or training to begin. Next time you're engaged in an activity:

1. Notice when self-doubt arises
2. Gently return focus to the task
3. Trust the process

Remember: You're already awesome—you just need to get out of your own way.