The Science Behind
Lifelines Products
Flow State
Flow state is the feeling of being completely absorbed in what you're doing.
Time softens.
Self-consciousness fades.
You're focused
present, and steady.
When you're in flow
Self-monitoring and mental chatter quiets down, which reduces overthinking and repetitive negative thoughts.
Breathing often becomes slower and more rhythmic supporting a more regulated, focused physiological state.
The brain is less likely to interpret minor stimuli as threats, leading to fewer fight-or-flight responses.
The alignment between challenge and skill creates a sense of competence and control, without tension or strain.
Digital Detox
Even small screen breaks can shift your nervous system
A digital detox is a break from screens and digital stimulation — especially tools designed to pull your attention constantly, like social media, email, news feeds, and notifications.
It doesn't involve going completely offline; it can be as simple as creating intentional screen-free time each day.
A Digital Detox Can Help You
4 Simple Steps to Unplug
Reduce interruptions
Turn off non-essential notifications so your attention isn't constantly being pulled away
Create screen-free spaces
Keep key areas (like the bedroom or table) device-free to protect rest and connection
Schedule offline time
Set a daily screen-free block (even 30 to 60 minutes) to let your brain reset
Replace your habits
Swap scrolling for a calming activity, and use simple rules (or a short social fast) to stay consistent
Sensory ImmersionTM
Sensory Immersion™ is the practice of activating your senses.
Sensory Immersion™ doesn’t demand that you outthink your thoughts. Instead, it uses your body’s built-in sensory network to interrupt your fight-or-flight response.
delightful things signals your brain to release dopamine, your body’s feel-good hormone, and brings you back to the here and now. So when we say stress relief is at your fingertips, we mean it.
REDISCOVER THE SENSES
The best way to get out of your head—is out of your head.
CREATING
SEEING
TOUCHING
SMELLING
HEARING
CREATING
SEEING
TOUCHING
SMELLING
HEARING
CREATING
SEEING
TOUCHING
SMELLING
HEARING
CREATING
SEEING
TOUCHING
SMELLING
HEARING
Meet Our Science Advisory Board
The Lifelines Science Advisory Board brings together world-renowned researchers from a variety of disciplines whose work supports the science of Sensory Immersion™ and flow state.
ELISSA
EPEL, PHD
Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, SF
“We can use the power of the body to change the mind to relieve anxiety.”
KAREN
JACOB, PHD
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School
“Sensory interventions are some of the most effective ways to facilitate emotional regulation.”
ALEXANDRA
CROSSWELL, PHD
Health Psychologist & National Institute of Health-Funded Stress and Well-Being Researcher
“Activating the senses is the fastest way to counteract the stress response.”
Explore the Science
Dive into compelling research on flow state, digital detox, and sensory immersion—three powerful pathways to help you reconnect, refocus, and feel more present.
Science of Flow State
Just keep flowing: A meta-analysis on the relationship between flow and well-being
Finds that flow is strongly linked to greater wellbeing, with people who experience it more often reporting greater happiness and life satisfaction.
Science of Flow State
Why Does Experiencing ‘Flow’ Feel So Good?
Research shows that regularly experiencing flow is linked to greater happiness, less
stress, and improved overall wellbeing.
Science of Flow State
The indirect effect of daily flow experience on affective well-being through less negative views on aging
Greater daily flow experiences are associated with improved emotional well-being, in part because flow reduces negative views on aging and increases feelings of control and competence.
Science of Flow State
Quantifying Flow State Dynamics: A Prefrontal Cortex EEG-Based Model Validation Study. Unveiling the Prefrontal Cortex's Role in Flow State Experience: An Empirical EEG Analysis
Flow state is shown to be measurable through EEG activity in the prefrontal cortex, with reduced self-referential brain activity and better mind–body synchronization leading to improved performance, focus, and emotional regulation.
Science of Digital Detox
From Screens to Serenity
Finds that a structured digital detox—especially when paired with simple offline
activities—can reduce stress and anxiety while supporting healthier, more sustainable tech habits.
Science of Digital Detox
Does putting down your smartphone make you happier?
Finds that briefly reducing smartphone use can boost mindfulness, life satisfaction, and self-esteem—while also lowering stress and loneliness, highlighting the benefits of stepping back from constant digital engagement.
Science of Digital Detox
How to Do a Digital Detox for Less Stress, More Focus
Focuses on stepping away from constant connectivity to relieve the pressure of being
always “on” and regain focus and control over your time.
Science of Digital Detox
Digital detox as a means to enhance eudaimonic well-being
A research review showing how digital detox supports deeper wellbeing—enhancing attention, reducing stress, and encouraging more intentional, mindful use of technology.
Science of Sensory Immersion™
The Art of Being Mentally Healthy
Examines how engaging in recreational arts—like music, reading, or creative hobbies—is linked to higher mental wellbeing in everyday life.
Science of Sensory Immersion™
The Connections Between Smell, Memory, and Health
Shows how smell is uniquely tied to memory and emotion—triggering vivid experiences,
shaping mood, and influencing overall health.
Science of Sensory Immersion™
Creative experiences and brain clocks
Shows that engaging in creative activities—like art, music, or dance—is linked to a “younger” brain, with stronger effects as skill and experience grow.
Science of Sensory Immersion™
Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults
Shows that enriching the brain with scent—especially during sleep—can strengthen
memory and support brain health by reinforcing neural connections.