Using Flow for Burnout Recovery
Burnout, overwhelm, chronic stress and anxiety are all on the rise. Some say the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased this reality for many. But there is a solution in recovering from these feelings of emotional and physical unrest, and flow may just be the answer. Studies have shown that consistently engaging in flow states can have a beneficial impact on burnout and long-term stress symptoms. But not only that, Flow can help us thrive . Below are examples of how flow can improve our daily lives.
Benefits of Flow Include:
Negative Effects of Burnout and Chronic Stress
To anyone who has experienced it, the impact of burnout can be undeniable. It can reduce work efficiency for one, which is why there are so many studies surrounding this phenomenon. Burnout and chronic stress can lead to a host of negative effects on the mind and body, including:
Careful, Flow Can Be Addictive
Although there are obvious tremendous benefits to flow, including increased happiness, satisfaction, less stress and improved physical health, it is important to note that there is a caveat. It has been postulated by Csikszentmihályi that Flow can become addictive if adequate rest is not taken between flow experiences. This is because the endorphins and feel-good chemicals released during flow can be addictive to some. This is especially relevant in work-related flow as the threat of “workaholism” is a risk factor. To combat this potential risk, it is imperative to include periods of rest from flow both between days and hours of the experience. Adequate recovery, including restorative sleep is an important factor in achieving flow
Motivation to find Flow
When burnout is prevalent, motivation is often decreased along with daily energy. This can make it difficult to create the necessary daily changes to tap into flow states. If this is you, it can be reassuring to know that flow can lower your perception of stress over time and can reduce long-term stress. “The accumulated stress is alleviated long-term, and burnout symptoms should become less likely.” Knowing this can be motivating in making small, actionable, daily changes that trigger flow and enhance focus. Small steps can include blocking out a distraction-free hour in your work calendar to focus on one task. Or it can include writing a daily to-do list and checking them off. It can even be something as small as turning off all the notifications on your smartphone.
How Flow Shifts Your Perception of Stress
Burnout symptoms can include feelings of overwhelm. This has to do with our perception of stress in any given situation (aka appraisal). As positive psychology dictates, expressing gratitude for what we have, and being specific about it, can change our view of potentially stressful situations. Flow takes this concept to the next level, as small amounts of risk can release norepinephrine and dopamine (feel-good neuro-chemicals). As long as your skills to tackle the stressful situation are adequate and balanced with the amount of risk involved. The risk/skill ratio is crucial for entering flow states, so reframing how we view stressful situations is all part and parcel of the healing journey from burnout to flow.
Flow to Thrive
Not only can Flow increase our parasympathetic nervous system, effectively turning on our “rest and digest mode”, but as we’ve seen it can aid in Burnout recovery by “resetting” the nervous system to feel balanced and safe. What’s more, flow can help us find purpose through engagement in work or a new creative endeavour. It can increase positive emotions and expressions, including cheerfulness, pride, enthusiasm, energy, and joy. It’s evident that utilizing flow states for burnout recovery far exceeds the traditional recommendations of relaxation, “self-care” and “me-time”. It can lead you to a renewed sense of daily joy and fulfilment.
