What is Flow State and How Can I Get More Focused?
Let’s dive into today’s topic: have you ever felt completely lost in a task, so absorbed in what you were doing that you lost track of time?
Productivity
Productivity
Productivity
Jun 5, 2025
6 min
If so, you’ve probably experienced what’s commonly known as a flow state.
Flow: Definition and Neuroscience
This image, to me, represents the greatest comeback in French sports history.
Even knowing the outcome, it always feels like she’s not going to make it. A flawless 400 meters. Floria Gueï’s masterpiece.
On August 17, 2014, Floria was “in the zone.”
After the race, she described her feelings as follows: “I was just focused and clear-headed.”
“What struck me was my clarity of details. The closer I got to my opponents, the more I saw their weaknesses.”
“The zone” is another name for this mental state called flow, a term coined in 1975. American-Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (let’s call him MC from now on, for obvious reasons) coined the term.
Throughout his career, he studied thousands of people, including musicians, athletes, and artists, to decode moments of peak performance. A common theme: they all described these experiences as if carried by the current of a river.
Each idea, each action, each decision seemed to flow effortlessly from the previous one.
These moments are marked by an intense focus, complete engagement, and satisfaction with the activity.
Time distorts, and we lose track of it. The term “flow” is phenomenological: it describes the feeling it evokes. It’s like having a Mario Kart star power-up.
Although initially associated with artistic or athletic activities, flow isn’t limited to them.
You’ve probably experienced it at least once while working, though it requires specific conditions (we’ll come back to that later).
After years of study, MC highlighted eight factors that contribute to the flow state:
Complete focus on the task
Clear goals
Loss of time perception
Intrinsic reward
Effortless execution
Balance between challenge and skill
Loss of self-consciousness
Sense of control over the task
These factors suggest that neurological activity changes when flow kicks in.
But what actually happens in the brain?
The common intuition is that brain activity intensifies. Surprisingly, you’re not using more of your brain but actually less. This is known as transient hypofrontality (Kamoulox).
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term thinking and planning, shuts down.
In exchange, the brain recovers the energy needed to focus entirely on the present. It eliminates unnecessary resources.
This explains the sense of time distortion in flow: the prefrontal cortex manages our perception of time. In neurochemistry, flow is the only state where five neurotransmitters are released simultaneously:
Norepinephrine - Dopamine - Endorphins - Serotonin - Anandamide
Each of these “Fantastic Five” plays a unique role.
Here’s a quick summary:
Norepinephrine sharpens concentration (acquisition of new data)
Dopamine enhances cognitive pattern recognition (data processing)
Endorphins and serotonin help manage stress and maintain calm throughout the process
Anandamide accelerates “lateral thinking” (helps retain new information longer and create associations)
A potent cocktail.
Flow: A Rich and Valuable Experience
According to MC and Steven Kotler, the other flow guru, this state is fundamental to human existence. Kotler defines it as the “source code” for optimal performance and well-being.
It’s a rich experience that gives meaning to your efforts. This psychological state seems to be the holy grail.
Here are some scientifically-backed benefits:
#1 - An incredible productivity boost
Studies by Steven Kotler indicate that being in flow can boost productivity by 400% to 500%.
You’re at the peak of your potential, giving your absolute best.
Flow enhances creativity, complex problem-solving abilities, and task efficiency. It’s a productive trance and a fascinating competitive advantage. You accomplish more meaningful work in less time.
#2 - A motivation boost
Flow provides intrinsic motivation and a deep sense of pleasure in the activity itself, leading to sustained engagement and a desire to continue. It’s a positive feedback loop: it generates a sense of accomplishment you’re proud of in retrospect.
#3 - Accelerated learning
Flow promotes the development of new cognitive associations, making it easier to absorb and integrate new information.
#4 - A positive emotional state
Flow brings joy and fulfillment. Being fully immersed in a stimulating and meaningful activity generates a sense of accomplishment and natural euphoria.
In short, achieving a flow state allows extraordinary levels of performance, memory, creativity, and happiness. This all sounds great, but it’s a rare Pokémon.
If so, you’ve probably experienced what’s commonly known as a flow state.
Flow: Definition and Neuroscience
This image, to me, represents the greatest comeback in French sports history.
Even knowing the outcome, it always feels like she’s not going to make it. A flawless 400 meters. Floria Gueï’s masterpiece.
On August 17, 2014, Floria was “in the zone.”
After the race, she described her feelings as follows: “I was just focused and clear-headed.”
“What struck me was my clarity of details. The closer I got to my opponents, the more I saw their weaknesses.”
“The zone” is another name for this mental state called flow, a term coined in 1975. American-Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (let’s call him MC from now on, for obvious reasons) coined the term.
Throughout his career, he studied thousands of people, including musicians, athletes, and artists, to decode moments of peak performance. A common theme: they all described these experiences as if carried by the current of a river.
Each idea, each action, each decision seemed to flow effortlessly from the previous one.
These moments are marked by an intense focus, complete engagement, and satisfaction with the activity.
Time distorts, and we lose track of it. The term “flow” is phenomenological: it describes the feeling it evokes. It’s like having a Mario Kart star power-up.
Although initially associated with artistic or athletic activities, flow isn’t limited to them.
You’ve probably experienced it at least once while working, though it requires specific conditions (we’ll come back to that later).
After years of study, MC highlighted eight factors that contribute to the flow state:
Complete focus on the task
Clear goals
Loss of time perception
Intrinsic reward
Effortless execution
Balance between challenge and skill
Loss of self-consciousness
Sense of control over the task
These factors suggest that neurological activity changes when flow kicks in.
But what actually happens in the brain?
The common intuition is that brain activity intensifies. Surprisingly, you’re not using more of your brain but actually less. This is known as transient hypofrontality (Kamoulox).
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term thinking and planning, shuts down.
In exchange, the brain recovers the energy needed to focus entirely on the present. It eliminates unnecessary resources.
This explains the sense of time distortion in flow: the prefrontal cortex manages our perception of time. In neurochemistry, flow is the only state where five neurotransmitters are released simultaneously:
Norepinephrine - Dopamine - Endorphins - Serotonin - Anandamide
Each of these “Fantastic Five” plays a unique role.
Here’s a quick summary:
Norepinephrine sharpens concentration (acquisition of new data)
Dopamine enhances cognitive pattern recognition (data processing)
Endorphins and serotonin help manage stress and maintain calm throughout the process
Anandamide accelerates “lateral thinking” (helps retain new information longer and create associations)
A potent cocktail.
Flow: A Rich and Valuable Experience
According to MC and Steven Kotler, the other flow guru, this state is fundamental to human existence. Kotler defines it as the “source code” for optimal performance and well-being.
It’s a rich experience that gives meaning to your efforts. This psychological state seems to be the holy grail.
Here are some scientifically-backed benefits:
#1 - An incredible productivity boost
Studies by Steven Kotler indicate that being in flow can boost productivity by 400% to 500%.
You’re at the peak of your potential, giving your absolute best.
Flow enhances creativity, complex problem-solving abilities, and task efficiency. It’s a productive trance and a fascinating competitive advantage. You accomplish more meaningful work in less time.
#2 - A motivation boost
Flow provides intrinsic motivation and a deep sense of pleasure in the activity itself, leading to sustained engagement and a desire to continue. It’s a positive feedback loop: it generates a sense of accomplishment you’re proud of in retrospect.
#3 - Accelerated learning
Flow promotes the development of new cognitive associations, making it easier to absorb and integrate new information.
#4 - A positive emotional state
Flow brings joy and fulfillment. Being fully immersed in a stimulating and meaningful activity generates a sense of accomplishment and natural euphoria.
In short, achieving a flow state allows extraordinary levels of performance, memory, creativity, and happiness. This all sounds great, but it’s a rare Pokémon.
If so, you’ve probably experienced what’s commonly known as a flow state.
Flow: Definition and Neuroscience
This image, to me, represents the greatest comeback in French sports history.
Even knowing the outcome, it always feels like she’s not going to make it. A flawless 400 meters. Floria Gueï’s masterpiece.
On August 17, 2014, Floria was “in the zone.”
After the race, she described her feelings as follows: “I was just focused and clear-headed.”
“What struck me was my clarity of details. The closer I got to my opponents, the more I saw their weaknesses.”
“The zone” is another name for this mental state called flow, a term coined in 1975. American-Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (let’s call him MC from now on, for obvious reasons) coined the term.
Throughout his career, he studied thousands of people, including musicians, athletes, and artists, to decode moments of peak performance. A common theme: they all described these experiences as if carried by the current of a river.
Each idea, each action, each decision seemed to flow effortlessly from the previous one.
These moments are marked by an intense focus, complete engagement, and satisfaction with the activity.
Time distorts, and we lose track of it. The term “flow” is phenomenological: it describes the feeling it evokes. It’s like having a Mario Kart star power-up.
Although initially associated with artistic or athletic activities, flow isn’t limited to them.
You’ve probably experienced it at least once while working, though it requires specific conditions (we’ll come back to that later).
After years of study, MC highlighted eight factors that contribute to the flow state:
Complete focus on the task
Clear goals
Loss of time perception
Intrinsic reward
Effortless execution
Balance between challenge and skill
Loss of self-consciousness
Sense of control over the task
These factors suggest that neurological activity changes when flow kicks in.
But what actually happens in the brain?
The common intuition is that brain activity intensifies. Surprisingly, you’re not using more of your brain but actually less. This is known as transient hypofrontality (Kamoulox).
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term thinking and planning, shuts down.
In exchange, the brain recovers the energy needed to focus entirely on the present. It eliminates unnecessary resources.
This explains the sense of time distortion in flow: the prefrontal cortex manages our perception of time. In neurochemistry, flow is the only state where five neurotransmitters are released simultaneously:
Norepinephrine - Dopamine - Endorphins - Serotonin - Anandamide
Each of these “Fantastic Five” plays a unique role.
Here’s a quick summary:
Norepinephrine sharpens concentration (acquisition of new data)
Dopamine enhances cognitive pattern recognition (data processing)
Endorphins and serotonin help manage stress and maintain calm throughout the process
Anandamide accelerates “lateral thinking” (helps retain new information longer and create associations)
A potent cocktail.
Flow: A Rich and Valuable Experience
According to MC and Steven Kotler, the other flow guru, this state is fundamental to human existence. Kotler defines it as the “source code” for optimal performance and well-being.
It’s a rich experience that gives meaning to your efforts. This psychological state seems to be the holy grail.
Here are some scientifically-backed benefits:
#1 - An incredible productivity boost
Studies by Steven Kotler indicate that being in flow can boost productivity by 400% to 500%.
You’re at the peak of your potential, giving your absolute best.
Flow enhances creativity, complex problem-solving abilities, and task efficiency. It’s a productive trance and a fascinating competitive advantage. You accomplish more meaningful work in less time.
#2 - A motivation boost
Flow provides intrinsic motivation and a deep sense of pleasure in the activity itself, leading to sustained engagement and a desire to continue. It’s a positive feedback loop: it generates a sense of accomplishment you’re proud of in retrospect.
#3 - Accelerated learning
Flow promotes the development of new cognitive associations, making it easier to absorb and integrate new information.
#4 - A positive emotional state
Flow brings joy and fulfillment. Being fully immersed in a stimulating and meaningful activity generates a sense of accomplishment and natural euphoria.
In short, achieving a flow state allows extraordinary levels of performance, memory, creativity, and happiness. This all sounds great, but it’s a rare Pokémon.
Your Phone, Your Rules.
Block apps. Limit time. Grow better habits. Endless possibilities.
Try for free
Your Phone, Your Rules.
Block apps. Limit time. Grow better habits. Endless possibilities.
Try for free
Your Phone, Your Rules.
Block apps. Limit time. Grow better habits. Endless possibilities.
Try for free
Creating the Conditions for Flow
It’s not possible to artificially induce flow. There’s no magic pill or ON/OFF switch. However, science has shown that flow has certain triggers to help facilitate it.
Take, for example, the gaming industry, where flow is a key concept.
A game designer actually builds their game to put the player into a flow state.
The first priority is to balance the player’s skills with the challenge of the task (see the image).
If it’s too easy, we get bored. If it’s too hard, we get stressed.
Flow occurs only in this sweet spot: when the challenge is high, but your skill level still allows you to reach the goal.
To go further, a study by Martin Klasen’s team in 2012 found that the emergence of flow during a gaming session was due to factors such as balance between player skills and game difficulty, concentration, direct feedback, clear goals, and a sense of control. If you’re interested, the scientific study is here.
We can draw inspiration from game design to create momentum. A key prerequisite to remember: no focus, no flow. However, focus is a necessary but not sufficient condition (flashbacks to 9th-grade math) for flow development.
Flow can only occur if attention is focused on the here and now.
Flow triggers are thus anything that aids this attentional focus.
Including concentration, but not limited to it.
With technology, your brain is constantly pushed toward distraction and multitasking. Here are some things I try to implement to encourage optimal work experiences:
Reserve a focused time block in the morning: I chose the time of day when my energy level is highest.
Build an anti-distraction fortress: I put my phone in another room and wear noise-canceling headphones.
Choose the right task: I pick a complex but doable task the day before for this time block, a task with high added value that requires a particular skill.
Have a clear intention: I write in my notebook what I want to accomplish with this task, and what I’ll gain from it.
Build a ritual to feel in control: walk the dog, shower, drink a big glass of water, and I’m ready to go.
“The best moments in our lives don’t happen when we’re passive or at rest. These moments come when body or mind are pushed to their limits, in a voluntary effort, to achieve something difficult but worthwhile” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Flow shows us that happiness isn’t found in passive or distracted moments but in immersing ourselves in activities that foster personal growth.
Our screen use and technology-driven lives are steering us toward passivity and loss of control. Yet, life boils down to where we direct our attention. In 2024, make controlling your attention and time a priority.
Some Tools To Help
#1 - Some Good Vibes to Help You Focus
If you tend to be disturbed by even the slightest noise, like a fly buzzing, listening to music optimized for concentration might be a good solution. Brain.fm conducted a study, and the results show that we can be more focused when listening to specific sounds.
#2 - A tool to block distractions
We highly recommend the Jomo app. This app offers over 20 ready-to-use blocking rules, and it's available for free on the AppStore (iPhone, iPad and Mac).
The best blocking rule is the "Conscious Use". This is a session that continuously blocks your most distracting apps. You can still use them, but you’ll first need to request a break from Jomo, with a time limit for the break. But there’s more! You’ll also need to give Jomo a good reason before accessing the app! Say goodbye to mindless scrolling!
Creating the Conditions for Flow
It’s not possible to artificially induce flow. There’s no magic pill or ON/OFF switch. However, science has shown that flow has certain triggers to help facilitate it.
Take, for example, the gaming industry, where flow is a key concept.
A game designer actually builds their game to put the player into a flow state.
The first priority is to balance the player’s skills with the challenge of the task (see the image).
If it’s too easy, we get bored. If it’s too hard, we get stressed.
Flow occurs only in this sweet spot: when the challenge is high, but your skill level still allows you to reach the goal.
To go further, a study by Martin Klasen’s team in 2012 found that the emergence of flow during a gaming session was due to factors such as balance between player skills and game difficulty, concentration, direct feedback, clear goals, and a sense of control. If you’re interested, the scientific study is here.
We can draw inspiration from game design to create momentum. A key prerequisite to remember: no focus, no flow. However, focus is a necessary but not sufficient condition (flashbacks to 9th-grade math) for flow development.
Flow can only occur if attention is focused on the here and now.
Flow triggers are thus anything that aids this attentional focus.
Including concentration, but not limited to it.
With technology, your brain is constantly pushed toward distraction and multitasking. Here are some things I try to implement to encourage optimal work experiences:
Reserve a focused time block in the morning: I chose the time of day when my energy level is highest.
Build an anti-distraction fortress: I put my phone in another room and wear noise-canceling headphones.
Choose the right task: I pick a complex but doable task the day before for this time block, a task with high added value that requires a particular skill.
Have a clear intention: I write in my notebook what I want to accomplish with this task, and what I’ll gain from it.
Build a ritual to feel in control: walk the dog, shower, drink a big glass of water, and I’m ready to go.
“The best moments in our lives don’t happen when we’re passive or at rest. These moments come when body or mind are pushed to their limits, in a voluntary effort, to achieve something difficult but worthwhile” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Flow shows us that happiness isn’t found in passive or distracted moments but in immersing ourselves in activities that foster personal growth.
Our screen use and technology-driven lives are steering us toward passivity and loss of control. Yet, life boils down to where we direct our attention. In 2024, make controlling your attention and time a priority.
Some Tools To Help
#1 - Some Good Vibes to Help You Focus
If you tend to be disturbed by even the slightest noise, like a fly buzzing, listening to music optimized for concentration might be a good solution. Brain.fm conducted a study, and the results show that we can be more focused when listening to specific sounds.
#2 - A tool to block distractions
We highly recommend the Jomo app. This app offers over 20 ready-to-use blocking rules, and it's available for free on the AppStore (iPhone, iPad and Mac).
The best blocking rule is the "Conscious Use". This is a session that continuously blocks your most distracting apps. You can still use them, but you’ll first need to request a break from Jomo, with a time limit for the break. But there’s more! You’ll also need to give Jomo a good reason before accessing the app! Say goodbye to mindless scrolling!
Creating the Conditions for Flow
It’s not possible to artificially induce flow. There’s no magic pill or ON/OFF switch. However, science has shown that flow has certain triggers to help facilitate it.
Take, for example, the gaming industry, where flow is a key concept.
A game designer actually builds their game to put the player into a flow state.
The first priority is to balance the player’s skills with the challenge of the task (see the image).
If it’s too easy, we get bored. If it’s too hard, we get stressed.
Flow occurs only in this sweet spot: when the challenge is high, but your skill level still allows you to reach the goal.
To go further, a study by Martin Klasen’s team in 2012 found that the emergence of flow during a gaming session was due to factors such as balance between player skills and game difficulty, concentration, direct feedback, clear goals, and a sense of control. If you’re interested, the scientific study is here.
We can draw inspiration from game design to create momentum. A key prerequisite to remember: no focus, no flow. However, focus is a necessary but not sufficient condition (flashbacks to 9th-grade math) for flow development.
Flow can only occur if attention is focused on the here and now.
Flow triggers are thus anything that aids this attentional focus.
Including concentration, but not limited to it.
With technology, your brain is constantly pushed toward distraction and multitasking. Here are some things I try to implement to encourage optimal work experiences:
Reserve a focused time block in the morning: I chose the time of day when my energy level is highest.
Build an anti-distraction fortress: I put my phone in another room and wear noise-canceling headphones.
Choose the right task: I pick a complex but doable task the day before for this time block, a task with high added value that requires a particular skill.
Have a clear intention: I write in my notebook what I want to accomplish with this task, and what I’ll gain from it.
Build a ritual to feel in control: walk the dog, shower, drink a big glass of water, and I’m ready to go.
“The best moments in our lives don’t happen when we’re passive or at rest. These moments come when body or mind are pushed to their limits, in a voluntary effort, to achieve something difficult but worthwhile” – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Flow shows us that happiness isn’t found in passive or distracted moments but in immersing ourselves in activities that foster personal growth.
Our screen use and technology-driven lives are steering us toward passivity and loss of control. Yet, life boils down to where we direct our attention. In 2024, make controlling your attention and time a priority.
Some Tools To Help
#1 - Some Good Vibes to Help You Focus
If you tend to be disturbed by even the slightest noise, like a fly buzzing, listening to music optimized for concentration might be a good solution. Brain.fm conducted a study, and the results show that we can be more focused when listening to specific sounds.
#2 - A tool to block distractions
We highly recommend the Jomo app. This app offers over 20 ready-to-use blocking rules, and it's available for free on the AppStore (iPhone, iPad and Mac).
The best blocking rule is the "Conscious Use". This is a session that continuously blocks your most distracting apps. You can still use them, but you’ll first need to request a break from Jomo, with a time limit for the break. But there’s more! You’ll also need to give Jomo a good reason before accessing the app! Say goodbye to mindless scrolling!
Credits
This article is a revised version of Edition #18 of the Screenbreak newsletter created by Julien Rousset. With his permission, we're sharing this high-quality content with you today! So many thanks to Julien. 😌
Photographies by Unsplash, Lummi, ScreenBreak and the Internet.
[1] Newport - Deep Work
[2] Csíkszentmihályi - Flow
[3] Wikipedia - Flow (psychologie)
[4] Flow Research Collective - We Help Leaders and Their Teams Reach Their Potential Through Harnessing the Power of Flow State.
[5] Perrin, Cauvenberghe - C'est quoi le flow, cet état mental séduisant mais peu prouvé?, Slate, 2023.
[6] Deep Work and Flow: The Best Techniques To Complete Any Project, Cosmopolitan Mindset.
[7] Weissman - Flow Like a Pro: 5 flow state activities and training methods to achieve more, Flown, 2023.
[8] Eben-Amu - What Is Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment, and Why Does EA Own the Patent?, Make use of, 2021.
[9] Hays - The Transient Hypofrontality Edge, Psychology Today, 2017.
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The Joy Of Missing Out
© Crafted in Europe. All rights reserved to Jomo SAS, 2025
The Joy Of Missing Out
© Crafted in Europe. All rights reserved to Jomo SAS, 2025
The Joy Of Missing Out
© Crafted in Europe. All rights reserved to Jomo SAS, 2025