What Gen Zs mean when they say they’re reaching ‘flow state’

Apparently everyone is getting into their 'flow state' - and we're here for it.

If you're an avid TikTok user, you may have seen the phrase floating around online, alongside videos of people doing everything from eating chicken to scrolling on Pinterest.

It's the latest social media trend to hit the video sharing platform and everyone is sharing their own unique take on it.

In one viral video that's been viewed more than 12 million times, TikTok user @haybaybay_spam penned: "When I'm eating the wings and fries at the same time while also getting water and I genuinely reach flow state."

The caption was accompanied by a sped-up clip of them enjoying their food.

Another person, who posts under the handle @mariabeballin, wrote: "When I'm stalking someone and then it leads me to another person and I stalk them which leads me to another person and I genuinely reach flow state."

So, what is this mysterious 'flow state,' how are people reaching it, and is it actually real?

What is 'flow state' and is it real?

To the surprise of many, 'flow state' is a very real and scientifically backed thing - although not quite how TikTok has being using the term.

As per Headspace, a flow state is a sense of fluidity where you are fully immersed and focused, with benefits like heavy concentration and a sense of clarity. You essentially become completely absorbed by and locked-in on something, that you're beyond the point of distraction. Other people describe this feeling as being 'in the zone'.

Positive psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi said in a 2004 TED Talk: "There’s this focus that, once it becomes intense, leads to a sense of ecstasy, a sense of clarity: you know exactly what you want to do from one moment to the other; you get immediate feedback."

On TikTok, people have taken the term and posted videos of themselves, usually multitasking, doing a slew of different things that help them reach their own 'flow state'. If you're going by the social media version of the trend, for example, you might be watching your favourite TV show, eating a takeaway and scrolling on TikTok.

Another example is a TikToker who posts under the handle @lidilaaa and wrote: "When I'm listening to my curated playlist while scrolling on Pinterest and I genuinely hit flow state,"

And FYI, the original audio that people on TikTok are using as part of the 'flow state' trend is actually from a viral YouTube video by Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star.

What are people saying about 'flow state'?

People are absolutely loving the 'flow state' trend and, whether they're joking or being completely serious, have been joining in with their own responses on what helps them get to his equilibrium.

One TikTok user joked in the comments of the viral 'wings and fries' video: "seeing flow state used in this way is KILLINNGGG ME."

While a second added: "When I hit the flow state and can’t stop to put on my show. That’s when you know."

And a third and fourth wrote: "Dynamic equilibrium" and "Equilibrium type s***."

Meanwhile, a fifth penned: "Flow state is when you position the plate and cup perfectly so you don’t even have to grab your drink, just a slight movement of the head to get a sip."

Another TikTok user @ttaylorolsen shared a video alongside the caption: "When I'm putting on my thick hand cream before bed like a middle aged woman in a movie and I genuinely reach flow state."

And someone who posts under @fibl98 chimed in with: "When you sit in silence together hungover watching TikToks and genuinely reach flow state."

So, what's your flow state?