5 Ways to Experience More Flow in Your Work
5 Ways to Experience More Flow in Your Work
Have you ever experienced that state of complete immersion and focus in an activity where time seems to stand still? It's called finding flow and it's a truly magical experience! 💫
Flow is the feeling of being "in the zone." It's about letting a creative energy move through you instead of trying to force it just to get something done.
Flow allows a luxurious spaciousness for experiencing life in its full depth and glory, instead of just skimming across the surface rushing toward a destination. It's savoring the journey, even the darker moments.
For me, it's about intentionally releasing the non-stop hustle culture I grew up with in the corporate world and allowing myself to live and work in new ways.
The energy of flow is something I've been intentionally cultivating and connecting to in my own life with several practices that I've been doing consistently. I've also been using these practices with my coaching clients who are seeking more balance and less burnout in their own lives.
Here are five of my favorite ways to increase flow:
Identify and spend time doing activities you enjoy and are good at: One activity I love is yoga. I start my day off with a 15-minute morning yoga routine on Gaia. It’s only 15 minutes but it’s a powerful way to set intentions for the day.
For you, maybe it’s writing, drawing, playing music, or anything else you are passionate about. Whatever it is, set aside time to fully immerse yourself in those activities.
Visualization/Images: I created a Pinterest board full of images that feel like the energy of “flow” to me. I used this as an inspiration board for my brand and to share with my brand designer. I found that I loved stepping into this imagery so much that I’ve been keeping it open on my desktop and going back to visit it at the beginning of my work day.
You can create your own Flow inspiration board using some of my pinned images or your own. This was a technique I learned from the lovely Ashley at Iconic Details years ago.
Reminders: I have the word “flow” written on a sticky note and stuck to my monitor for regular reminders of this feeling throughout the day. A friend of mine sets an alarm on her phone to stop and check in with herself throughout the day. How can you remind yourself to stay in flow?
Morning Pages: One of my favorite writing practices is called Morning Pages from Julia Cameron in her book, The Artists Way at Work.
Morning pages are three pages of longhand writing first thing in the morning. Just write down anything that comes to mind without trying to organize or overthink it. When you’ve finished your three pages, stop for the day. There is something magical about three pages — it’s enough to engage our creativity but not so much that you get lost in introspection. Your writing may even be your “to-do” list for the day but it clears your mind and allows you to relax and focus.
I did morning pages religiously for more than a year before I wrote my first book, The Change Code. Then, for some reason, I stopped doing this practice that I know is so beneficial for me. Fortunately, I started again a few months ago and love the feelings of increased clarity, calm, and groundedness this practice brings. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.<br>
Releasing What No Longer Aligns: I’ve been doing a lot of internal work this past year to release things that have been blocking me from flow and in life, including anxiety, perfectionism, and self doubt. The more of these feelings I release, the more space I’ve found to connect to flow.
Some great way to release your own anxiety, perfection, and self doubt are writing, including morning pages (see above), meditation, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping, and working with a professional coach.
Remember, finding flow is a journey, not a destination. It takes practice and patience, but the benefits are worth it. How often do you feel like you’re in the energy of “Flow” during your day? And, how do you spend more time there?
