Mindfulness e flow: a excelência do agora fundamentada na neurociência

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness and flow states, analyzing their possible correlation as well as their impact on individual self-regulation and the neural circuits involved. The research assumes that mindfulness practice can facilitate access to the flow state, promoting benefits for mental health and subjective well-being. A narrative literature review was conducted, considering recent neuroscientific findings on the underlying mechanisms of both states. The study structures the analysis into four regulatory dimensions: attention, emotion, cognition, and motivation. The results indicate that both mindfulness and flow share activations in key brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, insula, and nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, mindfulness has been shown to reduce emotional reactivity and strengthen executive attention, creating a mental state conducive to flow. Conversely, flow amplifies intrinsic motivation and reinforces the positive effects of mindfulness, suggesting a positive feedback loop between the two states. The conclusion highlights that mindfulness practice can be an effective strategy to enhance the predisposition to flow, optimizing cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and the sense of personal fulfillment. These findings suggest that such practices can be considered relevant resources in educational, organizational and clinical contexts, with a view to promoting psychological balance and quality of life.