The Locations of Your Next Big Idea: The Bed, Bath and Bus

The 3B – Bed, Bath and Bus 

Have you ever had a brilliant idea pop into your head when you weren’t even trying? Like when you're lying in bed, taking a shower, or just zoning out while taking the bus? Let me introduce you to the 3B’s: Bed, Bath, and Bus - a simple concept that shows us creativity doesn’t always come from grinding away at a desk. Instead, some of our best insights come when we’re relaxed, distracted, or simply doing nothing at all!

While the origin of the 3B concept isn’t officially credited to any one person, it has been echoed in the habits of great thinkers like physicist Albert Einstein and philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, who often found their insights not in moments of intense focus, but during periods of rest and routine.

So, what exactly is happening in the brain during these seemingly-idle moments?

The Science Behind the 3B

Bed

When we fall asleep, our brain cycles through different stages of sleep and each of them plays a unique role in maintaining our overall well-being. Among these stages, the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is particularly important for insightful thinking. During REM sleep, the brain becomes highly active, processing what we’ve learned and forming new associations. This stage of sleep, known for vivid dreaming, is also closely tied to creative thinking. A study by Ritter et al. (2012) found that reactivating tasks during sleep can significantly boost creative problem-solving. So, while your body rests, your brain is actually making connections and sparking new ideas!

Bath

You’ve probably experienced those sudden, clear bursts of inspiration while shampooing your hair. Psychologists now call this the “shower effect.” A 2024 study found that moderately engaging activities like showering can foster mind-wandering, which helps us make creative leaps (Irving et al., 2024). Why? Because when the task is just engaging enough to occupy your conscious mind, your unconscious is free to roam, and that's where fresh ideas live.

Bus

Whether you're riding the bus, sitting on a train, or simply walking to the store, these in-between moments are prime time for your brain to wander. That’s when the Default Mode Network (DMN) kicks in, often described as the brain’s “autopilot” mode. When DMN is active, your brain shifts from concentration on the outside to exploring your inner world, such as reflecting memories and processing emotions. According to Kühn et al. (2014), this relaxed, inward-focused state supports creativity by letting thoughts flow more freely, without the usual filters and constraints. In these moments, your mind is quietly working in the background and helping you in gaining new insights.

How Can We Use the 3B to Be More Creative?

Here are a few practical ways to tap into your creativity, without forcing it!

1. Don’t Over-Focus. Trying too hard to be creative can actually backfire. When you're overly focused, your logical brain takes over, which can potentially block unconventional ideas.

2. Prioritise Sleep. Give yourself permission to rest! A good night’s sleep isn’t a break from thinking but a part of the process.

3. Create Space for Boredom. Constant stimulation like scrolling, multitasking, or noise can suppress creativity. Leave room in your day for silence, stillness, or even daydreaming. Boredom is underrated!

4. Capture Your Ideas Immediately. Those little sparks don’t last long. Keep a journal, a notes app, or even a voice recorder handy to jot them down before they fade away.

In this highly competitive world, it might feel counterintuitive to do nothing. But sometimes, it can be the most creative thing you can do. So, next time when you’re stuck on an idea, try lying down, taking a shower, or going for a bus ride, and just let your brain do the rest!

Writer: Nicole Leung

Published: 22/07/2026

References:

Irving, Z. C., McGrath, C., Flynn, L., Glasser, A., & Mills, C. (2024). The shower effect: Mind wandering facilitates creative incubation during moderately engaging activities. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 18(6), 1096–1107. https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000516

Kühn, S., Ritter, S. M., Müller, B. C., Van Baaren, R. B., Brass, M., & Dijksterhuis, A. (2014). The importance of the default mode network in creativity—A structural MRI study. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 48(2), 152–163.

Mann, S., & Cadman, R. (2014). Does Being Bored Make Us More Creative? Creativity Research Journal, 26(2), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073

Ritter, S. M., Strick, M., Bos, M. W., Van Baaren, R. B., & Dijksterhuis, A. P. (2012). Good morning creativity: Task reactivation during sleep enhances the beneficial effect of sleep on creative performance. Journal of Sleep Research, 21(6), 643–647.