Flow was first named by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (chick-SENT-me-high) in the 1970s after studying artists, athletes and surgeons who described losing themselves completely in their work. He identified it as the peak of human happiness and performance.

During flow, the brain enters a state called transient hypofrontality — the prefrontal cortex (your inner critic and self-monitor) temporarily quiets down. You stop second-guessing yourself. The result is effortless action.

Neurochemically, flow floods the brain with dopamine, norepinephrine, anandamide, serotonin and endorphins — simultaneously. No drug can replicate this combination. It is the most neurochemically rich state a human can naturally achieve.