The Pathway to Flow

Author Dr Julia F. Christensen
Narrator Sidsel Rostrup
Publisher Random House
Publish Date 25 July 2024
Run Time 10 hours and 22 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, Mind, body, spirit, Mind, body, spirit: thought and practice, Popular psychology, Popular science, Science: general issues, Self-help, personal development and practical advice.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

Whether you feel in the zone – in the flow state – by playing an instrument, cooking, drawing, dancing or crafting, research shows that just 15 minutes of creativity a day can transform your life. Using neuroscience insights and inspiring stories of everyday artists, Dr Christensen uncovers how flow can help you experience the benefits of mindfulness without meditating.

After an injury derailed her career as a ballet dancer, Julia was unable to dance as a mode of expression, and felt more stressed and less energetic. She realised then that creative expression has a deeper impact than entertainment and embarked on a new career in psychology. Now working as a neuroscientist, she’s spent the past decade unlocking the secrets of flow, mapping out what happens in our brains when we create and play, and how both can soothe and sharpen the mind.

This book teaches us to harness our creativity every day, and reveals:

Why we ruminate or procrastinate – and how to snap out of it
Why making even ‘bad’ art can be a mood booster
How adopting a creative practice can improve problem-solving
How to build a science-backed practice that suits you best
Why art can be your trusted companion during trauma-healing

The Pathway to Flow offers cutting-edge insights into why all of us are artists at heart, and how embracing this part of our humanity can help us regulate our nervous system, enjoy the current moment and reconnect with our bodies.

‘Wow, I love this book!’ Dr Jeff Rediger, Harvard Medical School

‘Absolutely delightful’ Joseph Devlin, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL

©2024 Julia F. Christensen (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

An illuminating, fun read into the science of creativity, awash with practical tips on how to u2018reverse engineeru2019 the sort of flow state we all desire to achieve in our lives.

Dr Camilla Nord, scientist and author of The Balanced Brain

Intelligent and accessible with great insights and research ... I can already think of several people I'd love to send this to!

Helen Russell, author of 'How to Be Sad'

I thoroughly recommend reading this beautiful book

David Robson, author of 'The Laws of Connection'

Wow, I love this book! - the integration of neuroscience, creativity and play; the bringing together of how our brains work and why we need play in order to heal and live.

Dr Jeff Rediger, Harvard Medical School, author of 'Cured'

Outstanding. Creativity has been waiting for a book to be written by a scientist of Christensenu2019s calibre.

Professor Vincent Walsh

Fascinating, engaging, fun, astonishing and absolutely delightful! I enjoyed every minute of this fabulous book. I learned a lot, both about the science of flow and its relation to the arts, but also about writing well.

Professor Joe Devlin, former head of Experimental Psychology at UCL

Engaging in an activity that activates the flow state can enhance our sense of growth and purpose in life, which is known to be beneficial for mental health. As Christensen had observed during her dance practice, it can also calm ruminative thinking, helping us to find greater mental peace long after we have finished the activity.

The Observer

User Reviews

Book 5.0

Narration 5.0

5.0

A very thorough, systematic and deep exploration of a complex subject. Although the author uses lots of metaphors to convey important concepts - like the pink elephant ballet of rumination or the brain stem juke box - I still found it quite difficult to follow. She lays an extensive groundwork before getting to the more enjoyable part of describing a pathway to flow. I think I will be listening to that latter part again or buying a physical book to help me absorb more of the science. For any artists, in the broadest sense, who struggle at times to keep going this is a deep mine of information.

jackdor 25/05/2025

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.