This post is part of our ✨7 Productivity Tips as EOY Gifts ✨ Series.

Check out our latest posts and stay tuned for the ones to come!

1: 🎊 Single-Tasking | 2:  🎊 To-Do Lists | 3: 🎊 Pomodoro Technique |

4: 🎊 Calendar Hacks | 5: 🎊 Flow State | 6: 🎊 Brown Noise And More | 7: 🎁

In my last blog post, we talked about Flow State - the mental state of being entirely and joyfully immersed in an activity - and how wonderful it is to achieve this sensation of blissful productivity and focus.

Today, I want to share 5 ways to facilitate achieving flow state.

1. Schedule time for it. Uninterrupted time.

One of the most primordial conditions for flow state is the absence of distractions.

This meme is 100% accurate if you're actively trying to get into flow state. Scheduling time to "go with the flow" is the key to ensuring you won't be interrupted.

Block time in your calendar - protect your schedule to do that one task you want to get in the zone for. Turn off your notifications, let everyone know you're unavailable for that period, and focus on what you want to achieve.

Also, blocking off specific times for specific tasks can help you stay organized and create a realistic timeline for yourself.

2. Have a No-Meetings Day.

Having a no-meetings day can help you escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allow you to focus on your task. On this day, make sure to turn off notifications and clear your desk of any distractions - obviously, make sure that's aligned with your team to set expectations.

I'm a huge fan of having an institutionalized team-wide no-meetings day. Even a light-on-meetings day is enough to distract you and make you lose focus. Some tasks need deep dedication and you can only achieve that by having the right warm-up time and the waves of concentration that follow. So I love the idea of setting one day a week when meetings are frowned upon - and if someone does try to schedule one with you on that day, you have official permission to say "no."

3. Brainwave Entrainment: give your brain a treat with brown, white or pink noise.

Brainwave entrainment is the use of audio-visual stimulation to create rhythms that synchronize the electrical activity in the brain.

Listening to certain audio tones can help shift your brainwaves into a certain frequency, which is thought to induce relaxation, focus, and concentration.

Brown, pink, and white noise are all types of noise that have different frequency spectrums and sound characteristics:

• Brown noise: it's the most trendy of the "color noises" nowadays. Brown noise has a low-frequency spectrum and a deep, rumbling sound. It is often described as sounding similar to a thunderstorm, the rumble of a distant train, or an airplane engine. People with ADHD have been claiming brown noise helps them concentrate and quiet their brains - even though there's still no conclusive scientific proof.

• White noise: White noise has a flat frequency spectrum and sounds like a constant hissing or static noise. It is often used to mask other sounds or to help people sleep. Some people claim it can sound irritating rather than soothing, but it's definitely worth a try.

• Pink noise: This type of noise also has a low-frequency spectrum and is a mix of brown and white noise. It is often described as sounding like rushing water or gentle rainfall. Pink noise has a more balanced frequency spectrum than white noise and has a softer, more soothing sound.

4. Get Comfortable.

You can't reach flow state if you're physically uncomfortable. Make sure your environment is clutter-free, cozy, and that the room's temperature is to your liking. Have a supportive chair and a good desk setup. Get yourself a glass of your preferred drink and even snacks. You want to stay focused, so make sure everything you need is close to you.

Dim the lights and light some aromatherapy candles if that helps you get into a "flow mood." Find your own little rituals and routines that will subtly tell your brain, "it's time to focus."

5. Breathe.

If mindfulness techniques seem too complicated, try one straightforward instruction instead: breathe.

Before you start your flow session, take 5 deep breaths to remain focused and in the moment. Do it again every time you feel distracted during the time you set for the task in hand - it works like a reset button for your mind, clearing away distractions and re-focus your attention.

Take a few slow, deep breaths and notice how your body changes. Relax your chest, shoulders, and any areas of tension.

This simple but powerful tip will help you to get into the right mental state to get in the zone.

Other quick tips for your flow state sessions:

• Break projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks;
• Use the Pomodoro Technique to focus on short chunks of work;
• Change up your workspace to a different location;
• Make sure you get enough sleep and rest.

Conclusion

Flow state can help you maximize your potential and get the most out of yourself. By having a no-meetings day, trying out brown noise, or blocking off time in your calendar, you can access this mental state and stay focused on your task. I hope you can use these tips to get in the zone!

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