"According to the researchers, reduced loneliness is associated with engaging in enjoyable activities that require both concentration and skill.

"When people become engrossed in what they are doing, they enter a state that is called 'flow,'" Dattilo explained. "Flow can be achieved by engaging in mental or physical activities that we value and that require us to concentrate fully to use our skills."

For people to achieve a state of flow, an activity must require a good deal of their skill but not be so difficult that it seems impossible. Additionally, it must demand concentration to execute and be meaningful to the participant. Artistic endeavors like playing the piano or painting can induce flow. So can physical activities like skiing or chopping wood, along with mental tasks like writing or storytelling. What induces flow differs from person to person based on individual skills and values.

"When we enter a state of flow, we become absorbed and focused, and we experience momentary enjoyment," Dattilo continued. "When we leave a state of flow, we are often surprised by how much time has passed."

People with extensive free time -- like college students who are locked down during a pandemic, or people who live in a nursing home -- can achieve flow when they engage in activities they find to be meaningful. In this way, time passes quickly for them, their life has meaning, and their experience of loneliness is reduced, according to the researchers.”

My Takeaways From This Article

1. Sometimes we want free time to ourselves to recharge and spend some time with self-care, but often excessive times to oneself can be at risk of increasing feelings of loneliness. With very close ties to boredom, our mind will perceive loneliness when we are essentially bored during our alone time.

2. Sure many of us can prevent this by having social interaction and going out, but according to researchers even those types of activities may exacerbate or not affect feelings of loneliness. For example, one may find that they are even more alone after having a not so ideal day out with their friends.

3. Researchers at Penn State University found that ‘flow’ or the state of engagement that our minds go through when going through a meaningful and engaging experience is what can help reduce these feelings of loneliness and boredom during our alone and together times. When our brain feels engaged we are less inclined to feel as time is dragging along and additionally we will feel more fulfilled after that activity is over.

4. Therefore finding that activity that engages that ‘flow’ is beneficial in fighting off loneliness. What are these kinds of activities? Researchers say it can be anything that requires a bit of skillful thinking and deliberate focus to complete. Whether it be having a deep conversation with friends or reading a thoughtful book by yourself, activities that generate flow are great ways to ward away negative emotions.

Full article is here!

What are some activities that generate ‘flow’ for you personally? Do you find any benefits engaging in these types of activities?

#Loneliness #Boredom #AloneTime