The Magic of Losing Yourself in a Task

For the past few months, I have been conducting an experiment: Instead of scrolling through social media after work, which vaguely entertained me but didn’t make me feel very good, I’ve been putting my phone away and doing things that feel more like play.

After a few misses, I tried flower pressing and loved it. I usually feel rested and invigorated after a session with my flowers. Apparently, I’ve been entering a flow state, which is a period of intense focus that comes from being absorbed in an activity.

There’s no clear time frame for entering flow, said David Melnikoff, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. But no matter how long it takes, there is evidence that people who experience flow have less work-related burnout and emotional exhaustion.

Today, we’re in search of flow states that don’t require a lot of effort but have a big payoff.

GO FLOW HUNTING. Write down five of the most immersive moments you had last year. Where were you and what were you doing? Do those moments have anything in common? Maybe they took place outdoors, or involved other people. This list can help you figure out what gets you in the flow.

Your past interests and hobbies can also provide clues. Once you’ve identified what lights you up, block out 15 minutes today to try it, said Dr. Sue Varma, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the N.Y.U. Grossman School of Medicine. Then, at least once a week, try out your new pursuit to keep your energy levels humming.

SHORT ON IDEAS? Try these.

• If you have five minutes: Learn a few foreign-language phrases on a free app like Duolingo. Or play a mindless game: Dr. Melnikoff likes to toss markers into a recycling bin in his office.
• If you have 10 minutes: Read a short story or a chapter from your favorite book aloud to another adult. Or try a William Morris paint-by-numbers kit.
• If you have 20 minutes: Work on an adult Lego set; there’s everything from classic car models to the Taj Mahal. Or draw a picture of your pet.
• If you have over 30 minutes: Give in to your friend who keeps bugging you to play pickleball. Or buy some herb plants, pot them and put them near a sunny window.