Need an Idea? Have a Shower

Showers: The incubator for brilliant ideas!

Ever noticed how your most brilliant ideas don’t come when you’re staring at a blank page or forcing yourself to brainstorm, but instead while you're doing something completely mundane—like taking a shower? You’re not alone.

I’m one of those rare people who actually enjoy giving public presentations. But preparing for them? That’s a different story—it takes me ages. I’m constantly searching for the perfect way to weave my ideas into a clear, compelling, and memorable talk. And yet, no matter how much time I spend at my desk, the moment when everything finally clicks almost never happens in front of my computer. More often than not, the breakthrough comes when I’m in the shower, completely unplugged from the pressure to think.

Scientists, psychologists, and creatives alike have recognised that showers (and other mindless activities) are prime time for breakthrough thinking.

So, what is it about stepping into a stream of water that unlocks creativity?

1. Your Brain Shifts Into “Default Mode”

When you're scrubbing away in the shower, your brain switches from focused thinking to a more relaxed, wandering state. Neuroscientists call this the Default Mode Network (DMN)—a system that kicks in when you're not engaged in a specific task.

The DMN is like the backstage crew of your brain, quietly making connections and solving problems while you’re not paying attention. This explains why stepping away from a problem often leads to sudden insights.

Maybe all workplaces need a problem solving shower available!

2. A Dopamine Boost Fuels Creativity

Ever noticed that showers feel amazing? That’s because warm water, relaxation, and sensory pleasure trigger dopamine release—a neurotransmitter linked to motivation, learning, and creative thinking.

Higher dopamine levels = a higher likelihood of making unexpected connections between ideas.

This is why some of the most creative people in history often engaged in activities that naturally boosted dopamine.

Steve Jobs imagined sleek apple designs on meditative walks by the water.

Agatha Christie took long baths to brainstorm novel plot twists.

Beethoven poured cold water over his head while composing!

The next Beethoven!

3. The Power of Mind-Wandering

Most of the time, our brains are locked in task mode—focused on answering emails, completing to-do lists, or tackling work projects. But creativity thrives when your mind is free to roam.

This makes showers are the perfect incubation period for ideas. When you're rinsing off, your mind isn't cluttered with tasks, so it can drift, connect dots, and explore possibilities. This "wandering" is essential for divergent thinking, the process of generating multiple solutions to a problem.

4. Relaxation Reduces Mental Blocks

Stress and overthinking are creativity killers. The shower, however, is a built-in relaxation zone—no notifications, no distractions, just the sound of running water.

This relaxed state helps quiet your inner critic, making it easier for ideas to flow without self-doubt or over-analysis getting in the way.

How to Harness the Shower Effect

Since you can’t stay in the shower all day (unfortunately), here are some ways to tap into the same creative process elsewhere:

• Take regular breaks – Step away from focused work to let ideas incubate.

• Engage in mindless activities – Walking, swimming, or washing dishes can have the same effect as a shower.

• Write ideas down immediately – Keep a waterproof notepad in the shower or jot down thoughts as soon as you step out.

• Create a distraction-free environment – Try working without screens or notifications to let your mind wander.

Water & Creativity: A Natural Connection

Whether it’s shower thoughts, deep reflections by the ocean, or the calming rhythm of a river, water has always been a catalyst for creative breakthroughs.

What’s the best idea you’ve ever had in the shower? Let us know in the comments.