Work-Life Flow: The Link Between Flow, Eustress, and a Fulfilling Life
In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a work-life balance can seem like an impossible task. We often find ourselves juggling work, family, friends, and personal pursuits, all while trying to maintain our physical, mental, and emotional health.
But what if I told you there are better approaches than striving for balance? Instead, aiming for work-life flow is a more fulfilling and achievable goal.
Go with 'flow'
At the heart of work-life flow is the concept of flow itself. Flow is a state of consciousness where we are fully engaged in an activity and experiencing deep enjoyment and fulfilment. This idea was first proposed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who found that flow occurs when there is a high level of challenge and a high level of ability. In other words, we need to be challenged, but not so much that we become overwhelmed.
When we are in a state of flow, we are fully immersed in what we are doing. We might lose track of time, forget our surroundings, and feel a deep sense of satisfaction. This is the same feeling that athletes refer to as being “in the zone”. It is a state of creativity, productivity, and satisfaction.
But how does this relate to work-life flow? The key is to find activities that bring us into a state of flow, both at work and in our personal lives. When we achieve flow in our work, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and motivated. Similarly, finding flow in our personal lives can help us feel more connected to the people and activities that matter most to us.
Get good at stress
This is where eustress, or “good stress”, comes in. Eustress is a type of stress that is actually beneficial to us. It is the stress that we experience when we are challenged but still feel capable of meeting that challenge. Eustress is short in duration and results in positive outcomes, such as increased motivation, improved performance, and personal growth.
When we experience eustress, we are more likely to enter a flow state. This is because eustress triggers our body’s physiological response, preparing us for action and enabling us to focus our attention. As a result, we can enter a state of flow more easily and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
Enjoy Work-Life Flow
So, if you want to achieve work-life flow, start by finding activities that bring you into a state of flow. These might be activities that challenge you but that you also feel confident in your ability to complete. Look for opportunities to experience eustress and pay attention to the activities that leave you feeling energised and fulfilled. By doing so, you can achieve a state of work-life flow that brings you both satisfaction and balance.
Let’s make your success healthy & happy!
Dr. Masi
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