Some activities make you happier in quarantine than others. Kate Sweeny, a professor of psychology at UC Riverside, recently studied people in China in quarantine due to COVID-19 and found that those engaging in all-consuming activities, known as “flow,” experienced the same level of well-being as when not in quarantine. In this video, Professor Sweeny discusses what a “flow state” is and what it may mean for our collective mental health beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, sick, and worried, you’re not alone and there is a good reason you feel that way. This is a really difficult state to be in.” Professor Sweeny, whose research focuses on the worry associated with periods of waiting for uncertain news, has found COVID-19 stress to relate to her past work. But there is good news for those feeling anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain activities can help.
The three keys to “flow” activities are: The activity has to be enjoyable, the challenge of the activity has to meet your level of skills, and you have to be able to track your progress. What are some good examples of flow activities to fight COVID-19 stress? Gaming, gardening, cleaning, and everyday work are among a few suggested by Professor Sweeny.
