The flow state: the science of the elusive creative mindset that can improve your life

Scientists have long known the mental and creative benefits of the flow state, in which total absorption in an activity banishes anxiety. But what causes it, and how can we achieve it?

As a professional ballet dancer, Julia Christensen knew the flow state well: a total absorption in her body's movements, without the constant chatter that typically accompanies our waking lives. The hours could fly by without her even registering the time that had passed.

A back injury put an end to her career, and alongside the many other life changes that this brought on, she found herself missing the mental calm that had accompanied her practice and performances. I became aware that I couldn't control my thoughts," she says. And I'd never had to deal with that before."