I Come Up With All My Best Ideas in the Shower
We need to get enough time and space for our minds to wander and our bodies to release creativity-enhancing chemicals
Time and again, I find myself coming up with the best ideas whenever I’m in the shower. Whether it’s finding a solution to a problem that’s been gnawing at the back of my mind or inspiring some creativity, showering always seems to coax out my inner genius. And I know that there are many others like myself who experience the same thing.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why you always get creative flashes and epiphanies while you’re in the shower and mindlessly scrubbing yourself clean, continue reading below. The reason for this phenomenon may just surprise you.
The perfect environment for creative thinking
Scott Barry Kaufmann, a cognitive scientist and author of Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind, found that over seventy percent of people tend to have more creative inspiration in this specific location more than anywhere else:
“The relaxing, solitary, and non-judgmental shower environment may afford creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely.”
So how does showering create the perfect condition for creative thinking? The answer is simple — the environment promotes a relaxing and calming state. But it also raises our dopamine levels. And we all know that this neurotransmitter can help boost our creativity by shifting our perspectives and encouraging us to explore as a result.
Why does it matter so much?
It may sound like a trivial topic, but it matters more than you might realize. When you get right down to it, very few of us give ourselves enough time and space to let our minds wander and think about our lives. In the fast-paced world that we live in today, it’s not uncommon for our days to be stuffed from the moment that we rise to the time that we sleep. And this can limit our thought process which, in turn, can affect how we handle situations.
But it’s not limited solely to critical matters. A lot of times, having a distracted mind can help us relax. And this can be more than just a little helpful, especially to those of us whose days are usually fraught with stress — be it at work or home.
Replicating ideal conditions
After giving it some thought, I realized that I needed to work on having more space and balance in my life. And while showering is great, we can’t stay in our bathroom all day. However, there are ways in which we can replicate the ideal conditions that a shower brings us. Listed below are just a few tips for those who are looking to recreate the environment.
1. Get up early
For many of us, time is a rare commodity. Between our duties at home and responsibilities at the office, we often don’t get the space that we need for ourselves. Fortunately, you can overcome this obstacle by rising earlier than you usually do. As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. And by waking up early, you’ll give yourself the time that you deserve and need without any distractions.
2. Optimize your schedule
It can be challenging, if not impossible, to free our minds and allow ourselves to brainstorm without any limitations if we’re too preoccupied with all of the tasks that we need to accomplish. And to be more productive and efficient and leave yourself with more time as a result, it’s a general rule of thumb to organize your schedule for the day.
3. Be curiosity-driven
While the conditions and environment may enhance our creativity, it ultimately thrives on our curiosity. As such, it makes sense to be more curiosity-driven. Not only will this keep your thirst for knowledge from dwindling. But as you start learning more, you’ll awaken your mind and make it more willing to absorb new information in the process.
4. Take time to space out
There might be a lot of negative connotations associated with the term “spacing out.” However, research now shows how beneficial daydreaming can be when it comes to improving creativity and problem-solving abilities. And this can go a long way in helping you overcome obstacles, whether it’s finishing a project within the deadline or finding ways to tackle household chores efficiently.
The takeaway
Balance is not just essential in living a healthy and happy life, but you also need it for a more productive one. And while it may not necessarily be easy to find time to have a relaxed and distracted mind, it’s always worth putting in the effort to do.
So, be sure to jot down notes on any ideas that come to mind whenever you shower, and try to replicate the ideal conditions outside of it. In this way, you’ll get the space that you need to get your creative juices flowing.
Some references in this article are affiliate resources.