Learn about adult development and how to enhance creativity, wisdom, and well-being as you age using flow states and psychedelics. Explore the evolution of flow science, the ancient perspective on flow, and the role of challenging activities in peak performance aging. Discover a new approach to reaching peak performance and breaking through plateaus with the Flow Research Collective.
Regularly engaging in dynamic, deliberate play in novel outdoor environments is crucial for peak performance aging.
Engaging in challenging, creative, and social activities that demand dynamic, deliberate play and take place in novel outdoor environments is the key to slow down the aging process and improve quality of life.
Action sports and leisure activities can trigger flow states, promote neural development, boost cognitive reserve, reduce stress and inflammation, and enhance physical and mental well-being for peak performance aging.
Deep dives
Peak performance aging: Gaining new levels of intelligence, creativity, wisdom, and empathy in late 40s and 50s
As we age into our late 40s and 50s, if we get it right, we gain access to whole new levels of intelligence, creativity, wisdom, and empathy. Mental decline is not inevitable, and flow can be maintained and even amplified as we age. Flow is important for peak performance aging, but it requires preserving physical function. Engaging in challenging, creative, and social activities that demand dynamic, deliberate play and take place in novel outdoor environments is the key to rock till we drop and age successfully.
The importance of dynamic, deliberate play in peak performance aging
Dynamic, deliberate play, a term used to describe activities that require a combination of strength, stamina, balance, flexibility, and agility, is crucial for peak performance aging. Participating in activities that encompass all these aspects simultaneously, such as skiing, amplifies the birth of new neurons in the brain. Regularly engaging in dynamic, deliberate play contributes to maintaining physical and cognitive abilities, which are essential for aging successfully.
The formula for peak performance aging
The formula for peak performance aging includes regularly engaging in challenging, creative, and social activities that demand dynamic, deliberate play and take place in novel outdoor environments. It does not involve supplements, pharmacology, or biohacking. This formula, backed by years of studies, slows down the aging process, improves quality of life, and promotes a desire to live longer.
Applying the lessons of peak performance aging to the corporate workplace
Peak performance aging principles, such as engaging in challenging and creative activities, can be applied in the corporate workplace. By fostering an environment that encourages dynamic, deliberate play and provides opportunities for employees to engage in novel and stimulating tasks, organizations can promote creativity, empathy, innovation, and psychological safety. Embracing these principles can lead to greater employee satisfaction, collaboration, and performance.
Peak Performance Aging and the Importance of Flow
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the connection between flow states and peak performance aging. The speaker emphasizes that engaging in creative activities and participating in dynamic, social, and outdoor activities can trigger flow states, which have numerous benefits for cognitive function and overall well-being. Flow states release nitric oxide, which reduces stress hormones and resets the nervous system, providing a potent anti-aging effect. Additionally, the speaker mentions the importance of building cognitive reserve through expertise and wisdom, as well as the role of novelty and deliberate play in learning and preserving mental function. Overall, the podcast highlights the significance of maintaining an active and diverse lifestyle to enhance cognitive function and combat the effects of aging.
Action Sports, Leisure Activities, and Peak Performance Aging
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the positive impact of action sports and leisure activities on peak performance aging. The speaker mentions that such activities, including surfing, skiing, rock climbing, and soccer, offer dynamic, physical challenges that can enhance physical and mental well-being. These activities trigger flow states, promote neural development, and boost cognitive reserve, providing protection against cognitive decline. Moreover, the research suggests that engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in novel environments, can reduce stress and inflammation, two major factors associated with aging. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of diversifying leisure activities as we age, to ensure a continual access to flow states and maintain overall well-being.
TODAY´S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FLOW RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Are you an entrepreneur, a leader, or a knowledge worker, who wants to harness the power of flow so you can get more done in less time with greater ease and accomplish your boldest professional goals faster? If you´ve answered this question with “hell yes” then our peak-performance training Zero to Dangerous may be a good fit for you. If this sounds interesting to you all you need to do is click the link below right now, pop in your application and one of our team members will be in touch with you very soon.
https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview?utm_source=social&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=better-aging-experience-podcast
ABOUT THE GUEST:
In this episode of Flow Research Collective Podcast, we have a fascinating conversation with Paul Austin, the founder and CEO of Third Wave, a platform that educates people on the benefits of microdosing psychedelics. Paul is joined by Steven Kotler, the executive director of Flow Research Collective, and a bestselling author and human performance expert.
They talk about how to use flow states and psychedelics to enhance your creativity, wisdom, and well-being, especially as you age. They also discuss the framework of adult development, the historical context of flow, and the role of action sports in aging.
You don’t want to miss this episode!
ABOUT THE EPISODE:
In this episode, you will learn about:
00:00 Intro
03:05 The Motivation Behind Gnar Country
11:03 The Framework of Adult Development
17:47 Decoding Flow from Theory to Practice
23:20 The Historical Context of Flow
32:54 Altered States, Altered Traits
39:05 Unlocking Wisdom and Creativity in Aging
55:14 Action Sports and Aging
59:01 Diverse Paths to Lifelong Flow
RESOURCES
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaustin3w/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-f-austin/
Website: https://www.paulaustin.co/
Flow Research Collective’s Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@achieveflow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RiseofSuperman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thefrc_official
Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flow-research-collective-radio/id1520229508Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A
Steven Kotler, the founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective, is one of the world’s leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and an author with over ten bestselling books.
Some of his works include: The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, The Rise of Superman, Stealing Fire, and so much more! Look out for his latest upcoming book, Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad, where he debunks the old myths about aging and how you can boost your longevity through flow!
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