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FLOW

HOW TO ACHIEVE A FLOW STATE

WHAT IS FLOW?

FLOW IS A STATE OF COMPLETE IMMERSION IN AN ACTIVITY

Flow – An optimal state of consciousness where we feel and perform our best.

 

From the world’s most elite military unit – the U.S. Navy SEALs – to the boardroom, Flow is fast becoming a cultural phenomenon. Considered one of the major breakthroughs of our generation, Flow is a natural human state that occurs as the result of physiological and neurological optimization. But it’s not only accessible to elite military units and Silicon Valley tycoons. Flow is hack-able, meaning you can access it anytime, anywhere.

 

Characteristics of a flow state:

  • Timelessness
  • The ego vanishes
  • Strong concentration & focused attention
  • Feelings of serenity
  • A loss of self-consciousness
  • Immediate feedback
  • Ability to achieve challenging goals
  • Complete focus; peak performance

THE SCIENCE OF FLOW

THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND STUDIES

McKinsey & Co.

A study by McKinsey & Co. found that:

  • Executives in a state of flow are five times more productive than their counterparts

  • On a smaller scale, our research suggests that if you increase your time in the flow by 15 to 20 percent, you can double productivity

McKinsey & Co.

Johns Hopkins University

Research from Johns Hopkins University Neuroscience Department found that:

  • Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deactivates during flow states
  • The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with self-monitoring (the voice of doubt, the defeatist nag, our inner critic)
  • When the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex deactivates, humans enter into a flow-state where doubt disappears, creativity becomes free-flowing and decisions are automatic
Johns Hopkins University

United States Navy SEALs

Practical Flow application is well underway at the top of America’s most elite military training unit:

  • Navy SEAL training facility, ‘The Mind Gym’, combines cutting-edge technology with the latest understanding of neuroscience to induce Flow states
  • Navy SEALs use Flow to accelerate learning, achieve super-human performance and calm the mind during stressful combat situations
United States Navy SEALs

THE FLOW CYCLE

HOW TO ENTER INTO FLOW
01

Phase 1: Challenge

The challenge phase occurs when you push yourself to the next level - either actively or mentally. During periods of intense stress, frustration and anxiety, the brain produces a heightened combination of nerve and hormonal signals, including cortisol and adrenaline.

02

Phase 2: Release

The release phase occurs when you remove your thinking mind from the problem. This flushes the stress chemicals from your brain as you move into a subconscious state. As a result, you completely let go of tension and the brain moves into an Alpha state.

03

Phase 3: Flow

Enter the Flow state. A trance-like, superhuman state of consciousness where inspiration takes over and decisions are made intuitively and seamlessly. The thinking mind disappears and time seems to slow down, as the brain is flooded with feel good chemicals such as Dopamine, Endorphins and Anadamide.

04

Phase 4: Recovery

As your body transitions from an immense high, there is an inevitable low period that follows any substantial amount of time spent in Flow. Here it's important to relax and recover, which ensures the brain will produce higher levels of Serotonin and Oxytocin.

BENEFITS OF FLOW

HOW FLOW CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
Benefits of Flow

It All Starts In The Brain

What Happens During A Flow State?

During a Flow State, we shift from the fast-moving beta wave (normal waking consciousness) to the much slower alpha and theta waves.

Alpha waves are associated with day-dreaming, when humans slip from thought to thought with minimal internal resistance. Theta, meanwhile, only appears during REM, in that hypnogogic gap where ideas combine in truly radical ways.

Flow also triggers “transient hypofrontality” – the temporary deactivation of the prefrontal cortex. The PFC is the part of our brain that houses most of our higher cognitive function. This causes our sense of self to disappear during Flow.

Finally, the brain releases an enormous cascade of neurochemistry. This includes a flush of norepinephrine, dopamine, endorphins, anandamide and serotonin. All of these chemicals are pleasure-inducing and performance-enhancing.

Ready to hack Flow? Give us a call – we’re here to help.

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Ultimate Human Potential

How Flow States Give Us Superhuman Power

Flow is more than just a hot topic – it’s a scientifically researched state of mind that enhances human potential and allows us to access a more optimal dimension of performance. While athletes and other high-risk professionals may experience Flow on a regular basis, many of us have yet to experience the full power and potential of Flow in our jobs.

Let’s explore how Flow gives us superhuman-like power in the workplace:

  • Increase productivity by over 200%
  • Improve focus and attention
  • Crush your most audacious goals
  • Solve problems faster
  • Fluidly identify creative solutions

To learn more about the science of Flow and ultimate human potential, and to find out how you can apply these principles to your workforce, speak with a member of our team today.

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Flow State Benefits

FLOW IN THE WORKPLACE

SUPER-CHARGE YOUR TEAM AND ACHIEVE INCREDIBLE RESULTS

Performance & Productivity

How The Smartest Minds In Business Are Hacking Flow

From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, the smartest and most innovative minds in business have already begun the quest to optimize work environments for Flow.

Flow can be accessed anywhere, anytime – so long as certain conditions are met. This could include:

  • Work atmosphere and environment – keep things evolving, changing and challenging
  • Your five senses – find ways to incorporate all of the sensory streams into the workplace
  • Increase healthy risks – allow the body and mind to adapt to new challenges

When you position your workforce to access Flow, you enable team members to fluidly and creatively solve problems. Find out more by speaking to a member of our team today.

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Flow In The Workplace
Flow Employee Happiness

Employee Happiness

Flow Is About More Than Just Getting Results

 

“How do I keep employees happy and performing to their optimal ability?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions in business. And for good reason, too.

With Flow, you’re able to actively engage your workforce without burning them out. Moreover, you can keep employees happy while delivering their best work. Flow is not a continual struggle to grind out results and work longer and harder.

Rather, Flow allows you to access a different mind consciousness – time disappears, energy and effort flows freely, and work no longer seems like a struggle. When it comes to employee happiness, Flow could be the biggest revolution the business world has ever seen.

To learn more about the benefits of Flow on employee happiness, reach out to a member of our team today.

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What Can Flow Do For You?

Talk to us today to find out how flow can change your life
ENTER FLOW STATE