Enhanced functional connectivity between the default mode network and executive control network during flow states may facilitate creativity and emotional regulation, and may improve health outcomes

Flow emerges as a unique neurocognitive phenomenon marked by selective DMN suppression and enhanced ECN engagement. Such network reconfiguration fosters creativity through DMN-ECN synergy while providing emotional stability <i>via</i> reduced self-monitoring and negative affect. Although these findings are promising, further research should employ larger, more diverse samples, incorporate causal and longitudinal designs, and explicitly measure ER outcomes. Elucidating the neurochemical underpinnings of flow (e.g., dopamine release) and individual differences in "flow-proneness" remains an important future direction.