I’ve published one book and am a bit over halfway through writing my second one (about wealth and happiness). For me, writing is deeply fulfilling and also complete torture. I get stuck a lot and can’t figure out how to structure my thoughts or say what I want. I constantly beat my head against my mental wall over and over and over, often with little to show for it. Then, sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, clarity and insight pop into my head when I’m doing other things. I dedicated my first book to my wife and dog — my wife for her support and my dog for being my companion during long walks when I figured out what to say and how to say it.

I bet you’ve experienced the same thing—bursts of creativity and insight while doing something else. It turns out there’s a reason for this — certain activities that we do on autopilot create the perfect environment for mental breakthroughs.

This phenomenon has a name: the Shower Effect. It’s the idea that our best ideas often come to us when we’re showering, walking, driving, or engaging in other moderately engaging activities. Researchers Zachary Irving and Caitlin Mills have delved into this and found that activities like these strike a delicate balance in your brain. They’re just engaging enough to keep you occupied but not so demanding that they monopolize your mental energy. In this sweet spot, your brain is free to wander creatively.

So, why does this balance work so well? It all comes down to your brain’s default mode network (DMN). When you’re not actively focused on a task—like when you’re scrubbing shampoo through your hair or strolling through your neighborhood—this network kicks in. It’s responsible for daydreaming, reflecting, and making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Think of it as your brain’s backstage crew, working behind the scenes to solve problems and generate insights while you’re busy singing ‘80s ballads into your loofah.

But there’s more to it. These activities aren’t just neutral backdrops; they actively help your creativity in a few key ways:

1. They Lower Stress Levels: Stress kills creativity. When you’re feeling pressure—like staring at a blank page with your deadline breathing down your neck—your brain is in fight-or-flight mode, not innovation mode. A warm shower or a leisurely walk helps you relax, lowering your cortisol levels and allowing those creative juices to flow.

2. They Boost Dopamine: Showers, exercise, and other feel-good activities release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to creativity. When dopamine levels rise, so does your ability to make connections and think outside the box.

3. They Give You Permission to Wander: When you’re focused on a problem, it’s tempting to brute-force your way through it. But creativity often thrives in the spaces where you’re not focusing too hard. A repetitive, low-stakes activity like washing dishes or walking gives your brain the freedom to explore without the pressure of immediate results.

Irving and Mills argue that this combination—moderate engagement, relaxation, and mind-wandering—is the perfect cocktail for creative breakthroughs. Your brain is neither too idle nor too overstimulated. It’s in a state of flow lite, a gentle groove that’s just right for connecting the dots in new and surprising ways.

So, the next time you’re stuck on a problem, don’t just sit there and stew. Step away from your desk. Go for a walk. Take a shower. Go on a drive. Let your brain do what it does best: wander, connect, and surprise you with its brilliance. Just make sure you have a notepad—or at least a towel—handy. You’ll want to write down your big idea before it washes away.