At 优蜜视频, we are committed to the whole child, inspiring students to grow and find balance among all five aspects of self: intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional. We understand that emotional wellbeing is just as important as intellectual growth, and that positive emotions actually facilitate openness and drive curiosity and exploration. In fact, studies³ find that emotions significantly influence our learning strategies, motivation, cognitive resources, and academic achievement.

GETTING IN THE 鈥淔LOW鈥� OF THINGS

Research has documented that happiness is best obtained through 鈥渇low鈥� activities that require active physical and psychic investment.⁴ With that being said, flow is defined as a state of concentration so focused that it amounts to absolute absorption in an activity^.5. In fact, there are six key factors that encompass the experience of flow⁶:

1. Intense and focused concentration on the present moment
2. Merging of action and awareness
3. A loss of reflective self-consciousness
4. A sense of personal control or agency over the situation or activity
5. A distortion of temporal experience
6. Experience of the activity as intrinsically rewarding

So, how can we 鈥済et into the zone鈥�?!

READING

 Around the world, the most frequently mentioned enjoyable activity is reading⁵. What can be more absolutely absorbing than 鈥榣osing yourself鈥� in a good book?! Whether it be fantasy or non-fiction, reading is a great way to become completely involved in an activity, leading to feelings of immersive interest and maybe even a different experience of time itself. Getting wrapped up in an engrossing read allows for the opportunity to escape your own sense of self-consciousness, even if just momentarily.

BEING WITH OTHER PEOPLE

 Followed closely behind reading as being reported as the most enjoyable activity is being with other people⁵. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into this particular activity, there are still ways to socialize with other people- whether that be engaging in shared virtual gaming, meeting via video-call hangouts, or even writing letters back and forth! Engaging with others in various ways allows us to focus our concentration on the present moment- a key factor in the experience of flow⁶.

CREATING ART

 Another great way to reach a state of flow is to create art, which allows for a sense of control as well as a merging of action and awareness. Any act of creating and crafting that brings you into the present moment will do- painting, playing music, sculpting, sewing, or even doodling, to name a few. As Pablo Picasso once said, 鈥淎rt washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.鈥�

GETTING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Physical activity is an exceptional way to achieve a state of flow, specifically in its ability to provide opportunities to match one鈥檚 skill level to a challenging or goal. Think of a physical activity, like swimming, running, or yoga- we feel most accomplished and competent, allowing for experiences of confidence and a sense of control, when the goal of the activity is well matched to our ability. A beginner runner who participates in a 5K marathon would most likely not reach a state of flow, but an advanced runner could surely 鈥済et into the zone鈥�. Not excluding one鈥檚 ability to expand one鈥檚 skill set, make sure to get your body moving in challenging ways, but not too challenging!

With all of this being said, developing tangible techniques to reach states of flow offer exciting opportunities to work towards finding balance among all five aspects of self and reaching our full potentials. Given the multitude of ways to achieve flow, that elusive emotion we call happiness is surely within our reach!

FOOTNOTES

1. International Day of Happiness.听
2. Freedman, J. (1978).听Happy People: What Happiness Is, Who Has It, and Why. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
3. Berry, Natalie (2013, February 17)聽Are Happy Students Successful Students?聽https://natberryblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/are-happy-students-successful-students/
4. Nakamura, J., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). The Concept of Flow. In C. Snyder, & S. Lopez (Eds.),聽Handbook of Positive Psychology聽(pp. 89-105). Oxford University Press.
5. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990).听Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper and Row.
6. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1975).听Beyond Boredom and Anxiety. Washington: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

It鈥檚 hard to believe it鈥檚 already July! With the summer flying by, it鈥檚 never too early to start thinking about fall activities. Whether your child is looking to expand their resume, find a hobby or make new friends, the extracurricular activities listed below can serve as great opportunities for all.

• Arts:  recommends gifted children partake in musical or artistic activities for a few different reasons. Artistic and creative pursuits can build problem-solving skills, provide a safe environment for socializing and relieve stress.

• Sports: Exercise is known to have a multitude of physical and emotional benefits. For a gifted child, physical activity can provide a break from rigorous academics and aid in social development. However, it鈥檚 important when choosing a sport to consider the physical, emotional and social challenges that might apply to your child. To read more about some of these challenges and how to choose a sport for your gifted child, check out this .

• Service activities: Volunteer and service opportunities are a fantastic way to teach your child how to give back to the community. Additionally, according to , clubs and colleges often look for volunteer experience when reviewing a student鈥檚 application for admission.

• 优蜜视频 Academy: provides exceptionally creative learning opportunities that encourage in-depth exploration of topics outside of the typical school curriculum. Classes cover a wide variety of STEM, arts and humanities topics, often taught through an interdisciplinary lens.

• Yunasa: Geared toward the unique needs of gifted children, while offering all the enjoyment of a traditional summer sleep-away camp, provides a combination of traditional camp activities and special workshops designed specifically to help gifted children learn more about themselves as they develop greater awareness and self-acceptance. While this isn鈥檛 a fall activity, it鈥檚 never too early to start thinking about registering your child for Yunasa 2020. Be sure to not miss the opening of Yunasa 2020 application by .

• Academic competitions: Academic competitions like spelling bees and quiz bowls can serve as an opportunity for your child to expand their knowledge in a subject of interest. also suggests that competitive activities can prepare children for the inevitable wins and losses that occur throughout life while also helping them develop self-esteem and tenacity.

• I[d]EA Day: 优蜜视频 is hosting an exciting new event this Fall in Pasadena! is built to inspire our next generation of innovators. Over light bites and drinks, become a part of the 优蜜视频 network while gaining exclusive access to local STEAM professionals and experts in gifted education.  about I[d]EA day! 

For more extracurricular activity suggestions, check out the on our website!