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TikTokers Are Reaching Their “Flow State” — Here’s WTF It Means

There’s a new vibe taking over your FYP, and it’s all about achieving that perfect, hyper-productive mental zone. It’s not the everyday GRWMs that are perfectly curated, or the “Come Workout With Me” videos. No, this is something more relatable and born entirely from the chaos of our daily lives. Welcome to the “flow state” trend, the latest audio snippet that has everyone from over-caffeinated students to petty argument girlfriends describing their moment of pure unadulterated flow. 

This trend isn’t about finding your inner zen; it’s about unlocking your inner efficiency beast. If your feed has suddenly been flooded with hyper-specific, often chaotic scenarios paired with this exact phrase, you’re probably wondering what it’s all about. One minute you’re watching someone masterfully juggle three different apps to secure the perfect class schedule, and the next, someone is describing the transcendent focus of crafting the perfect, soul-crushing breakup text. It’s niche and it’s instantly understandable. You’ve probably reached “flow state” at some point today without even naming it.

But what does this all mean? Where did this oddly satisfying audio come from, and why is it hitting such a collective nerve right now? I’ve got you. Let’s break down this incredibly relatable new trend that’s putting a name to our most focused moments. 

What is the “flow state” trend?

The trend is simple yet incredibly specific, and that’s why it works. Users take the same audio clip and use it to narrate a short video that depicts a scenario where they enter a state of “flow.” But this isn’t your typical, zen-like meditation flow. This is the chaotic, multi-tasking, hyper-focused flow that defines our generation’s daily life. 

First, you’re going to describe a very specific situation, the more niche, the better. Then you’re going to show yourself performing that task while the trending audio plays in the background. Finally, you’re going to add the quote “and I genuinely reach flow state.” The scenarios are what make this trend so perfect: We’re not talking about a painter lost in their work. We’re talking about the modern digital-age version of flow.

Some habits, though, aren’t so healthy…

@sarahamdanxd

best hour of the day ts has me levitating fr 😭

♬ original sound – Jenjen

College kids know the Gen Z “flow state” better than anyone, I fear.

@ellynkim

literally a struggle every time to get the classes i want #college #relatable

♬ original sound – Jenjen

It’s that moment when you’re juggling three browser tabs, two apps, and a dose of caffeine, and suddenly, everything clicks. You’re not thinking anymore; you’re just doing. It’s autopilot, but the highly efficient kind. 

The term “flow state” isn’t just a TikTok-born buzzword; it’s a real psychological concept formed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He described it as a state of complete immersion and energized focus in an activity. You’re so involved that you lose track of time and your sense of self. Think of a runner hitting their stride or a musician getting lost in their solo. 

Where is the “genuinely reach a flow state” TikTok audio from?

The song originates from a clip of Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star from one of Shane’s viral YouTube videos, where Jeffree Star is rearranging the eyeshadows around, and at the time that the video was trending on social media, many people watched it like it was some type of neuroscience, which makes it even that much more hilarious. In its own state, the audio has nothing really to do with “flow state” other than it’s calming and seemingly “flow” like music track. 

So, the next time you find yourself in that inexplicable zone, whether you’re flawlessly meal prepping a week’s worth of lunches while simultaneously on a work call, finally untangling that huge knot between all your favorite necklaces, or deep in a ruthless deadline grind where the word just seem to flow straight from your brain to the screen, pause for a second and recognize the moment for what it is. 

You’re not just being productive or checking a task off a list. You are achieving your very own, genuinely reached flow state. The “Genuinely Reach Flow State” trend is more than just a funny audio; it’s a collective celebration of those small, personal victories of focus in a world designed to distract us. It’s a reminder that peak human performance doesn’t always look like an athlete breaking a record. 

It’s a testament to our ability to find rhythm in the chaos and to feel like the main character in our own lives, even during the most mundane tasks. This trend gives us permission to name and claim those moments of powerful, unshakeable focus — even if you’re just eating Wingstop.

I am a highly motivated senior at Emerson College studying Media Arts Production with a minor in Pre-Law and Sports Communication. I am looking to grow my experiences and challenge myself as I continue through my college and professional experiences. I am driven, organized, reliable, and creative.