Some days, it can feel like you can’t get anything done. On others, it feels like you have unshakeable focus. Flow state, also known as getting “in the zone” or what Gen Zers now call being “locked in,” can be a powerful state of mind. It makes you feel like everything is possible as everything fades into the background.

While the main perk of achieving flow state lies in improving your focus, there’s much more to it than what meets the eye. Here are the most surprising ways it can impact your life.  

1. Helps In Pursuing Your Goals

Part of being human involves having goals. Flow state has a reputation for helping you with those short-term objectives, like getting the house cleaned or acing an upcoming exam. However, it can also help you with pursuing long-term goals in life.

How? By improving your self-control and well-being. Flow state ultimately keeps you disciplined without feeling the restrictions imposed by you, your peers, or your environment. This positivity is invaluable to finding long-term success. 

2. Improves Resilience

Achieving goals doesn’t come without its challenges, as anything worthwhile in life involves hard work. However, absolute focus means that you’re not fazed by any mistakes or setbacks that may come your way. 

Flow state has a way of keeping you resilient in the face of any hindrances that stand between you and your goals. Frankly, this strong will can be one of the most impactful parts of being completely zen. 

3. Enhances Expertise 

In a learning environment, the flow state can help you unlock a world full of knowledge. It balances your learning ability and willingness to engage in tasks like writing a paper or taking an exam. This balance is one of the best ways to grow academically and personally, especially if you’re learning a discipline that you’re engrossed in.  

4. Allows Time to Fly By

As you go through life, the sheer amount of time you spend on different tasks is often at the forefront of your mind. However, hitting the flow state can render that variable to take less precedence. You start to realize that the journey toward your goal matters, and that means that the hours are well-spent rather than wasted. 

5. Improves Overall Satisfaction

Flow state can be a great way to mitigate stress and burnout. Instead, you discover genuine satisfaction and awe in the tasks that you’re carrying out. You also have this internal pride over your own personal capabilities. Plus, being in awe can support your mind’s flow state, which means you can reap the benefits for many, many periods.

Deep Focus Tips and Techniques to Get Into Flow State

Achieving flow state can feel like it only happens on a whim. However, there are concrete ways to help you channel the deep focus necessary for that state of mind. 

Practice Focus Through Enjoyable Activities First

Flow state comes more easily with tasks you actually enjoy and desire the end goal. Try to figure out what activities are enjoyable to you and try to pay attention to how you build up focus. Here are some suggestions that help people reach zen:

• Making music: Whether it’s playing instruments or writing songs, music can really get your brain going. Silence and zero distractions typically help bringing you into the zone. 
• Creating art: Art can be a wonderful goal to focus on, whether you’re doodling, painting, sketching and more. You get to learn all kinds of disciplines, like color theory and visual expressions. 
• Playing games: Certain video games can work on your memory, strategic planning and motor skills. You can also dive into board games that help you hone your focus. 
• Dancing and exercising: For some people, physical movement can be an opportunity to let their body and subconscious take the wheel. 

Figure Out Your Best Time to Focus

Some people tend to focus better during the day, while others get in the zone way better at night. Reaching a flow state is much easier when you work with what your body and mind are already used to, rather than challenging them. 

Want to reach flow state during a specific time? Adjusting your sleep schedule and ensuring you’re well rested before that period is a big help. Plotting a certain task can also help in prepping your mind to lock in. 

Build Up Your Mindfulness

As flow state is a state of mind, you need to have some mindfulness practices ready. Try to make sure these are relevant to the task that you’re eyeing to accomplish. For example, if you’re eyeing to journal, meditation can be a good activity since it helps you recall and process the events you’re writing about. 

If you need to study, present moment awareness and grounding are a must. You can try out the 5-4-3-2-1 method—name five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell and one thing you can taste. 

Remove Your Distractions

A distraction-free environment can do wonders in clearing your mind and helping you focus on what matters. Make sure your workspace is as clean as possible. Try to clear out noise, or block it out with your own white noise.

Digital distractions should also be dealt with, especially if you’re using your computer or phone for the task at hand. Moving unproductive apps to at least the third page of your phone screen can give you time to catch yourself. Turn off notifications for the duration of your task. 

Tackle Challenging Tasks Smarter

Flow state can help you solve challenges with ease, but it helps to know the basics that can help troubleshoot those initial feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated. For example, try to avoid multitasking—switching from one task to another can be draining and distracting.

If some tasks feel too big, don’t be afraid to break them down into more manageable tasks. Checking off multiple boxes on your list can be more satisfying anyway. 

Achieve and Enjoy Being In Flow State

Getting into the flow state can be a process, but finally unlocking it can make the process of activating it so much smoother. Find your way toward it and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. Share these perks and tips with a friend!