349. Flow states

This podcast episode delves into the psychological concept of "flow states," those moments of deep immersion where one loses track of time and self-consciousness. The speaker explains the characteristics of flow, drawing from the work of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and explores how this experience has been understood across different cultures and throughout history. The episode further discusses the neuroscience behind flow, highlighting the role of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and neurotransmitters like dopamine. It acknowledges the challenges of achieving flow in today's distraction-filled world and offers practical advice on how to cultivate focus, find the right balance of challenge, and rediscover activities that spark intrinsic motivation.