Getting into Deep Focus Mode — Entering Flow State

Deep focus mode at desk

Getting into Deep Focus Mode — Entering Flow State

We like to think we are in conscious command of ourselves all the time. The truth is that things are not as straightforward as that. Habits, distractions, and rituals do matter, and they affect our ability to focus whenever and wherever at will.

This article covers practical strategies and techniques to improve your focus and maintain concentration during cognitively demanding tasks.

Focusing deeply on work or study is best done in a state of flow. Flow is “a cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity” (Flow, Psychology Today). The term flow was coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and covered in his work Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (1990). Flow state is correlated to peak performance, happiness, and stress reduction.

Getting into a flow state where you are working at your peak while deeply focusing is not always easy or automatic. To do this more reliably I have some tips for how to set up yourself and your environment so you can focus. If you do not get into a pure flow state, you will still have fewer distractions.

Focus on a single clear goal
1. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks.
2. Prioritize based on importance and urgency.
Set a time limit
1. Having a time limit helps commit mentally to an achievable goal.
2. You can use the Pomodoro technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break and repeat.
Establish a dedicated workspace
1. Designate a specific area for your workspace, free from distractions like TVs, phones, or clutter.
2. Keep materials or other items you need in reach.
3. If you do not have space for a dedicated workplace, then be organized and consistent about how you will work elsewhere, such as a coffeehouse or library each time.
Remove distractions
1. Put your phone in do not disturb mode or put it in a different room.
2. Turn off notifications on your computer like Slack, etc.
3. Start a different web browser than you use for non-work activities.
4. Put on headphones to block out random noise and send a social signal to others that you are concentrating.
5. Use website blockers or apps that limit access to distracting sites.
Schedule focus time
1. Block your calendar to protect your focus time from other people scheduling meetings.
2. Set boundaries and expectations about your focus time blocks with your family, roommates, or coworkers as appropriate.
3. Try to use the same schedule and rhythm throughout the day and weeks to set up time to concentrate.
Listen to white noise or just silence
1. If you do listen to music, then choose music that has no words or is at least very familiar to you.
2. Any music takes some of your focus, but familiar, instrumental music will take less.
Take regular breaks
1. Avoid working for extended periods without taking breaks.
2. Stand up, stretch, or step outside for some fresh air to refresh your mind.
3. This is important to rest your eyes and move your body and also helps performance.
4. Do not use your phone or social media. These reduce the mental rest effect from taking a break, and interfere with getting back into work mode. They also interfere with being in diffuse mode which lets your subconscious continue to make progress on problems you are in the middle of or stuck on.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
1. Meditate or engage in another mindfulness activity before starting.
2. Even just simple deep breathing and counting will help.
3. Activities that work for me are going for a short walk or doing some simple chores if working from home.
Get enough sleep
1. Get regular, quality sleep on a consistent schedule. Prioritize getting 7-8 hours each night.
2. Lack of good sleep significantly impedes your cognitive ability.
Use rituals as cues
1. Create rituals to cue your mind that you are entering focus mode.
  1. Get your beverage of choice
  2. Sit in the same location to work (desk, home office, specific coffee shop, whatever works).
  3. Tidy up your workplace.
Switch off during non-work time
1. This is one of the most important factors in achieving flow at work according to Nils Salzgeber (2024) in an excerpt from his upcoming book, Mastering Flow.
2. Detach by not checking email or work messages outside work hours helps you recover and focus more effectively when you return to work.

Summary and Key Takeaways for Deep Focus and Flow State

If you optimize your environment, schedule in advance, and minimize distractions then you can build a more consistent ability to focus intensely to do your best work.

Remember to detach when not working, get sufficient sleep, and set healthy boundaries with others.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you enhance your ability to focus, enter a state of flow, and maximize your productivity.

Achieving focus is a skill that can be improved over time with consistent practice.

References

Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. New York: Harper and Row.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014). Toward a psychology of optimal experience. In: Flow and the foundations of positive psychology. Springer, Dordrecht.

Flow. (2021, April 14). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/flow

Newport, C. (2016). Deep work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.

Salzgeber, N. (2024, September 27). Switch Off to Power Up: How Psychological Detachment Drives Flow at Work - NJlifehacks. NJlifehacks. https://www.njlifehacks.com/psychological-detachment-flow-at-work/

Timely Team. (2024, February 12). Deep work: A complete guide. Timely Blog. Retrieved September 26, 2024, from https://timelyapp.com/blog/what-is-deep-work

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 4). Flow (psychology). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)