When I’m searching for a good idea or trying to puzzle something out, and I want some insight from God, I shower. Have you ever noticed how good ideas come to us in the shower?
It’s no coincidence that creativity flows with the water. Showers are inherently relaxing and help reduce stress, which in turn allows the brain’s prefrontal cortex — responsible for decision-making and problem-solving — to take a break. This relaxation fosters a more free-flowing, unconstrained thought process, sparking little bursts of inspiration.
In the shower, a routine activity distracts our busy brains from hyper-focusing on problems. This kind of diffuse thinking lets us make connections and come up with solutions that might elude us in a more focused state. The warmth of the water increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and creativity. Higher dopamine levels enhance creative thinking.
One of my favorite reasons for these shower epiphanies is the opportunity for mind-wandering and incubation. With no distractions and a few minutes of solitude, the shower provides a perfect environment for spontaneous thinking. The steady rhythm of the water, the white noise and the simple task of shampooing give our minds a break from actively pursuing solutions. During this time, our subconscious mind takes over, continuing to process problems, often leading to sudden insights. These factors together create an ideal environment for generating creative and innovative ideas.
Similarly, creative people often advise keeping paper and pencil at our bedsides because good ideas frequently strike just before we fall asleep, only to be forgotten by morning. Like in the shower, there are fewer distractions competing for our attention as we lie in bed, waiting for sleep to come. This quiet environment allows our minds to wander freely and focus on internal thoughts, leading to moments of clarity and creativity. As we relax and our brains transition from wakefulness to a more relaxed state, stress and anxiety — which can inhibit creative thinking during the day — are reduced. A relaxed mind is more open to new ideas and connections.
As sleep descends, our brains produce more alpha waves, associated with relaxed wakefulness and creative thinking. These brain waves facilitate the formation of new ideas and insights. When we unwind before sleep, our subconscious minds continue to work on problems, bringing forward solutions or ideas it has been processing in the background.
- S. Lewis noted that to avoid God we should “avoid silence, avoid solitude, avoid any train of thought that leads off the beaten track. Concentrate on money, sex, status, health and (above all) on your own grievances. Keep the radio on.” To that, we could add: keep scrolling Instagram, pinging news sites and listening to podcasts.
Creative moments are few and far between, no matter how many not-quite-asleep hours we spend in bed or how often we stand under the showerhead, because we don’t make God welcome. We have to be open to his creative force; we may need to consciously provide a place for it to thrive.
Cultivating a relaxed state conducive to creativity involves adopting practices that nurture both the mind and body. Summer is the perfect time to establish new routines for breaks throughout your day — take a walk, stretch or listen to music. Get outside.
Moving outdoors can significantly reduce stress and boost mental well-being by increasing dopamine and endorphins, enhancing your mood and creativity. Clear the physical clutter from your life and create a serene, distraction-free environment in your home or workspace. Incorporate soft lighting, comfortable seating, and soothing sounds or scents. Give your mind time and space to wander by scheduling unstructured time to daydream, letting spontaneous thoughts and ideas surface. Prioritize sleep; take some summer siestas.
And in everything give thanks. Gratitude improves your mindset and reduces stress. Know that you were created in the image and likeness of your creator. Creativity is a gift that inspires a sense of purpose and calling. Pope John Paul II said, “Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent but must develop it.” Regular prayer cooperates with grace, opening us to the Lord’s inspiration. Summer is for stewarding time in order to create with God. By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we create an environment where creativity thrives, enriched by a sense of divine connection and purpose.
Foss, whose website is takeupandread.org, writes from Connecticut.
