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Self- Care

Powerful Flow State Self Care Ideas to Recharge Your Mind and Soul

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Life can often feel like an endless roller coaster, filled with the chaos of daily tasks and the constant chase for productivity.

In my 40s, I have begun to consciously practice engaging the flow state in my daily life. The the first time I truly felt the impact of flow state I was working on a painting, completely lost in the process, and when I finally looked up, hours had passed.

That experience gave me a profound sense of peace and made me aware of my tendency to try and control things beyond my reach.

Embracing the flow state has taught me to let go easier and ride the wave, bringing a new level of calm and awareness into my life.

Let’s explore practical, no-fluff strategies to achieve this state and overcome common barriers.

Table of contents

  1. Discover the Power of Absorption
    1. The Psychology of Immersion
  2. Practical Self-Care Ideas to Achieve Flow
    1. Mindful Hobbies (Painting, Sewing, and Music)
    2. Reading and Literature
    3. Anchoring in the Present
    4. Creative Writing
    5. Outdoor Adventures
    6. Tips for Staying Present
  3. Conclusion
  4. Related Topics
  5. Additional Resources

Discover the Power of Absorption

Absorption is about immersing yourself so fully in an activity that time seems to stand still. It’s that feeling you get when you’re lost in a book or completely engaged in painting.

This state of being significantly impacts your mental and emotional well-being, offering a much-needed escape from the busyness of life.

The Psychology of Immersion

Flow is a psychological state where your skills perfectly match the challenge at hand, leading to complete immersion in an activity.

This state enhances creativity, reduces stress, and increases overall satisfaction.

Unlike distraction or multitasking, flow is about channelling your focus into a single task, trading chaos for clarity.

Practical Self-Care Ideas to Achieve Flow

Here are some things I do to achieve flow in my life.

Mindful Hobbies (Painting, Sewing, and Music)

  • Painting: Painting allows you to express emotions and find calm in the process.
  • Sewing: The repetitive nature of stitching is meditative, creating a sense of peace and purpose.
  • Ukulele: This instrument’s soothing tones and simple learning curve make it perfect for beginners looking to explore the world of music.

Getting Started:

  • Choose a hobby that resonates with you and carve out 15, 20, 30 minutes or an hour just for you.
  • Gather basic supplies and create a dedicated, peaceful space.
  • Approach the hobby with a mindful mindset, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
Painting is my go-to flow state activity.
Pottery is another great option to achieve flow state!

Reading and Literature

Books transport us to different realms and emotions, offering deep immersion.

My Book Recommendations:

  • “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
  • “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
  • “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
  • “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
  • “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
  • “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver

These books will capture your heart and lead you into a world where time slows down and stories come alive.

Anchoring in the Present

Meditation allows you to tap into the present moment, offering a tranquil refuge from life’s turbulence.

Starting Tips:

  • Find a quiet, undisturbed space.
  • Set a peaceful atmosphere with candles or soft music.
  • Focus on your breath, letting each inhale and exhale ground you.
  • Use guided meditations if you’re new to the practice. I use this one each night in my sleep prep practice and it helps me to wind down and fall asleep:

Creative Writing

I’ve discovered writing is a therapeutic journey of self-expression and reflection.

Prompts and Exercises:

  • Journaling: Reflect on daily moments that bring joy or gratitude.
  • Free Writing: Let your thoughts flow without concern for structure.
  • Five Senses Exercise: Describe a moment using all your senses.
  • Poetry: Capture your emotions through metaphors and vivid imagery.
  • Short Story Seeds: Create narratives around a character, setting, or situation.

Outdoor Adventures

Nature offers a profound way to achieve absorption. Each morning, I get my shoes on and go for a 3km walk to get blood flowing and immerse in the natural environment before heading to work.

Tips for Outdoor Adventures:

  • Choose an activity like hiking, swimming, or gardening.
  • Disconnect from technology to fully engage with your surroundings.
  • Practice mindfulness by noticing details like the rustling leaves or the warmth of the sun.

Tips for Staying Present

  • Breathe Deeply: Use your breath to anchor yourself.
  • Engage Your Senses: Focus on what you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.
  • Mindful Movement: Incorporate activities like walking or yoga.
  • Limit Distractions: Create boundaries with technology and find quiet environments.
  • Set Intentions: Remind yourself why the present moment matters.

Overcoming Common Challenges:

  • Restless Mind: Gently redirect your focus without judgment.
  • Impatience: Embrace the process, not just the results.
  • External Pressures: Prioritize moments of absorption.
  • Expectations: Let the present unfold naturally.
  • Perfectionism: Focus on the journey, not perfection.
  • Comparison: Appreciate your unique experiences.

Conclusion

Absorption and flow are powerful tools for self-care, offering a respite from the demands of daily life.

By engaging in mindful hobbies, reading, meditation, creative writing, and outdoor adventures, you nurture your mind and soul.

Embrace the art of being present and discover the joy and peace that come with deep immersion in the moment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time,

Suzanne

Additional Resources

Here are some other resources for you to check out!

Books

  1. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: A profound exploration of living in the present moment and finding peace in the now.
  2. “Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: A seminal work on the concept of flow and how it leads to a more fulfilling life.
  3. “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh: This book introduces mindfulness as a way to experience life more deeply and joyfully.

Apps

  1. Headspace: A popular meditation app offering guided sessions on mindfulness, stress reduction, and personal growth.
  2. Calm: Known for its soothing guided meditations and sleep stories, Calm is a go-to app for relaxation and mindfulness.
  3. Insight Timer: A meditation app with a vast library of guided meditations and mindfulness practices led by experienced teachers.

Websites

  1. Mindful.org: A comprehensive resource for articles, guided practices, and courses on mindfulness and meditation.
  2. Greater Good Science Center: Offers science-based articles, videos, and practices for well-being, including self-compassion and gratitude exercises.
  3. Thrive Global: A platform that explores the connection between well-being and productivity, with articles and resources on mindfulness and self-care.

Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of absorption and its profound benefits. They serve as companions on your journey to self-discovery and well-being, providing support and guidance as you navigate the path of mindfulness and self-care.