1. Food For Thought
So much of the advice for coping with (work) stress and preventing burnout centers around physiological energy management such as mindfulness and anxiety reduction techniques.
These are valid mechanisms to cope with the symptoms of today’s work culture. However, finding more flow at work can be an invaluable way to boost job satisfaction and help prevent burnout. The secret to accessing the flow state is to strike the right balance between skill and challenge. Much insight can be gained from studying Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Model, which we shared on our Instagram feed this week. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChxDTUIsN0q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
2. Inspiring Quote
“In flow there is no need to reflect, because the action carries us forward as if by magic.”― Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
3. Free Science-Based Tool
Exploring Flow Experiences. This tool can help clients gain more insights into personal flow experiences and provide a useful starting point for experiencing an increasing amount of flow in work and daily life. Link: https://pro.positivepsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/Exploring-Flow-Experiences.pdf?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%5B5-Bullet+Friday%5D+Using+the+Flow+State+to+Help+Prevent+Burnout+%5B%2B+Science-Based+Tool%5D&utm_campaign=%5B5-Bullet+Friday%5D+Flow+As+An+Antidote+To+Burnout+%5B%2B+Science-Based+Tool%5D
4. Book Recommendation
Effortless by Greg McKeown. Many of us still believe that great results require stress, effort, and struggle. In this great book, Greg McKeown provides a refreshing alternative, sharing many great insights on how to achieve the effortless state that lies at the heart of flow. Highly recommended for anyone who aims to dive deeper into the paradox of effort and performance.
5. A Question For Your Clients
“When do you experience flow?” Activities that result in flow experiences are “as good as they get” and represent a gold motivational standard against which the client can compare all other activities.
Consider a client who indicates that playing the piano often results in a flow state. By asking her to keep in mind how she feels while playing the piano, she may now compare this with the feelings she experiences during other activities, such as writing a report at work. If playing the piano represents the gold standard for her motivation, how does the client rate writing a report at work in terms of motivation?
