Flow state
DEFlow-Zustand
Reviewed by Maurice Lichtenberg
Flow, described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a state of deep absorption in a challenging activity matched to one's skill, accompanied by reduced self-awareness and altered time perception. It is a popular wellbeing concept whose subjective experience is well-documented, while neural correlates remain debated. For longevity it is relevant because regular flow correlates with life satisfaction, sustained engagement, and the kind of meaningful activity that supports cognitive aging.
Sources
- Csikszentmihalyi M, Csikszentmihalyi IS. (1988). Optimal Experience: Psychological Studies of Flow in Consciousness. *Cambridge University Press*doi:10.1017/CBO9780511621956
- Csikszentmihalyi M. (1975). Beyond Boredom and Anxiety: Experiencing Flow in Work and Play. *Jossey-Bass (book)*
