This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
I think it’s a pretty well known fact that relaxation increases creativity… not that I have a specific research study to quote here.
But I’ve noticed that my most creative ideas come during a relaxing back-stroke at my local YMCA. Since I don’t treat myself to a swim often enough, a hot morning shower tends to be the closest I come to relaxing and thus that’s where my brain starts working.
The problem is that I need to be at my computer to organize and record my ideas. So when I’m in the shower (or in the pool trying to burn off my last piece of banana bread) and an idea hits, I panic.
I begin to flesh out my thoughts while trying to memorize each word… all the while worrying that my terrible memory will betray me.
So I figure I need someone to invent a waterproof laptop. I could place it at the end of the pool, swim a lap, type a line, and repeat. An even better solution would be a computer installed right into my shower wall! I could lather, rinse, type and repeat.
Oh wait… I wear glasses. I can barely read which bottle says shampoo. Hmmmm… Ah… but I can touch type. Phew. Problem solved.
Okay, so can one of you please whip me up one of those waterproof, shower-wall computers please?
But first tell me… What about you? Where do creative ideas creep up on you?
Mekhi's Mom says
I think I am my most creative in my sleep. During my dreams I get ideas and when I wake up I write them down.
melody is slurping life says
The shower is prime time creative thought for me. Heaven forbid I take a long soak in the tub…my thoughts flow freely. Then there’s every night when it is quite and I finally get into bed…but don’t sleep.
ter says
When I’m at work and can’t do anything about my idea or even write it down! eek! Or when I’m falling asleep! That’s the worse because then I can’t fall back to sleep!
Mozi Esme's Mommy says
I love the waterproof laptop idea! I need a one-handed keypad so I can type while holding/nursing the baby with one arm, too.
Kathy in WA says
Another night owl here – I like to blog, clean and email/write late at night. I’m addicted to those late hours. 🙂
Duckabush Blog Dh and I are working on some ‘tomato-staking’ parenting. Come by and read along.
Debba says
A passionate, all-encompassing entrepreneurial business (Girlfriendology – an online community for women based on female friendship) keeps me busy all the time. Unfortunately that even hits a lot in the middle of the night when my brain keeps going on creative ideas. Sometimes that drives me crazy (when I’m awake most of the night) and sometimes I just stay open to the creative ideas and will get up and write some down.
But I do agree about the waterproof laptop – showers are also great too!
Thanks, Debba http://www.girlfriendology.com
Penny Raine says
yep, the shower is THE place, the place for thinking, praying, crying, and creating, but if I could write while in the shower I might never get out!
blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com
Alyson says
I get very creative when surfing the net reading so many blogs – there are so many neat ideas from organizing, decorating, recipes, parenting, traveling etc.
I make up my “to-do” list usually while driving in the car to and from work and again late at night (yes, my mind sometimes wakes me up with great ideas that i then forget unless I write it down). My most creative time to get things DONE is in the mornings….. (after I check my email)! I end up with so many lists on scraps of paper. What can we do better?
Alyson LID 01/27/06 IA China
Lisa says
Funny – the shower is where I get great ideas, also – and sometimes why my showers run too long!
I have composed many a blog post in my mind during a shower. Is there a telepathic typing computer program?
Kelly's Krazy Kids says
Mine come right before my eyes close at night, and then I forget all of my genius ideas by the time the sun is up!
Jendi says
I need one of those computers, too!
I’m the same way. I get so many great ideas in the shower. You put it so well – trying to memorize and afraid I’ll forget.
I have to hold the shampoo bottle an inch from my nose to read it so maybe the computer could tell me what letter I just pushed.
Stephanie says
Ha! I loved this post! I always have the best ideas when I’m drifting off to sleep and my husband is used to me jumping out of bed and rushing to my laptop after midnight. 🙂
kelleythejewelrylady says
I read a article that did a study… most of our’brainstoms’ come:
1. when falling to sleep / or just waking
2. on the commode
3. in the shower
I am pretty much a genius when I go to the potty.
Melissa says
For me it’s usually when I’m laying awake in bed trying to go to sleep.
Blessed says
Usually when I’m in the middle of something important, time consuming or difficult to interrupt – I wish I could remember all those great ideas I’ve had…
on the Rock says
The shower is definitely what helps me come to life each day. Swimming is also a favorite. Must be something about water touching the whole body does everything good.
But I like to get creative through my visual senses like surfing the internet, flipping through flyers and magazines, and on a drive taking in the landscaping designs of all the homes I pass.
And I agree with Colleen too, coming off a vacation is really helpful too.
Stacey says
I usually have brillant ideas when I am knee deep into something else. You know dishes, re-arranging drawers, laundry, that’s when a creative idea might come. I guess it is because I would much rather be doing something else. 🙂 I try to stop and write it down, but too often it is forgotten.
Colleen says
Usually in the shower! However, I’m just coming off a two vacation and feel more refreshed and creative at work. Yay for swimming!
Dolls Clothes Gal says
I’m a morning post. My best thought come wile having my first coffee on the porch (I also dream ideas that sometimes turn out to be winners)!
Tina says
Early in the morning before kids are up and when the birds are singing through my window.
happyathome says
Usually when I am in the car, driving of course! Then I have to write it down when I get to my destination. Which of course I have forgtten most of the details! As for the waterproof wall computer, good idea, touch screen. You never know. How about a pen recorder, may be it for now.
R.L.Scovens says
I get my ideas in the evening sitting on the edge of my bed; after the day is over and my mind is relaxed.
Kim says
Usually my creativity comes from others. I’m not a creative thinker. But when I see something I often think, “I can do that! And for less!”
I’m a big cross sticher, so the patterns are ready for me.
Love your blog!
christieo says
I too have my most creative ideas in the shower! I was once in charge of redoing our whole department — and I could not for the life of me figure out how to do it. But voila! One day, in the shower, it came to me. I thought through the whole plan, ran out of the shower and wrote it all down. I’m no longer at that job, but the department is still set up the same way 5 years later!
Paper Bridges says
Scrubbing toilets. I’m funnier than Dooce while cleaning, but by the time I get to the laptop… POOF! it’s gone.
You know, I think there is something about mindless work that lets your brain kick into a state of creativity… where did I read that? Einstein spoke about it, I think? I believe he was another one with ideas in the shower, so you’re in good company.
Mad Squirrel says
I have the same problem or I get blog idea while doing other things. Hubby bought me a mini recorder and it is light enough I carry it around and tape my idea for later review.
Happy Mama says
My creativity comes in strange moments. Usually after time away from home….without kids and sadly hubby! I come home from an all too short break and feel rejuvenated!
Lisa C. says
That’s actually quite funny… I see I’m not the only one, who goes to bed exhausted after going crazy all day running around after two infants and working (barely working after running around caring for 2 lol.. wait that’s work right? )and poof genius level ideas. The more exhausted I am when my head hits that pillow… I start with thoughts of all that I didn;t finish, then all that needs to get done… and BAM!! But ofcourse all the laoptops in the world won’t help me.. I’m too exhausted to get up.. lol..
Katy says
I LOVE this idea–I was just lamenting yesterday that I can’t take my laptop with me into the tub. That’s the only time that I can just sit and relax and think!
Jennifer, Snapshot says
Funny! I think at night as I’m winding down for sleep, a lot of things come together (and I do sometimes jot them down without even turning on a light). I am also inspired by my kids a lot–what they say and what they do just gives me a window into real creativity.
RefreshMom says
Creativity hits me most often when I’m driving (if I get to go more than 5 miles and have no one in the car with me!). Of course, I do less recreational driving now that it costs as much to get to Starbucks as I spend getting there, so I’m going to have to find a substitute for that.
The other time is when I’m tucking in my little guys at night. I slow down enough to let my thoughts flow where they will, but I’m not on the way to sleep myself, so it’s easier to keep hold of a thought until I can get back to the computer. I saw a pen that lights as you write with it; I need to keep that near the bed so I don’t have to repeat my brilliant lines over and over in my head.
Forgetfulone says
In my dreams, or when I am laying there at night trying to fall asleep.
Nikki says
I usually get creative when I’m up late by myself. I guess because everyone’s asleep and it’s so quiet lol.
Shera says
I’m just like you Susan! Inevitably the second my head hits the pillow at night a brilliantly worded blog post or devotional will pop into my head (typically after working at it all day).
I also get these same thoughts as I’m driving or in the shower … but rarely do they come when I can actually get to the computer!!!
I need some sort of easy recording device that will turn my spoken words into type when I plug it into the computer!
Blessings,
Shera
KK says
I get creative after reading you — I love your blog!
Jackie says
Anytime I’m NOT near my computer. 🙂 I was thinking the other day that I wish I could rig my laptop up to my treadmill…I’d get my blogging done while doing something productive.
Tonya says
They happen when I am relaxed usually when the kids are playing with my hair or I am chillin on the couch. I am so relaxed I usually don’t jump up and get something to write them on so I forget them too.
devildogwife says
If you need a water resistant/spillproof computer, check out the panasonic toughbook. They’re amazing (and expensive). 😉
My best thinking is done when I’m half asleep. I keep a journal by the bed as well as my computer so I can jot down notes. 🙂
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says
Definitely the shower – or when I’m driving. Probably because those are about the only two times that my mind is free to wander and think… 🙂
Joyce says
Mine creep up on me when I’m out walking or whenever I get a chance to relax by the water. Like you, I tend to forget my great ideas if I can’t jot them down. I keep a pocket size journal to jot down things as they come to me…notes, sketches, lists. Then when I get home I can use the computer if I need to.
Tara B. says
I work 2 “Power Hours” every morning for my business and it seems within those 2 hours everyday (kids are napping/school/away…it’s quiet) I come up with my most creative ideas whether it be business, home, crafts, decorating, etc. The 2 hours a day seem to be my time to think about whatever I want.
Sarah says
I think my creative thoughts often come when I am watching a movie or something of the sort. I love the emotions that I am able to feel when watching and it makes the wheels turn in my head. Or often ordinary events trigger amazing ideas, or sometimes it is when I least expect it and I thought I wasn’t in the mood to blog or write at all. But most often it is during the evening or very late at night. I seem to be a night owl.