It’s May, when we intentionally celebrate moms in every form. Mothering and motherhood is so much about caring for others, understanding others’ needs and wants, learning and doing for our kids, laughing and crying, investing time and energy, and giving of our physical and mental being. We wanted to talk about something that isn’t always part of the mothering conversation, but it can make it all even more rewarding and fulfilling: achieving flow state. This is, of course, beneficial to everyone, but can be particularly important for moms.
Flow state, also known as being “in the zone,” is a state of mind in which you are fully immersed in a task or activity, experiencing complete focus and deep enjoyment of the experience. And as a mom, you know how important it is to find those moments of deep joy and satisfaction in the midst of the chaos and demands of motherhood.
The Science and Research Behind Flow State
Achieving flow state can lead to changes in brain chemistry and neural activity. Studies have shown that during flow state, the brain releases a number of neurochemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, endorphins, anandamide, and serotonin, which can create feelings of pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction.
Flow state can have numerous physical and emotional benefits. It can lead to reduced stress levels. When you are fully immersed in a task and experiencing a sense of control and mastery, you are less likely to feel stressed or anxious. In addition, the experience of enjoyment and fulfillment that comes with flow state can lead to the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters that can help improve overall well-being.
Achieving flow state can also lead to increased productivity and improved performance. When you achieve flow state, you are able to perform tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy. This is because you are fully focused on the task at hand, with no distractions or interruptions. You are also able to tap into your creativity and problem-solving skills, leading to innovative and effective solutions to challenges you may face.
Flow state can lead to a sense of personal growth and development. When you experience flow state, you are engaging in activities that challenge and stretch your abilities. This can lead to increased confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of personal accomplishment. In addition, the experience of flow state can lead to an increased motivation to continue engaging in the activity, leading to ongoing personal growth and development.
Finally, achieving flow state can lead to a greater sense of overall well-being and life satisfaction. The experience of being fully engaged in a task and experiencing a sense of control and mastery can lead to a feeling of purpose and meaning in life. This can help you to feel more fulfilled and satisfied with your life overall.
As a mom, you know how challenging and demanding motherhood can be. You may often find yourself juggling multiple responsibilities, such as caring for your children, managing household tasks, working, and maintaining your own self-care routines. But achieving flow state can be a powerful tool for managing the stress and demands of motherhood, and experiencing greater fulfillment and satisfaction.
Practical Tips
The key to achieving a state of flow is to find an activity that challenges you just enough to keep you engaged and motivated, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming or frustrating. Everyone is different, so it may take some experimentation to find the right activity that helps you achieve flow state.
Looking for some ideas on where to start?
- Playing a musical instrument, or learning a new piece of music that is difficult to master
- Writing creatively
- Painting, drawing or other forms of art
- Dancing or practicing yoga
- Learning a new language or skill, such as cooking or woodworking
- Playing a sport or engaging in physical exercise
- Hiking, and progressively going on more difficult hikes
- Solving puzzles
- Designing and building something, like a website or a piece of furniture
- Reading a captivating book
Take some time, find some time, to find those moments of deep joy and satisfaction, and embrace the power of flow state.