Supporters of this theory point to neuroimaging studies during hypnosis and meditation, which suggest higher levels of activity in the frontal cortex. A person is better able to control and coordinate their activities, suggesting higher executive functioning. Synchronization theory of flow: In this theory, regions of the brain communicate better during flow.Functional MRI (fMRI) studies suggest that there is lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area involved in executive functioning, during flow. This decline prevents a person from actively thinking about themselves, enabling them to immerse themselves fully in the task. Transient hypofrontality hypothesis: In this theory, executive function temporarily declines.Researchers have proposed two main theories for how flow affects the brain:
Flow might then further stimulate dopamine, creating a cycle. It is possible that both are true.įor example, activating the dopamine system might enable flow. It is unclear whether entering a state of flow causes these changes or whether these brain changes cause or enable flow. During flow, a person must have high levels of engagement with a challenging task that matches their skill level for this system to regulate task engagement properly. This brain system helps regulate decision making and engagement with tasks. People in a state of flow have higher levels of dopamine, which could explain why they might not notice that they are hungry or tired.Ī 2021 mini-review argues that the brain’s locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system is also involved in flow. It can also help suppress bodily sensations, such as hunger. Studies have shown that the dopamine reward system plays an important role.ĭopamine is a neurotransmitter that supports feelings of motivation, pleasure, and reward. Persistence: Some evidence suggests that being in flow can offset the frustration of a difficult task, allowing people to keep going.ĭuring a state of flow, several changes take place in the brain.Enjoyment: People may enjoy the task, encouraging them to immerse themselves in it.Lack of self-consciousness: Flow is associated with a decrease in “self-referential thinking,” which means that a person in this state is unlikely to be thinking about themselves, their performance, or how others might see them.If a person or event interrupts someone in flow, they may feel annoyed.
They may not be thinking about anything else. Focus: It is not easy to distract people in flow from their task.Some signs that a person is in a state of flow include: in-depth, involving an investment of some time or energy to make progress.
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