Studies on the state of “flow ” have revealed that reaching this phase of maximum concentration is a significant factor in happiness. In the short term, flow generates positive emotions, while in the long term, it contributes to improving your existence and your development, such as learning a language.
Can you remember a time when you were so engrossed in something that everything else disappeared? You didn’t check your phone, you forgot your to-do list, you even forgot to eat for hours.
Studies have shown that achieving this “flow state” is a major contributor to happiness. In the short term, the flow state produces positive emotions, while the long-term benefits can help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.
So how do you find flow? The key is to find a balance between challenge and your skills. You need to find an activity that is stimulating enough to keep your brain active, but where you have skills that allow you to continually improve. If the task is too easy or too difficult, you won’t find your rhythm.
Choosing an activity that opens you up to new sensations, experiences, and positive emotions is also essential to finding your rhythm. If you want to encourage your flow, experts recommend overcoming the urge to stop at every mistake and focusing on the big goal with a smile!
Ready to find your flow? Try one of these five happiness-boosting activities!
Finding happiness in learning a language
Flow, as the name suggests, is about moving and challenging yourself, improving your skills, or enriching your way of thinking. And there is no better example of this than learning a foreign language. Whether you are an absolute beginner or a confirmed polyglot, continuous learning and practice will develop your knowledge and promote greater flow.
The multitude of language courses, books, podcasts, and apps available will not only allow you to naturally immerse yourself in this activity, but also to easily track your progress. And hearing glowing comments about your impressive language skills will give you pride and happiness!
To paint
Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life, you can imagine the thrill of seeing a painting come to life through your creativity. Start with a simple paint-by-numbers or print out your favorite travel photo and try to reproduce it on a large canvas.
Not only will this give you an optimal dose of happiness, but you’ll also gain a new piece of art to brighten up your walls.
Do yoga
Yoga deepens the connection to your body, but it can also remove the area of stress and tension that often blocks concentration.
Practiced regularly, yoga will not only increase your strength and flexibility but will also give you a feeling of happiness and calm throughout the day.
Learn to play a musical instrument
Much like languages, learning to play a musical instrument has long been associated with finding flow. Perhaps you’ll pick up an instrument you played in school, or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn guitar. Taking some time for yourself is the perfect opportunity to get started.
Running: effort in the service of attention
It’s no surprise that running is a great flow activity. The steady rhythm of your feet on the ground, the physical challenge, and the constant pushing of your limits are all key aspects of flow-producing activities.
Don’t worry if you feel sore after your first run. In fact, you’ll be surprised to find that with consistency, over time, this event will quickly turn into a positive and slightly addictive activity. The motivation to go for a run will become easier and easier; so will the pleasure and joy of running.
The Flow and the Feeling of Joy by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
It was the Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who first spoke about this experience linked to the satisfaction of the individual. He explains in his books dedicated to psychology the different concepts and theories on consciousness, psychology, the link between brain, performance, effort, and “positive psychology”. If you are interested in the concept of flow state, do not hesitate to read the different articles on the work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
Now that you know the secret and theory of the psychology of flow and happiness, it’s up to you to unleash this superpower! Go in search of experiences and activities that motivate, excite, and challenge you to fully experience this frenzy of happiness and satisfaction that the state of flow provides.