01
Tea Routine: Get in Flow
Feeling stuck and unproductive?
Being in a "stuck state," contrasts sharply with being in a flow state—a concept popularised by positive psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Jeanne Nakamura.
Flow is when you are deeply engrossed in an activity, achieving a harmonious union of mind and body, where time seems to slow and you are fully immersed and 'in the zone.' This state is characterised by heightened senses and intense focus, often leading to profound feelings of enjoyment and fulfilment.
Achieving flow requires balancing the challenges of the task and one's skill level. Therefore, it is essential to engage in activities that stretch one's capabilities but are still manageable.
5 steps to achieving flow:
1. Find a balance between challenge and skill. You can achieve flow state when you're balanced between challenge and skill and a little out your comfort zone.
2. Establish clear goals.
3. Avoid interruptions.
4. Focus on one thing and the process, not the end result.
5. Don't force it. When in doubt, do something you like.
So if you find yourself staring at your computer screen and flipping back and forward to every distraction under the sun, take a break and physically move. Put the kettle on, move your body while your tea is brewing and get clear on the one thing you want to focus on next that balances challenge and skill and moves you out of your comfort zone a little.
02
Creativity
I found this Guardian article about research from Anglia Ruskin University that found people who regularly engage in art or craft activities report feeling happier and having higher life satisfaction. Apparently, people engaged in creative hobbies reported a stronger sense of life's worth from their creativity than from their employment. This may be due to the rewards of doing something they enjoy, which fosters mastery, self-expression, and a state of "flow" which can sometimes be absent in more traditional external employment. So personal creativity is vitally important!
03
Break the cycle…
Watch this clip from Stanford Graduate School of Business where lecturer Matt Abrahams sits down with Stanford GSB assistant professor of organizational behavior David Melnikoff to discuss flow state, productivity, and goal pursuit.
If you’re struggling to progress something today, what simple flow activity could you do to wipe the board clean and come back mentally fresh?
Ways to connect with me 💬
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Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x