The concept of flow in action is crucial for peak human performance and well-being, as it represents a state of complete task engagement and optimal performance. This state is characterized by a smooth and absorbed involvement in activities, which is essential due to our limited capacity to perceive information at all times ➊ ➋.
The perception-action cycle demonstrates the circular flow of information between an organism and its environment, guiding actions toward a goal. This information flow is necessary because it allows for the coordination of sensory information with motor actions, which is fundamental in tasks ranging from balance maintenance to navigation ➌ ➍.
Neuroscientific research underscores the importance of temporal coupling of neural activities for effective action and perception. The synchronization of neural activities is linked to information flow in specific brain circuits, leading to more efficient processing and a reduction in cognitive load or entropy ➎.
These findings highlight that the flow state is not just a psychological concept but also has a neurobiological underpinning. It is through flow that we manage the overwhelming amount of information that we encounter, filtering and focusing on what is immediately relevant for our goals and actions.