How being ‘in flow’ helps me manage Parkinson’s symptoms

I have long been fascinated by the idea of being “in flow.” Many of us have experienced a state of flow without realizing it, or even knowing what it is. Flow state was first identified and studied by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, one of the founders of positive psychology. So what is it?

Flow is the state you enter when you are so absorbed in doing something that you lose track of time, forget about distractions, hunger, and the people around you. It feels like you can do the activity you’re focused on forever. Many people experience it when exercising, reading, writing, or engaging in other creative activities such as painting or drawing.

I love to write, particularly this column, and share my stories with the Parkinson’s community. So I often find myself in a state of flow when I sit down to write. I like to do it on weekend mornings, when I’m fresh and energized and there are no distractions from work or other activities. This calm but energetic time makes it easier for me to get into a state of flow.

Flow can happen in any environment. People who are “in the zone” are often surrounded by noise and distraction, but don’t react to any of it because they’ve achieved a state of flow. You may have seen, or even been, that person in a crowded, chaotic airport who is reading or writing something and doesn’t notice the world around them.

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The benefits for Parkinson’s

One thing I’ve noticed when I’m in a state of flow is that my Parkinson’s disease symptoms tend to decrease or even disappear. It’s a wonderful feeling to be immersed in an enjoyable activity and suddenly realize I haven’t been tremoring or having dyskinesia for a long time — or at least they didn’t distract me.

It feels so good, because even though I’d experienced the state of flow before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, now there is a new layer of distraction that is lifted when I achieve it — namely, all my “Parkinsonisms.” The discomfort of my motor symptoms and the self-consciousness that comes with them disappear when I’m in the flow.

In fact, loss of self-consciousness is one of the key characteristics of being in this state. This is important because, like many others, my stress levels go up and my symptoms worsen when I think about how people may be judging or watching me because of my Parkinson’s disease. Flow makes that all go away.

While flow isn’t a switch you can just turn on, there are ways to help you get into the zone. There are lots of websites and apps that can guide you, but it’s also something you can do on your own. I’ve found times or situations when I have calm energy (like early on a weekend morning) and a clear purpose (like writing my column) that make it easier to get into a state of flow. Not only does it make me more productive, but being in this state also gives me energy rather than draining it.

Parkinson’s disease can drive you crazy sometimes, especially when you just want to relax or get something done and your symptoms won’t let you. It happens to me all the time. The more I can get into a state of flow, the easier it is to manage that frustration. So think about times when you felt in the flow, and try to re-create those conditions. Flow feels good for everybody, but particularly for those of us who fight every minute with our Parkinson’s symptoms.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.