They stole our flow state – and turned it into a business model. You know that feeling – when you’re so immersed in a project that you forget to eat, or when you’re in deep work and time just disappears? That’s flow. It used to be about creativity and effortless immersion. Now, it’s been engineered to keep us glued to screens, endlessly scrolling, betting, and consuming. Exactly what happens when you open TikTok or YouTube Shorts – just one quick video, then another, and before you know it, an hour is gone.
Once, the flow was a gateway to mastery, to joy, to real human connection. Athletes, musicians, writers, and creators thrived in it. But today, it’s been repackaged and monetized, used to manipulate rather than empower. Social media and endless algorithm-driven content are designed to hijack our focus, turning us into passive consumers rather than active participants in our own lives.
It’s a little depressing to think that what used to be a pure, joyful experience is now being engineered to keep us hooked. The so-called “dopamine cartel” has turned flow into a tool for profit, feeding off our attention and keeping us in addictive loops. A world where we rarely engage deeply with anything anymore, jumping from one distraction to the next, feeling unfulfilled but unable to stop.
Flow isn’t lost – it remains an ever-present part of our human experience, waiting to be reclaimed through mindful choices. In our hyper-connected world, we often find ourselves pulled in a thousand directions by digital distractions. Yet, by intentionally setting aside time for activities that naturally foster flow, we create space for that effortless immersion. Imagine coding without the constant buzz of emails or messages, sitting at a piano and letting the music guide your thoughts, or even engaging in a deep, uninterrupted conversation. Each of these activities invites us to step away from the sliced nature of our digital lives and embrace moments of pure, unbroken focus.
At the heart of reclaiming flow is mindfulness – the art of being fully present. Mindfulness means immersing ourselves completely in what we’re doing, whether it’s a creative pursuit like painting, a physical activity, or simply enjoying a meal. When we allow ourselves to be wholly absorbed in the moment, without the urge to multitask or fixate on future outcomes, we naturally tap into a state of flow. This practice not only enriches our experiences but also helps us cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
I’ve discovered that this presence extends even to the simplest moments – like sitting alone and having lunch. In a world where eating is often paired with scrolling through social media, watching videos, or catching up on messages, choosing to eat without distractions has become a powerful act of mindfulness for me. I focus entirely on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food, appreciating each bite without rushing. I notice how my body responds, and how the simple act of eating becomes an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with myself.
This practice has made me realize how much of life can pass by unnoticed when we’re constantly distracted. When I eat with full awareness, I feel more grounded, more in tune with my body, and more appreciative of the nourishment I’m receiving. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience of being present, of fully engaging with something as fundamental as eating. And in doing so, I find that I carry this presence into other aspects of my life, strengthening my ability to stay focused and immersed in whatever I do.
Reclaiming flow isn’t only about the big moments of deep work or creative breakthroughs. It’s also about these small, everyday experiences that we often overlook. The more we practice presence in these seemingly simple moments, the more we strengthen our capacity to enter flow in all areas of life. Whether it’s a conversation, a walk by the sea, or a quiet meal alone, choosing to be fully present transforms even the most ordinary activities into something meaningful.