User Guide

This guide covers how to use FlowState effectively for optimizing your cognitive performance and achieving flow states.

Understanding Flow States

What is a Flow State?

A flow state is a mental state of complete immersion and focused energy. Characteristics include:

  • Complete focus on the task at hand

  • Loss of self-consciousness - ego dissolves

  • Time distortion - hours pass like minutes

  • Intrinsic motivation - the activity itself is rewarding

  • Peak performance - operating at maximum capability

FlowState helps you recognize, achieve, and maintain these optimal states through real-time neurofeedback.

How FlowState Detects Flow

FlowState monitors several brainwave patterns:

  • Alpha waves (8-12 Hz): Relaxed awareness, creativity

  • Theta waves (4-8 Hz): Deep meditation, flow states

  • Beta waves (13-30 Hz): Active concentration

  • Gamma waves (30-100 Hz): High-level cognitive processing

The system uses a proprietary algorithm that analyzes the ratios and coherence between these frequencies to detect when you enter flow.

Using FlowState

Daily Workflow

  1. Morning Calibration (2 minutes)

    • Put on your Muse headband

    • Run a quick calibration check

    • Ensures accurate readings for the day

  2. Work Sessions (25-90 minutes)

    • Start FlowState before beginning focused work

    • Monitor the flow indicator in the UI

    • Adjust based on feedback signals

  3. Break Periods

    • Review your session statistics

    • Note what activities triggered flow

    • Plan optimization for next session

Feedback Modes

Audio Feedback

FlowState generates binaural beats that adapt to your current state:

  • Approaching flow: Beats gradually shift to optimal frequencies

  • In flow: Maintains entrainment frequency

  • Losing flow: Gentle alerts to refocus

To enable/disable:

Settings → Audio → Binaural Beats [ON/OFF]

Visual Feedback

Multiple visual feedback options:

  • Screen overlay: Subtle color shifts indicate state

  • Peripheral indicators: Corner animations for non-intrusive feedback

  • Strobe glasses: Advanced option for visual entrainment

Configuration:

Settings → Visual → Feedback Mode [Overlay/Peripheral/Strobe]

Haptic Feedback

For devices with haptic support:

  • Gentle pulses: Indicate state transitions

  • Rhythmic patterns: Maintain flow awareness

  • Alert vibrations: Signal attention drops

Activities & Optimization

Best Activities for Flow

FlowState works best with:

  • Programming: Complex problem-solving

  • Writing: Creative or technical writing

  • Learning: Video courses, reading, research

  • Design: Visual or system design work

  • Music: Practice or composition

YouTube Integration

FlowState can automatically adjust YouTube playback speed based on your attention:

  1. Install the FlowState browser extension

  2. Navigate to any YouTube video

  3. Click the FlowState icon to enable

  4. Video speed adjusts automatically:

    • High focus: 1.5x - 2x speed

    • Normal focus: 1x speed

    • Low focus: 0.75x speed

This helps you consume information at your optimal processing rate.

Session Types

Focus Session

For deep work requiring sustained attention:

  • Duration: 45-90 minutes

  • Binaural beats: Beta range (15-20 Hz)

  • Visual: Minimal feedback

  • Goal: Maintain steady focus

Creative Session

For brainstorming and creative tasks:

  • Duration: 30-60 minutes

  • Binaural beats: Alpha range (8-12 Hz)

  • Visual: Color-shifting overlay

  • Goal: Relaxed awareness

Learning Session

For studying and skill acquisition:

  • Duration: 25-45 minutes

  • Binaural beats: Theta-Alpha bridge (6-10 Hz)

  • Visual: Peripheral indicators

  • Goal: Enhanced memory formation

Advanced Features

Custom Protocols

Create personalized neurofeedback protocols:

# backend/protocols/custom.yaml
my_protocol:
  name: "Deep Focus Protocol"
  stages:
    - duration: 300  # 5 minutes warm-up
      target_state: "alpha_dominant"
    - duration: 2400  # 40 minutes deep work
      target_state: "theta_alpha_bridge"
    - duration: 300  # 5 minutes cool-down
      target_state: "alpha_dominant"

Data Export

Export your session data for analysis:

# Export as CSV
python export_data.py --format csv --output my_sessions.csv

# Export as JSON
python export_data.py --format json --output my_sessions.json

Integration with Other Tools

FlowState can integrate with:

  • Pomodoro timers: Sync with work/break cycles

  • Task managers: Log flow states per task

  • Calendar apps: Schedule optimal work times

  • Quantified self platforms: Export to services like Exist.io

Troubleshooting Sessions

Common Issues

“Can’t achieve flow”

  • Ensure proper headband fit (sensors making good contact)

  • Try different activities (not all tasks induce flow)

  • Check environmental factors (noise, interruptions)

  • Review caffeine/stimulant intake

“Feedback is distracting”

  • Reduce feedback intensity in settings

  • Switch to peripheral visual mode

  • Use audio-only feedback

  • Decrease update frequency

“Inconsistent readings”

  • Clean Muse sensors with rubbing alcohol

  • Slightly wet sensors or use conductive gel

  • Check Bluetooth connection stability

  • Recalibrate baseline

Optimization Tips

  1. Environment Setup

    • Minimize distractions

    • Consistent lighting

    • Comfortable temperature

    • Good posture and ergonomics

  2. Timing

    • Track your best flow times

    • Most people: 2-4 hours after waking

    • Avoid right after meals

    • Respect your chronotype

  3. Preparation

    • Clear task definition

    • All materials ready

    • Notifications disabled

    • Hydration prepared

  4. Recovery

    • Don’t force extended sessions

    • Take breaks when indicated

    • Review session data

    • Note successful patterns

Metrics & Progress

Understanding Your Data

Key metrics FlowState tracks:

  • Flow Score: 0-100 rating of flow quality

  • Flow Duration: Total time in flow per session

  • Entry Time: How quickly you achieve flow

  • Stability: How well you maintain flow

  • Recovery: How quickly you return after interruption

Progress Indicators

Track improvement over time:

  • Weekly averages: Compare week-over-week

  • Personal records: Best sessions highlighted

  • Trend analysis: Long-term improvement curves

  • Pattern recognition: What conditions work best

Setting Goals

Realistic progression:

  • Week 1-2: Learn to recognize flow feelings

  • Week 3-4: Achieve flow 1-2 times per week

  • Month 2: Increase duration and frequency

  • Month 3+: Consistent daily flow sessions

Privacy & Data

Your EEG data is:

  • Stored locally on your device

  • Never sent to external servers

  • Exportable in open formats

  • Completely under your control

To delete all data:

python manage_data.py --delete-all --confirm

Support Resources