When it comes to stress relief, there are many approaches one can take. Things come to mind such as deep breathing, warm bath, watching a movie. Finding ways to relax and unwind can bring the edge off and help us clear our mind. I recently came across the work of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who, for 30 years, has been researching what makes people feel fulfilled and happy in their lives. In his work he asks, “Where in our normal experience do we find happiness?”

He initially began his study with artists and scientists, who did not expect fame or fortune, but found their work personally meaningful. What he discovered was that through work (composing, researching, etc.) they were reaching an ecstatic state. Ecstatic (literally meaning “to stand to the side”) refers to a mental state where you are outside of your everyday routine. Participants in his study reported experiencing various aspects of this state, including: loss of awareness of time and one’s body, great inner clarity, complete concentration, and feelings of serenity. Dr. C. named this “flow state”.

Interestingly, he points out that the nervous system can only process 110 bits of information at a time. When we listen to someone speak we use about 60 bits of info. Because of this, it is difficult -if not impossible- to listen to two people at the same time. When in the flow state one is so involved and passionate about what they are doing that the nervous system “doesn’t have enough attention left over to monitor the body and identity disappears from consciousness”. We temporarily suspend fixation on concerns and problems and concentrate on something that brings joy instead. Consequently, one returns from their activity feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Later, he broadened his study to include all walks of life and began seeing this pattern of “flow” in people who engaged in activities that removed them from their everyday reality. Activities that can create this state differ for each person. It may be playing a sport, reading a thrilling novel, deep prayer, or an engaging conversation with a colleague.

Below is a chart developed by Dr C. and his team to convey their discoveries.

Briefly, this chart shows the states derived from the interaction between varying skill and challenge levels. Flow occurs when skill and challenge are both high. For further and more thorough information you can view a full lecture by Mikhaly Csikszentmihalyi here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXIeFJCqsPs (18:56)

Learning about his work has led me to realize that stress relief has two parts. There is the relaxation aspect, which helps us slow down and reconnect with who we really are. In this state we can begin to explore and discover what it is that puts us into the “flow”. Second, is the importance to engage with people and activities that challenge us and make us excited about life and our individual contributions. By tapping into what puts us into a flow state we become closer and more in tune with our life purpose.

“Live life as a work of art, rather than a chaotic response to external events…”

-Mikhaly Csikzentmihalyi