Oscar & Daphy are lifepartners and co-founders of Awake Society, an innovative approach of 360° health & wellbeing specialized in mind-body connection, mindset reprogramming, deep nourishment and purpose driven life.
We’ve all had those moments when everything just clicks—when work feels effortless, creativity flows, and time seems to vanish. These moments aren’t just lucky coincidences; they are powerful mental states known as "flow." When we enter a flow state, we tap into our highest levels of performance and wellbeing.
So, how can we intentionally access this desirable mental zone? And how can flow states positively impact not just productivity, but also mental health, and overall wellbeing? This article will reveal how flow states can help you achieve high performance while boosting your mental balance—and how tools like breathwork and proper recovery are essential for unlocking this mental ‘superpower.’
First things first: What is a flow state, and why should you care?
A flow state is a heightened state of focus where you become fully immersed in the task at hand. During flow, your brain releases a cocktail of beneficial chemicals—dopamine, endorphins, and more—that boost cognitive function and create a sense of euphoria, often described as being "in the zone."
People who regularly achieve flow states report reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, and flow has a calming effect, silencing mental noise. High performers who can trigger flow on demand feel more energized, creative, and emotionally stable, helping them prevent burnout while increasing productivity, motivation, and reclaiming their time.
Understanding flow triggers: How to increase your chances of getting into flow
Flow states can be activated through various “triggers”—specific internal, external, creative, and social factors that enhance performance, engagement, and overall well-being by helping induce flow. These triggers release dopamine, increasing motivation and reducing cognitive load, which makes it easier to enter flow. Here are some key types of flow triggers to consider:
Internal flow triggers
Autonomy – Having the freedom and authority to make your own decisions
Complete concentration – Focusing all your mental resources and concentration on a single task
Passion, purpose, and curiosity – Applying your own meaning and values to a task
Immediate feedback – Receiving real-time and specific information about your progress and performance while immersed in a task
Clear goals – Setting well-defined and specific objectives as a roadmap to your efforts
Challenge-skill ratio – Finding balance between the challenge level of a task and your skill level
External flow triggers
Novelty – Experiencing new and unexpected elements in an activity.
Risk – Being willing to take on challenges or engage in activities that involve a certain level of uncertainty
Complexity – Problem-solving and mastering the intricacies of a task
Unpredictability – Adapting and responding to difficult-to-anticipate elements
Deep embodiment – Fully immersing yourself in an experience
Creative flow triggers
Creativity and pattern recognition – Generating new and original ideas through meaningful patterns and connections
Group flow triggers
Shared goals – Aligning on a common purpose with a team
Close listening – Being fully present and attentive to others’ contributions
Yes and… – Responding to contributions from others with acceptance and build upon their ideas
Sense of control – Having a significant influence over your contributions to the group’s goals
Blending egos – Setting aside individual success in favor of collective focus on the group’s goals
Equal participation – Valuing every team member’s input equally
Familiarity – Understanding each team member’s strengths and tendencies
Constant communication – Actively engaging in ongoing discussions where ideas flow freely
Shared risk – Collectively taking on challenges and uncertainty
Tips for accessing flow: Breathwork and mindful focus
Flow states aren’t random. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to reach these states at will. You can train yourself to access flow more often by incorporating mindful practices like breathwork. Conscious breathing helps downregulate your nervous system, reducing stress and preparing your brain for focused work.
Breathwork tip
Try ‘LSD Breathing’—light, slow, and deep (diaphragmatic). Breathe in for 4 counts and out for 6. This downregulates your nervous system, clears your mind, and primes your brain for high-level concentration. Practicing this for five minutes before starting focused tasks will help you drop into flow more effortlessly. A regulated nervous system is key to entering flow.
Flow and sleep: How better sleep fuels better focus
Sleep is the foundation of flow. Without quality sleep, achieving the mental focus needed to reach flow states is nearly impossible. Sleep deprivation disrupts emotional balance, cognitive function, and creativity—all essential for peak performance and flow.
Sleep tip
Develop a nighttime routine focused on relaxation. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique—inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 7, and exhaling slowly for 8. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you unwind. Consistently good sleep will significantly improve your ability to enter flow states during the day.
Recovery: The essential balance to flow
Entering a flow state requires intense focus, so it’s essential to prioritize recovery. Without scheduled rest, burnout can sneak up, hindering your full potential and, worse, risking your health. Alternating between high-focus periods and intentional recovery is crucial for mental resilience and well-being.
Recovery tip
Take regular breaks throughout the workday to engage in activities that reenergize you—whether that’s stepping outside for a walk, doing some light stretching, or practicing NSDR (non-sleep deep rest). These moments of intentional rest will revitalize your mind, making it easier to return to flow.
Step into flow and boost your life
Imagine being able to access your peak performance state at will, where creativity, focus, and energy flow effortlessly. This is attainable by mastering flow states, using the power of breath, and prioritizing sleep and recovery.
Flow isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter, in alignment with your mind and body. It’s about building a lifestyle that supports peak performance and nurtures mental and physical health.
Ready to unlock your flow?
Do you want to consistently access flow, reduce stress, and elevate your performance? At Awake Society, we help high performers like you master mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing through body connection, mindset reprogramming, empowering nourishment, and living a purpose-driven life.
Book a free discovery call with us today and learn how we can help you unlock your fullest potential, enhance your performance, and achieve the balance you’ve been searching for.
Oscar Orlandini M.D. & Daphy Cavero, Elite 360° Health Coaches
Oscar & Daphy are lifepartners and co-founders of Awake Society, an innovative approach of 360° health & wellbeing specialized in mind-body connection, mindset reprogramming, deep nourishment and purpose driven life. Oscar is a Medical Doctor and a certified Sleep, Stress Management, Recovery & Nutrition coach. Daphy is a certified Integrative Health Coach specialized in Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Work and Emotional Release. They are both certified Masters in Trauma-Informed Breathwork & Ice Immersions. Together, they empower high performers to overcome stress and low energy, reclaiming mental and physical health for lasting vitality and resilience.
