Why Do We Experience Flow States?

Have you ever played a game or drawn a picture and suddenly forgot what time it was? You were so focused that you did not notice your stomach growl or your friends calling you. This feeling is called flow. It happens when a task is not too easy and not too hard. If a task is too easy, you get bored. If it is too hard, you feel stressed. Flow is the sweet spot in the middle. Your brain stops worrying about yourself and just does the thing. It is like riding a bike. At first, you think about balancing. Later, you just ride. Your body knows what to do. In flow, your mind and body work together perfectly. You feel calm but energetic. Time seems to speed up. This happens because your brain filters out distractions. You are not thinking about being smart or looking good. You are just doing. This state helps you learn faster and feel happier. It is a natural gift your brain gives you when you are challenged just enough.