Find the frequency to tune into eureka moments

Where do you feel most creative? When do solutions to tricky challenges come easily? Most people say it’s far away from their work desk. This phenomenon is to do with brainwave frequency.

At your desk, you are focussing on specific tasks but your brain is dealing with constant distractions – colleagues chatting, phones ringing, “you’ve got new mail” bleeps. This brain frequency – the “beta” state – allows us to multitask and get through to-do lists. Your brain is in a logical or execution mode.

To think creatively, your brain needs to get into a lower frequency – the more relaxed “alpha” state. We are usually in it during daily, repetitive activities such as having a shower, walking, or driving along a motorway. There are techniques for inducing an alpha state, such as listening to relaxing music, taking a deep breath or closing your eyes to visualise positive images. It’s about recognising what works for you.