3 Unexpected Places Where Your Best Ideas Are Hiding
Start implementing these practices today!
Ever feel like your creative well has run dry? I get it. Whether you're crafting content, trying to stand out in your industry, or solving a tricky work problem, sometimes fresh ideas feel impossible to find.
Now, you might think the answer is to power through—to sit at your desk and force those ideas out. And sometimes, that works. But here’s what I’ve found: some of our best ideas come when we stop trying so hard.
Surprisingly, creative breakthroughs tend to show up in three ordinary places: Bed, Bath, and Bus. Understanding why these moments spark creativity can change the way you approach problem-solving.
Once you start leveraging these moments, creativity will feel effortless.
Let me show you how…
The Bed: Fuel Creativity With Naps
Did you know that sleep is essential for creativity? A study by MIT found that people are more creative after waking from light sleep, especially when guided to dream about a specific topic. Yet, when facing deadlines or work challenges, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice—at the cost of our ability to think innovatively.
This study highlights a concept called "targeted dream incubation." Participants were asked to think about a particular topic before taking a 45-minute nap. Those who dreamed about trees later produced the most creative stories, as judged by independent raters who didn’t know which participants were in each group. Interestingly, even those who napped without a specific prompt showed more creativity than those who stayed awake throughout the experiment.
Why Sleep Matters for Creativity
Sleep helps your brain process the problems and ideas you've been wrestling with. When you're asleep, your mind enters a relaxed, subconscious state, allowing it to solve problems and generate creative insights without the interference of stress or overthinking. Arianna Huffington, entrepreneur and founder of Thrive Global, sums it up perfectly, “Prioritizing sleep and establishing a bedtime routine has been a game-changer for my creativity and productivity.”
If you're someone who has to sacrifice sleep—whether you're a working parent, running a business, or juggling multiple responsibilities—consider taking a short power nap before tackling creative tasks. Even a brief rest can recharge your brain and enhance innovative thinking.
Bedtime Creativity Tips
Keep a Notebook Handy: Some of your best ideas might come just before you doze off. Don’t risk forgetting them—write them down immediately. Avoid using your phone to jot notes, as screens can be distracting and disrupt your sleep.
Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Racing thoughts can sabotage both your sleep and creativity. Try a simple breathing exercise—inhale deeply, pause, then exhale slowly—or practice a short meditation to calm your mind before bed.
Reflect on Creative Challenges: Before sleeping, spend a few moments thinking about a problem or idea you’re working on. This can prime your subconscious to work through it while you rest, leading to fresh insights upon waking.
Journal in the Morning: Write down any dreams, thoughts, or ideas as soon as you wake up. Your brain is still in a creative state, and capturing these early-morning thoughts can lead to unexpected breakthroughs!
The Bath: Relax to Release Ideas
Believe it or not, some of your most brilliant ideas can pop up while you're in the shower or soaking in the bath. It’s not the water itself sparking creativity, but rather the calming rhythm of water against your skin or the soothing repetition of washing your hair. These simple actions put your mind in a relaxed, meditative state—creating the perfect conditions for an 'aha!' moment to strike when you least expect it.
Why Showers Spark Ideas
Studies show that creativity flourishes when your brain is relaxed. According to research published in Psychological Science by Benjamin Baird, engaging in non-demanding tasks—like showering—encourages mind-wandering, which has been linked to enhanced creative thinking and problem-solving. This explains why some of your best ideas surface when you're not actively trying to find them.
Bath-Time Creativity Tips
Use a Waterproof Notepad : Some of your best ideas will be gone as quickly as they appeared. Keep a waterproof notepad in the shower to capture them instantly.
Take a Midday Shower Break: Feeling stuck on a problem? A quick shower can reset your brain and help you approach challenges with fresh eyes.
Enhance the Atmosphere: Use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and play soft music to deepen relaxation and encourage free-flowing thoughts.
Let Your Mind Wander : Instead of forcing solutions, allow your thoughts to drift. Reflect loosely on a creative challenge without pressure—sometimes, the answer will come when you least expect it.
The Bus: Harness Movement and Mundane Tasks
Getting creative doesn't mean you need to buy a bus ticket! And if you work from home, don’t worry—you don’t need a commute to unlock your creativity. This third ‘B’ is all about those everyday moments when your body is on autopilot. Routine activities—like commuting, walking, or simple chores—might seem like wasted time, but they’re actually prime opportunities for creative breakthroughs. These moments give your brain the space to wander freely, make unexpected connections, and generate fresh ideas.
Why Mundane Activities Work
It’s easy to see tasks like washing dishes, tidying closets, folding laundry, or sweeping as just more work—something that has to be done, not something that can actually benefit you. But what if these everyday chores could fuel your creativity?
Research shows that when you engage in repetitive, low-effort tasks, your brain enters a state of mind-wandering—a powerful mode where your subconscious takes over and makes unexpected creative connections. This is why some of your best ideas seem to appear when you’re doing something completely unrelated to work.
Instead of seeing your chores as a drain, think of them as a creativity boost. The next time you’re scrubbing a plate, know that you’re also giving your mind the freedom to solve problems, spark fresh ideas, and unlock inspiration without even trying.
Commuting and Chore Tips: Turn Grunt Work into Idea Fuel
Dishwashing = Brainstorming Time – Instead of dreading it, let washing dishes be your thinking space. Let your thoughts drift, and you might just stumble upon your next big idea.
Pair Chores with Creativity Boosters – Listen to an audiobook, a storytelling podcast, or music that sparks inspiration while you clean. These pairings make chores feel less like a burden and more like a mental recharge.
Set an Intention Before You Start – Before doing a repetitive task, briefly think about a creative challenge you’ve been stuck on. Then, let it go. Often, solutions will come naturally while you work.
Create a "Transition Ritual" – If you work from home, take a short walk or do a simple task (like making tea or organizing a small space) before starting a creative project. This small shift helps reset your brain for deep thinking.
Create Space for Everyday Creativity
Creativity doesn’t require a whiteboard session or hours of structured brainstorming. Some of your most brilliant ideas emerge when you’re not even trying—when you’re waking up from a nap, relaxing in the shower, or lost in thought during a routine task. The key isn’t forcing creativity—it’s making space for it.
Your mind is always working, even when you’re not actively thinking about a problem. The moments you spend resting, unwinding, or going through everyday motions aren’t wasted time; they’re opportunities for breakthrough ideas to surface.
So the next time you’re drifting off to sleep, stepping into a warm bath, or tackling the dishes, embrace the pause. Let your mind wander. Give yourself permission to daydream, reflect, and create—without pressure.
Want more strategies to harness your creativity, sharpen your thinking, and grow your business—without adding more to your to-do list? Subscribe to my newsletter for regular insights, tips, and tools designed to help you work smarter and think bigger.
