Even if we’re only playing a video game or watching television, our brains are always focused and awake. This indicates that our brains are wired and riveted on the current situation. If a task is essential, the brain feels we should devote our complete attention to it. These situations make our brains think we’re in a life-and-death situation, and we respond as if we are. We’ve all heard of the “fight or flight” response.
The brain produces the chemicals necessary to keep us alert and ready to flee or fight danger at any costs. Our body is doing all it can to ensure that when we decide to do something different, our body will be able to do it immediately. The manufacture of chemicals is the key to accomplishing all of this. In order to sustain a continual level of consciousness, our brain creates substances such as cortisol, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
In addition to enhancing our attention and alertness, these substances may also have an effect on our mood. Additionally, these substances produce an increase in heart rate, which diverts blood away from the body’s vital systems, such as the immune system and digestive system. As a short-term benefit, this helps us to concentrate and work more efficiently It eventually wears us out and makes us sick. In a continual state of fight or flight, our body uses all of its energy to keep us aware, alert, and concentrated. Because our immune system isn’t receiving the energy it needs to keep us healthy, we’re at risk of disease. Our digestive system isn’t receiving the nutrition it needs, either.
It is possible to be extremely immersed in a task and good for you, even if it causes you to be stressed out, but this is not always the case. As a result, we get so engrossed in our work that we lose track of time. To put it another way, we may think we’ve only been doing something for a few minutes when in fact we’ve been doing it for many hours… Flow is a phrase used in psychology to describe this state of mind.
Flow
When we’re completely immersed in something because we love it, we’re in a state of flow. We are engrossed in our work to the degree where we find it enjoyable. Our bodies release the stress hormones and other substances described above while we are in this condition. Because of this, they are created in a variety of sizes. Endorphins and anandamide, as well as more serotonin and dopamine, are created. These are a few of the substances responsible for euphoria and a generally upbeat outlook on life. They are very beneficial to our health, but too much of a good thing may be harmful. Narcotic medications often include several of these compounds.
When we’re in a state of flow, we’re so absorbed in what’s going on in front of us that we lose our ability to think about anything else. All of our attention is focused on what we’re doing at any one time. In some circumstances, individuals are so engrossed in their own thoughts that they don’t even notice what’s going on around them. It’s like daydreaming at a higher level.
Having a strong sense of flow is a major asset. No one wants to be stuck in this position all the time since they would be unable to do anything else. There has to be a symbiotic relationship between stress and happiness in our lives. Both “good” and “bad” chemicals are necessary for life.
If you don’t feel like you’re having fun, you’re not having fun. The Default Mode Network, which we examined in the last part, is another critical way of thinking.
The Network’s Default Configuration
We’re always in this frame of thinking by default. This is a crucial mental state for dealing with stress and going with the flow.
It’s somewhere in between the depleting chemicals of stress and the thrilling chemicals of flow. When our mind is free to roam, we are said to be in this state of mind. We may find ourselves thinking, fantasising, or planning in this frame of mind. When we’re strolling or doing mundane daily chores, we’re often in the Default Mode Network. It is our brain’s way of dealing with the stressors in our lives. Relaxation permits us to overcome the highs and low points of tension and flow.
The Default Mode Network has also been linked to an increased ability to think beyond the box. Unwinding after an exhilarating experience is what we’re feeling in this frame of mind. It’s calming down and settling down to go back to normal. Because of this, it is pondering. As a means of regaining control of our thoughts and emotions, our brains are always coming up with new ideas and concepts. If you’re anything like me, you’ve had this feeling while you’re attempting to wind down for bedtime. That’s because we’re in a constant state of tension or flow throughout the day. We’re still in a state of stress. As part of our self-perception, the Default Mode Network performs several roles. Memory, especially autobiographical episodic memories, are influenced by the Default Mode Network. This collection of recollections is made up of our own unique experiences, tied to a certain time and location.
