INTERNATIONAL: As we juggle life’s endless responsibilities, finding moments to relax and clear our minds becomes increasingly difficult. Yet, amid our busy lives, many of us have discovered a secret refuge — the bathroom.
Whether it’s the gentle cascade of water or the quiet isolation, the shower has become an unlikely sanctuary for many. It offers a break from the external noise and the constant chatter inside our heads.
A featured article published by GMA emphasized that some of our most brilliant ideas emerge in this very space.
It’s not just a personal phenomenon—there’s a scientific explanation for why we often experience those “Eureka!” moments in the shower. So much so that waterproof notepads have been created to capture these shower-inspired insights.
The brain at rest – unlocking creativity
Dr Stephanie Balid-Attwell, a Clinical Psychologist and Research Associate in Australia, explains that the secret lies in the brain’s default mode network (DMN).
This network is activated when we’re in a relaxed state or engaged in routine tasks. The DMN, as its name suggests, is what our brain “defaults” to when we aren’t focusing on specific tasks.
During these moments, the mind is free to wander, making it the perfect environment for new ideas and creative breakthroughs.
This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to showers. Everyday activities that don’t demand much mental effort, like walking, washing dishes, or even doing the laundry, can also spark creativity.
These tasks put the brain in “autopilot” mode, allowing your thoughts to drift freely and make unexpected connections.
The science behind mind-wandering
The brain is most active in creativity during moments of “mind-wandering”—when we’re not focused on a specific task and instead let our thoughts drift.
This state allows the brain to access deeper areas of cognition, pulling in memories, future aspirations, and unrelated ideas to form fresh connections. It’s a form of passive thinking, similar to daydreaming, but with an added element of unpredictability.
Research supports this idea. A 2022 study involving patients undergoing awake brain surgery found that patients who exhibited stronger connections in their “wander mode” were more successful at coming up with creative ideas, such as finding new uses for a simple object.
This reinforces the notion that our creative potential is closely tied to how freely our minds can wander.
Creating the right conditions for creativity
Dr Balid-Attwell notes that finding a balance between focused, intentional thought and free-flowing, spontaneous ideas is essential for unlocking creativity.
Certain activities, like showering or light exercise, allow the brain to seamlessly shift between these two modes, creating the perfect environment for innovation.
Other studies have shown that engaging in “positive, constructive daydreaming”—the kind of daydreaming filled with planning, vivid imagery, and curiosity—also activates the DMN, further boosting creativity.
When the DMN works in harmony with the brain’s focus systems, it allows us to refine raw ideas, shaping them into something actionable and original.
Why the shower works
But what is it about the shower that makes it such an ideal place for creative thought? Dr Balid-Attwell highlights a few contributing factors.
First, the sensory experience—the feeling of water trickling down your skin, the sound of the water, or even the temperature—can stimulate creativity.
Additionally, the shower offers a quiet, distraction-free environment, allowing your mind to wander without interruptions. The familiar routine of washing up also encourages the brain to slip into a relaxed state, making it easier for creative thoughts to surface.
Other factors like the time of day, the type of music (or lack thereof), and even the scent of the products you use can influence your creative flow.
In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s up to you to discover the ideal conditions that help your mind work at its most inventive.
Unlocking your creative potential
While creativity can strike at any time, studies suggest that certain activities and environments increase the likelihood of having those “aha” moments.
Professional writers and physicists, for instance, often experience creative breakthroughs when their minds are allowed to wander—whether through mindless tasks or daydreaming.
So, if you’re looking to boost your creativity, consider carving out time for activities that don’t require intense concentration.
Whether it’s a walk in nature, gardening, or taking a shower, these moments allow your brain to go into free-flowing mode, making it more likely that you’ll come up with that next big idea.
Dr Balid-Attwell encourages readers to experiment with different activities to find what works best for them.
Whether it’s the setting of a warm bath versus a quick shower or the timing of your creative session, the right combination can help your brain enter the optimal state for creative breakthroughs.
Creativity doesn’t always need to be forced. Sometimes, it’s about providing your brain with the space it needs to wander freely—and who knows? That next brilliant idea could come when you least expect it, perhaps while you’re just enjoying the soothing rhythm of a shower.