15 Dec Four Ways to Enhance Flow State During Finals Season
- Flow state has recently resurfaced across social media, but the concept originates from decades-old psychological research on focus and happiness.
- As finals season approaches, many college students struggle with burnout and distractions while searching for ways to stay productive.
- This article outlines practical, campus-specific strategies to help students find their flow and study more effectively.
If you’re anything like me, there’s a good chance you doomscroll on TikTok and Instagram Reels between class, work and life’s daily necessities. While doing so, you may have come across the idea of “flow state”- an idea repurposed into memes and trends.
According to Psychology Today, flow state is a psychological state in which one feels fully engaged and in control of an activity.
With finals season approaching for college students far and wide, it’s common to feel overwhelmed with work and yearning for that flow state rhythm. Well, you’re in luck!
Achieving a flow state might seem like a random burst of energy that happens on occasion, but with a little bit of effort, you can also reach flow state.
With some tips, you’ll be able to find your flow at Cal State Fullerton a bit easier.
When Internet Humor Meets a 1970s Psychological Theory
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The flow state trend started in November 2025 as a meme, where users posted videos of themselves with an audio clip from an old YouTube video.
Under the caption “When [X], [Y] and [Z] and I genuinely reach flow state,” creators have filmed themselves in different scenarios that caused them to hyperfocus on a set of tasks.
Although “flow state” has gained popularity, the concept dates back to the 1970s, when Hungarian American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first introduced it through research linking flow to happiness.
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The concept of flow state can take many forms, both in and out of academic settings. Whether it’s driving an hour commute and arriving without even realizing it, or getting caught up in hours of video gaming, flow states are achieved in our everyday lives and activities.
1. Write It Down. Change Your Day.
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You’ve heard it said: those who fail to plan, plan to fail. When trying to stay focused, it might be difficult to decide which tasks to focus on. According to a 2025 Acuity Training poll, 82 percent of people don’t have a set time management system. Use different tools like Canvas’ built-in to-do lists or keep some sticky notes in your work area to remind you of the most important tasks.
A simple to-do list is believed to be a form of “mental offloading,” reducing clutter and helping you stay focused on the next task.
These small practices can help reduce task uncertainty and procrastination.
2. Want Deeper Focus? Change the Space, Not Yourself.
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While it may be tempting to self-isolate during deadline-driven times, the key to entering a flow state is reducing what distracts you. Actions as simple as putting your phone in a different room or wearing noise-cancelling headphones help decrease your odds of being distracted.
Another study suggested that working in nature-based settings and even just looking at pictures of nature could improve one’s directed attention, as opposed to urban environments that constantly demand active, effortful attention.
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Moreso, if you have complex, concentration-heavy tasks (studying, creative writing, coding, design), surrounding yourself with soft blues, greens, or other cool-toned, calming colors may help you stay focused and mentally clear.
If you want that ambient nature-esque background noise, try moving your study session to the Arboretum and Botanical Garden to reconnect with nature while finding your flow. When the weather gets colder, grab some blankets and book a study room at Pollak Library and enjoy the quiet of fellow academics.
3. Beat Self-Consciousness and Get in the Zone
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Flow involves a loss of self-consciousness. Excessive self-monitoring or self-focused attention can reduce concentration and make achieving flow more difficult. This is what Csikszentmihalyi identified as the “loss of reflective self-consciousness,” one of the nine characteristics of flow.
Beat the self-consciousness by focusing on completable tasks first, create a study group with your closest friends to keep yourselves accountable and keep your study area stocked with your favorite food and drinks on campus to make sure you’re properly nourished and hydrated to keep your flow state going through long hours.
4. Can’t Focus? That’s OK…Start Anyway
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While it’s frustrating not being able to focus, a flow state won’t happen if you force it.
If you’re having a flow state block, give your mind a healthy distraction: tune into Titan Radio while going on a CSUF Wellness Walk, check out the on-campus art galleries for creative inspiration, pick up a new hobby at The Pollak Library Makerspace or visit the Esports Lounge to play some video games before returning to your academic to-do list. Taking much-needed breaks, reducing distractions and simply starting can do wonders.
According to Harvard Business, completing even small progress on big projects had outsized effects on motivation, creativity, engagement and persistence.
Study techniques such as the Pomodoro method break work into manageable time increments, demonstrating how small, consistent efforts can lead to substantial outcomes.
Flow is not something you will into existence, you have to find it for yourself. With the help of some tips and tricks, you can find yourself in a flow state easier than if you tried on your own.
You learn something new every day, even if it comes from a 10-second TikTok.