I can always tell when I need a break from writing my doctoral teaching project. I drift off into fascinating (but tangential) lines of research. Despite the obvious drawbacks of getting me off task, the long-term benefits end up being well worth it.
The other day I was in the middle of a run that, for some reason, just felt great. I was running moderately faster than normal, my pulse was lower than average, and I felt as though I could do just about anything. It was truly an experience I wish I could have bottled. I began to wonder if the high I experienced had ever been investigated on any scientific level. Naturally it has and the information is both fascinating and has implications for physical therapists and conditioning coaches.
Today’s tangent comes from an amazing TED talk from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I won’t go any further into my personal analysis as I think it stands on it’s own two feet quite well.
We implicitly attempt to match challenge with skill during most conditioning and therapeutic programs, so there’s nothing revolutionary about that. But explicitly looking for ways to optimize these interactions may lead the individual closer to experiencing the kind of movements that are not only pain-free, but enjoyable, and sustainable!
Are there ways to help our patients find the flow?
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Tags: exercise, postaweek2011, rehabilitation
