Flow in the 21st Century: Exploring Modern Activities and Environments | Journal paper | Journal paper

Amy Isham, Megan Cumming, Sara Chikhi and Tim Jackson
Cogent Psychology | August 2025

Summary

Flow is known to support psychological wellbeing. But where do optimal experiences of flow occur? Existing studies of flow activities are increasingly outdated and don’t account for changing patterns of time use. Further, the physical environments where flow experiences happen have not been empirically examined.

This research explores flow activities and environments within a UK-based (Study 1, n = 4000) and international (Study 2, n = 839) sample. Commonly reported flow activities were largely consistent with existing research, with activities such as work, sport, reading, arts, and contemplative practices being frequently mentioned. Flow environments were varied, but the home and nature were prominent themes. Whilst certain flow activities tended to be reported alongside certain flow environments (e.g. sports outdoors and computer in residential spaces), others (e.g. art, music, reading) were not associated with specific locations.

Together, findings consolidate understandings of the common sites of flow and provide preliminary insights into the role physical environments might play in supporting flow.