How to enter flow state

Explore the defining features of being in a flow state, and get tips on how you can find flow in your daily life.

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Flow is more than just concentrating or paying attention; it's a unique mental state of effortless engagement. And those who more frequently experience flow report higher levels of positive emotions, creativity, and feelings of accomplishment. But what exactly is flow? And how can we find it in our daily lives? Explore steps you can take to increase your chances of finding flow.

Directed by Leah Putnam.

This video made possible in collaboration with Character Lab

A special thanks to David Melnikoff who provided information and insights for the development of this video.

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Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Jezabel, Abdullah Abdulaziz, Xiao Yu, Melissa Suarez, Brian A. Dunn, Francisco Amaya, Daisuke Goto, Matt Switzler, Peng, Tzu-Hsiang, Bethany Connor, Jeremy Shimanek, Mark Byers, Avinash Amarnath, Xuebicoco, Rayo, Po Foon Kwong, Boffin, Jesse Jurman, Scott Markley, Elija Peterson, Ovidiu Mrd, paul g mohney, Steven Razey, Nathan Giusti, Helen Lee, Anthony Benedict, Karthik Balsubramanian, Annastasshia Ames, Amy Lopez, Vinh-Thuy Nguyen, Liz Candee, Ugur Doga Sezgin, Karmi Nguyen, John C. Vesey, Yelena Baykova, Nick Johnson, Carlos H. Costa, Jennifer Kurkoski, Ryan B Harvey, Akinola Emmanuel, Jose Arcadio Valdes Franco, Sebastiaan Vleugels, Karl Laius, JY Kang, Abhishek Goel, Heidi Stolt, Nicole Sund, Karlee Finch, Mario Mejia and Denise A Pitts.

[zzzbreezy]

A state where people are so involved in an activity that nothing else matters. The experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at a great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.

[Pa_Thakur]

“Don’t wait for inspiration, it comes while one is working.”

[fernandomagallanesjr.]

Get into a flow:
1.) Do activities where u are intrinsically motivated.
2.) Do things u want to do
3.) Balance skill vs. challenging
4.) Have clear goals and allow to have assessments/feedback alonh the way
5.) Set a conducive environment
6.) Break tasks into smaller parts
7.) Set clear end goals
8.) Set additional parameters to up the stakes
9.) Dont focus on reaching flow entirely

[TheClanBlade]

The art style in this video is the stuff on nightmares

[serenity]

*watching a video on how to concentrate while procrastinating*

I'v done it... my final form.

[vidmaster]

One thing I noticed that might be considered flow, is when I’m given a task, complete it and go on to do tasks for others without them knowing cause I’m looking forward to the reaction. Nothing else matters, if I’m tired or hungry, and I have total focus on my goal. The minute I’m told to do something else or if I’m unappreciated, it all shatters and I’m done. 😂

[edgarfan]

This might be the creepiest animation I've ever seen in a TED-ed.

[smitpatel]

I have reached flowstate multiple times but I didn't knew until today that the feeling I was experiencing was a flow state feeling. Knowing this will help me enjoy that feeling more when I am in flow . Thanks

[MnJiman]

I am speechless that you guys did a video on the "flow state". Nicely done.

[aamnahere]

I believe different people reach this state of flow in different ways although there are common elements that are crucial for achieving it. Being passionate about something and enjoying it is crucial for me to be in the state where one is completely immersed in the activity. For me, reading is when I reach that state of flow. It challenges my mind but also relaxes me in ways that other activities don't. I also enjoy it tremendously. I am passionate about literature and reading so it's simultaneously challenging, enjoyable and comforting for me. Others might reach the same state while gardening, knitting, singing, running or playing an instrument.

[calihhan]

Normal people: flow.
ADHD: hold my beer

haunted by the work I had to finish until yesterday, I'm "flowing" in a totally different direction by learning a new skill on high speed.

[SBAS_ELITE]

The timer is a very effective way to improve productivity in some of us, thanks! I didn't realize at all!

[amantiwari]

I think I had entered flow state for a month during exams, at that time studying was effortless but still was confusing (I mean it was hard to decide what to study more and what less 😅)

And even after the exam I woke up earlier for 2-3 days for studying, but realised that it's over.

Many people would say that was fear but I don't feel that it was, I was really motivated at that time

P.S. thanks for 100 likes one thing I wanted to say that during that period I regularly studied all night slept at 6am and woke up at 10-11 am and I did it because I felt like I have to learn as much as I can.

[keshi]

I feel exactly this way when I write poetry. Nothing can cause me disturbance while doing so. You could be screaming in front of me, and I'd not even flinch. I love it

[aastha]

I have been researching on this topic for the past week and ted decided to upload exactly the video I was looking for ! This must be a sign from the universe .

[cinemartin]

In fact, this is a wonderful feeling that fills our lives with meaning and a sense of self-satisfaction. This video was very relevant to me as I have been having a very hard time achieving said "flow" lately. I would like to know more about how to achieve it, but nevertheless it was interesting to learn more about this state. Thank you.😉

[EvanFernandoMartinezAvals]

Watching this video makes me realize why I sometimes feel so in the zone during certain classes or activities. Understanding 'flow' gives me a new perspective on how to approach my studies and hobbies.

[JLmedia-hpattern]

As someone who was diagnosed later in life with ADHD I didn’t understand my constant obsession with new hobbies many of which revolved around action sports such as downhill mountain biking or car racing, the actual hobby itself didn’t matter I was chasing flow. It wasn’t until I began a meditation practice and tried psychedelics that I had prolonged ego death, it felt familiar but I still didn’t make the connection to the selflessness experienced in flow. Although I improved the frequency I can enter into flow states and consider them to be up there with the most pleasurable experiences I’ve had I try not to chase the dragon and do my best to ease into with as little thought as possible. I recently won our car club championship and will give a speech at the presentation night and have been wanting to speak about flow states as I feel I did not really contribute much to winning the championship as I felt most of my best performance was entirely in flow and I was just the witness.

[susannaalexanyan]

I have personally experienced being in a flow state while drawing several times. When I enter my cozy art studio, sometimes I don't notice how fast the time flies, and for several hours, I experience the magic of art and being in a flow state. In my opinion, creative tasks can take us to a completely different level of flow state deep in our consciousness.

[nehatak]

Me sitting in front of laptop struggling with focusing on work.... Suddenly got notification of this video.... Universe is watching me.... 😅😂