How To Create an Environment That Puts You in a Flow State

As we get into a new year, many of us make new personal and professional goals for ourselves. A popular goal is to increase productivity, especially at work. Luckily, you can increase productivity by consistently working in a flow state. We describe how to create an environment that puts you in a flow state below so that you can accomplish your goal.

Understanding the Flow State and Its Benefits

When you’re in a flow state, distractions melt away, creativity blossoms, and productivity skyrockets. This mental state is all about enjoying the journey and savoring the process. It’s the sweet spot where we feel most alive and engaged.

Definition of Flow State

Flow state, often described as “being in the zone,” is a mental state in which you fully immerse yourself in an activity and deliver peak performance. It’s when your skills perfectly meet the challenge at hand, leading to deep focus and a sense of timelessness.

Benefits of Flow State

Experiencing a flow state has numerous benefits. First, it enhances productivity and creativity. You’ll accomplish more in less time and find innovative solutions to problems. Second, it boosts your mood. A flow state often comes with increased happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Lastly, it contributes to skill development. As you’re fully engaged in an activity, you learn and improve faster. In essence, a flow state transforms work from a chore into a joy.

Declutter Your Space

Now that you know what flow state is, you probably want to know how to get into it. One of the first steps is decluttering your space.

The Importance of a Clean Environment for Mental Clarity

Decluttering your space is an essential step toward achieving a flow state. A well-organized environment can significantly enhance your ability to focus, boost your mood, and spur creativity. When your workspace is clutter-free, you don’t feel burdened by visual distractions, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in your tasks.

Simple Steps To Declutter Your Space

If you have a lot of clutter, it can feel impossible to start decluttering. Start small, such as organizing the front part of a desk where you want to put a work computer. If you want to tackle something bigger, break it down into smaller parts. Once you’ve worked your way through your space, remember to maintain it. Decluttering isn’t a one-time task. Make it a habit to tidy up your workspace at the end of every day.

Set Up an Inspiring Workspace

A clean space can make you feel like a superhero. Set up an inspiring workspace that will keep you focused and in the flow state as you work.

Choosing the Right Workspace

You need to choose an area that’s quiet and free from disturbances. Natural lighting is a bonus, as it enhances mood and productivity. If possible, position your workspace near a window to soak in that beneficial sunlight.

Adding Personal Touches

Adding personal touches is the cherry on top. Populate your workspace with items that spark joy and inspire you. Soy candles in your favorite bookish scent, family photos, and colorful art pieces are some great ideas. Plants are a great addition, too, as they add a touch of nature and improve air quality. Comfort is key, so invest in an ergonomic chair and ensure your desk is at a comfortable height.

Colors can play a pivotal role in your mood and productivity as well. Cool hues like blue and green can enhance focus and calmness, while warm colors like yellow and red can stimulate creativity and energy. Choose your favorite from these suggestions so that the workspace has your personal touch while encouraging productivity.

Create a Productive Routine

Productivity will come from more than your chosen colors, though. A daily routine helps many people stay productive and in their flow state.

Creating Structure in Your Daily Routine

The key to a productive daily routine is structure. Start your day by identifying your priority tasks. These are the “big rocks” that you must tackle first. Completing these tasks will give you a sense of accomplishment and set the tone for the rest of your day. Create time blocks for these tasks and others. This could be deep work, administrative tasks, breaks, or even time for reflection. Sticking to these blocks instills discipline and keeps distractions at bay. Add breaks between time blocks so that you have time to mentally recharge. If you don’t, you could experience burnout.

Staying Focused on Scheduled Tasks

Taking breaks can prevent burnout in the long term, but they also help you stay focused on your scheduled tasks. Your mind is less likely to wander if you set aside time to let it wander on a break. If breaks aren’t enough, set firm boundaries. Tell the people around you that you’re working for a set amount of time, and turn off your phone so that it can’t distract you.

Stay Patient

After learning how to create an environment that puts you in a flow state, you may want to place high expectations on yourself. Your environment is ready, and you have planned your schedule, so you expect to get into a flow state every day. However, this isn’t the case. You must stay patient with yourself as you continue to learn about yourself and how you best enter a flow state.

Every Day Can’t Be Perfect

Patience is especially important on your bad days. Every day can’t be perfect, and different factors can affect how you feel on a particular day. Instead of worrying and trying to force yourself into impossible perfection to achieve a flow state, go easy on yourself.

Tips for Staying Patient and Letting the Flow State Happen Naturally

Going easy on yourself is easier said than done. The best way to ease up on personal expectations is to practice mindfulness. Take a break from work to meditate, walk, read, or do breathing exercises. Remind yourself that your worth is not in your productiveness—it’s in who you are as a human being. When you return to work, focus on your favorite things and your easiest tasks. For example, light your favorite candle and create a realistic to-do list for the day. As you experience natural joy and slowly cross tasks off your list, you’ll probably feel yourself slip into a flow state naturally.

We all want to experience a flow state and do our best at every task, whether professional or personal. Finding joy in the small things can help us get into that flow state. If you find joy in bookish candles, we offer soy candles online in many bookish scents. Once you find a scent you love, order it and add it to your workspace to contribute to your flow state success.