We’ve put together the ultimate resource for anybody interested in learning more about the flow state through books, videos, or scientific research.
Flow State Research Papers and Studies
There are numerous scientific reviews and studies that explore the flow state of mind. Aside from flow research papers by Csikszentmihalyi, here are a few interesting reads to check out.
The Neuroscience of the Flow State: Involvement of the Locus Coeruleus Norepinephrine System
Authors: Dimitri van der Linden, Mattie Tops, and Arnold B. Bakker
This review takes a look at how the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system of our brain may be involved in manifesting the flow state.
The LC-NE is responsible for releasing norepinephrine, a chemical in our brain that helps keep us focused or locked on a target. The authors explore how the LC-NE system may help in unlocking flow states and guide future research.
Achieving Flow: An Exploratory Investigation of Elite College Athletes and Musicians
Authors: Roberta Antonini Philippe, Sarah Morgana Singer, Joshua E. E. Jaeger, Michele Biasutti, and Scott Sinnett
This particular research paper explores the experience of elite college athletes and musicians who have previously entered the flow state during their games or performances.
The study analyzes not only how they got into the flow but also how they maintained and exited it. The authors also noted the differences between the flow state and focus of concentration for athletes and musicians.
Educational Videos on Flow
If you don’t have much time between training sessions to read books on flow, there are many educational videos online that can help you get started on flow research.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flow, the secret to happiness
YouTube channel: TED
The “Godfather of Flow Psychology” himself, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi gave an illuminating TED Talk introducing the flow state. He talks about how it feels to be in flow and the state’s potential benefits.
Additionally, he talks about how doing what we love or what we are passionate about helps us enter the flow state and ultimately provide lasting satisfaction and happiness.
How To Get Into The Flow State | Steven Kotler
YouTube channel: Mindvalley Talks
New York Times bestselling author Steven Kotler gives a great talk introducing the flow state and how crucial it is in today’s fast-paced world.
He discusses the origins of the flow state theory, how it optimizes performance, studies conducted on the topic, and flow state in action. More importantly, Kotler also talks about how flow is “hackable” or how we can get into the zone easier.
Develop A Peak Performance Mindset with Dr. Michael Gervais
YouTube channel: Flow Research Collective
In this video, Steven Kotler is joined by Dr. Michael Gervais, a published author and psychologist specializing in working with high-performance clients like Olympic athletes, champion sports players, acclaimed artists, and Fortune 100 executives.
Together, the two discuss the neurochemicals that help create an optimal state of mind, whether pre-performance rituals or routines are recommended to get into the flow state, the importance of trusting your body work, and much more.
The Flow Research Collective YouTube channel also offers more tips, discussions, and flow hacks in varying lengths to further supplement your learning.
Finding Your Flow with Healium
A large part of getting into the flow involves training your brain in order to trigger the flow state when you need or want it.
Healium is the perfect meditation app for flow training and triggering your flow state of mind. When paired with a neurofeedback device that captures and measure your brainwave data, you can see your brain’s electrical activity in realtime and work to influence it. This can aid in identifying your flow triggers and enhancing your flow state as a whole.
Learn more about how Healium works here, or see it for yourself in this video!