Flow States:

Flow states, a concept developed in 2002 by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, occurs when people are engaged in controllable but challenging tasks. Usually these activities require a considerable amount of skill, like painting, running, sailing, or having stimulating conversation. Csikszentmihalyi refers to the impact of flow states on a person’s mental wellbeing, noting how “people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.” Four characteristics of flow are being absorbed in an activity, having a heightened sense of control that reduces anxiety, and becoming “autotelic” (self-motivating). Many with autism and ADHD who get stressed navigating a confusing world can find repetitive activities help them achieve flow. Also see Hyperfocus