Have you ever been so deeply focused on activities like playing musical instruments that you reached a state of complete absorption? Experts say that if you easily immerse yourself in your activities, both your physical and mental health are likely to be healthier.
According to Miriam Mosing, an associate professor of behavior genetics at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the concept of “flow” was introduced by American psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in the 1970s to describe a state of being fully absorbed and completely engaged in an activity.
When we experience this state of “flow,” we tend to be highly efficient, feel in control, and often lose track of time. It is often a positive experience, with researchers studying the benefits of flow on mental health, including research conducted by Mosing and her colleagues.
Research has shown that the frequency and circumstances of experiencing “flow” vary from person to person and are to some extent influenced by genetics. Some individuals are more predisposed to experiencing “flow” due to genetic differences, but environmental factors such as the type of activity engaged in, level of distraction, and mental state also play a role.
There are claims that individuals who are more likely to experience “flow” may have various positive outcomes, including better psychological and cardiovascular health. These associations are often interpreted as evidence of the positive effects of “flow.”
Most studies on the causal effects of “flow” on mental and physical health have not drawn definitive conclusions due to small sample sizes and self-reported data. The tendency to experience flow and to encounter psychological issues is partially heritable.
Our specific tendencies, influenced by environmental and experiential factors, shape how we lead our lives, including whether we experience “flow” or encounter psychological issues. Family factors such as genetic predisposition or early childhood environments can also impact an individual’s likelihood of experiencing flow and their mental health.
Another factor is neuroticism, a personality trait describing individuals prone to emotional imbalance or being easily angered. Those high in neuroticism are more susceptible to stress, psychological issues, and cardiovascular diseases.
A recent study involving Mosing investigated whether neuroticism affects the relationship between “flow” and mental health, as well as the influence of family factors like genetics and early environments. Additionally, the study examined the reverse scenario of whether psychological health problems result in less flow, using real diagnostic results from 9,300 Swedish patients.
The results showed that individuals prone to experiencing “flow” had a lower risk of certain diseases, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, stress-related disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. This aligns with researchers’ expectations that “flow” has a protective effect on psychological and cardiovascular health.
As for whether individuals should engage in “flow” training to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, Mosing’s answer is negative. Research has not clarified whether people can control “flow” or its potential outcomes.
In summary, when people are in a state of “flow,” they are less likely to spend time ruminating on life issues or worrying about the future because they are fully immersed in the activity, and the experience of “flow” itself is beneficial.
Therefore, if something you enjoy doing makes you lose track of all time and space, it could be beneficial for you, at least in that moment.