The Creative Flow State and Its Connection to Creative Health
- Adilla
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
The idea of a flow state seems to be unachievable for creatives when, in truth, it’s actually easier than it looks. Flow state requires some bits of conditions to meet to ensure you step into that natural deep focus.
Table of Contents
What Is Creative Flow State?
The creative flow state, being in the zone or a deep sense of focus all mean one thing: a mental state where you are immersed in a creative activity. This state is what we call an optimised state of focus that enhances creativity and productivity.
Conditions That Support Creative Flow
Creative flow can be triggered naturally, but some conditions need to be met.
Happy Chemicals AKA Dopamine
Huberman, a neurobiology professor, states that dopamine helps fuel motivation. It acts like a propeller to get you going on a workday. So, by doing activities that help trigger that happy chemical naturally, getting into the zone gets easier.
It can be as simple as having a morning walk before work or playing a set of music albums that puts you in a happy mood.
Cognitive Load
According to this study, cognitive load plays a role in brainstorming creative ideas. A heavier cognitive load leads to reduced ideas. Hence, reducing that load can help you get into a better creative flow state. For example, breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable tasks and minimising distractions at your workspace.
External Conditions Match Our Internal Goals
Technically, if our work is aligned with our personal goal, we are more motivated and goal-directed. Thus, achieving becomes easier.
This was coined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, the father of flow state, where he noted that one of the key strategies to improve flow state is a positive external experience.
Challenges To Access Creative Flow Zone
Some challenges might be the reason why creatives struggle to get into flow.
Multitasking
Trying to reach efficiency through multitasking might cause you more harm than good. Constantly switching contexts, such as moving from writing articles to editing videos, can disrupt the natural flow of ideas and lead to the loss of initial thoughts.
Environmental Challenges
Your office, whether it's inside your home or in a proper office environment, can be the reason why you can't achieve your natural flow state. Notification sounds, colleague chatters or environmental noises beyond your control.
Poor Workflow
When nothing is properly organised outside your own personal workflow, it can disrupt your own creative focus. Inefficient feedback and review sessions, along with unclear roles and tasks, can all be factors that challenge the natural state of flow.
Understandably, creative work can be challenging to find structure in due to its flexible nature. However, utilising project management for creatives can give that sense of organisation without compromising their need for flexibility.
For example, TESSR is a creative project management software that understands the creative workflow of creative projects, where structure is placed where it is needed most.
Creative Flow and Mental Health
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
There’s something very calming when we reach into that creative focus area. Cortisol levels are lowered, thus reducing our stress levels and anxiety. It also helps bring you to the present, keeping your worries away even for a moment.
Boosts Mood
As dopamine is a required condition to reach deep focus, in turn, it helps you feel happier and content. Thus, improving your overall mood.
Enhances Performance
When focus is enhanced, it comes alongside your creative performance. Generating ideas gets easier, and total absorption towards your task brings better outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Creative flow state is essential to reaching that peak creative performance.
However, certain conditions need to be met to reach this creative flow state.
Some simple steps to increase the chance of ‘how to get into a creative flow state’:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is flow healthy for mental health?
Yes, generally, the creative flow state is healthy, as it helps with focus and productivity while boosting the feeling of fulfilment.
How long does a flow state last?
Flow state can vary for an individual. It can last from a few minutes to several hours. However, finding a balance between creative flow states can prevent burnout and fatigue.
What if I never feel the flow again?
It is important to understand that the flow state is not permanent, as it comes and goes depending on how you seek and set your flow state. If you are struggling to find that natural focus, address within yourself what is blocking you from letting you enter deep focus.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.