Are ‘Shower Thoughts’ a Product of the Smartphone?
My theory is that we have these moments of mental clarity and grand ideas while in the shower — purely because we have solitude from our smartphones.
Earlier this year I read Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport during my 30-day challenge of no social media.
He spoke about so many things to name here. One interesting point he made was about the importance of solitude. Not merely the absence of everything, but the absence of other people’s thoughts and opinions.
Newport noted how the rise of smartphones lead to a decrease in solitude, and the multiple issues this can create with mental health.
He also talked about the importance of being alone with your thoughts, without distraction, and without constant attention to something else.
A few days ago, I thought about how people usually had there awesome ideas while taking a shower.
I wondered why that was.
What came to mind was the idea of solitude, and that when people have a shower, you won’t be looking at your smartphone or having your attention pulled elsewhere. You are with your mind and your thoughts. Free of distractions, and there’s even flowing water that acts as a white-noise.
This act of showering is its own form of solitude, and in these times of stillness with your own mind, you finally have the time to think and make your own opinions and ideas about something.
This can of course come in the modes of meditations, walks, exercising, and so many other things.
It’s important to take time for yourself and be alone with your thoughts. More importantly, have a break from your smartphone every now and then. You might have an idea or solution to something you’ve been looking for.
Nathan