Why Your Best Ideas Come From the Bathroom
- flyhcoaches
- Apr 21, 2023
- 2 min read
By Ellen
The other day I was struggling with an idea for my blog. Sure, I had the concept “April Showers…” running in my mind but why weren’t the words coming? My colleagues were waiting for my story, and I just couldn’t get my ideas to flow.
The next morning, I stepped into the shower, still pondering on what to write. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The water was so warm, soothing my face and body. I began to sink into another state and then I had an interesting observation came to mind. My best ideas are created in the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. But why is that so? Why are the best ideas sparked in a bathroom?
Here’s what I Discovered about Creativity!
The mind needs three main ingredients in order to spark creativity. It takes a peaceful atmosphere, a quiet mind, and a relaxed emotional state. The bathroom provides all three main ingredients.
🚿 First, the bathroom is a safe and private place that allows for you to get away from chaos. Most bathrooms are usually the smallest room in the house, giving you a sense of safety, and it’s one of the only places where you venture in alone. I’m quite sure this is your sanctuary if you are a mom with young kids. Where else in the house can you go to get five minutes of peace to yourself.
🚿 Second, allowing new ideas to flow takes a quiet mind. Creativity cannot flow unless we have a clear head. Have you ever had “Brain Fog?” Brain fog can happen for various reasons, including stress, poor diet, or lack of sleep to name a few. The bathroom provides a distraction-free environment which helps to quiet the mind, clear your thinking and allow ideas to flow more easily.
🚿 Third, taking a relaxing shower can help to reduce stress and promote a positive mood, which further enhances creativity. Showers provide “a dopamine high” as the mind wanders from "lather-rinse-repeat" to a recent problem, and then back again. Dopamine is released when you are engaging in relaxing activities such as listening to music, exercising, and yes, taking a shower.
There have been studies that suggest taking a break from work and engaging in relaxing activities, such as a shower, can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities. This is because these types of activities allow the brain to shift its focus from the task at hand and explore new ideas and perspectives.
Of course, everyone’s creativity is different, and what works for one person may not work for everyone. But if you find that you often have your best ideas in the bathroom, it might be worth taking advantage of that time to brainstorm or reflect on your work. You never know what new insights or perspectives you might uncover!
Here’s My Relaxation Toolbox Action Steps:
● Start your day with a 10-minute or longer warm relaxing grateful shower.
● Be mindful as you shower.
● Enjoy this 10 minute YouTube while you shower
If you are still stuck in a rut and want to break free from self-sabotage, CLICK HERE
Or contact me at: 617-750-4830
With Love & Gratitude,
Ellen Sklaver
Spiritual Coach
Comments