Hotel chain puts notepads in showers so you can jot down your best ideas

Travelodge is trialling waterproof shower notepads after research found almost half of Brits get their best ideas in the shower

You're not alone. New research commissioned by Travelodge found that 48 per cent of Brits say the shower is where their best ideas happen, making it the nation's top unexpected place for a lightbulb moment.

The hotel chain is now hoping to stop those flashes of genius disappearing down the drain by trialling waterproof notepads in the showers of selected hotels across the UK.

The unusual initiative comes after the research found that while most adults have up to four creative ideas every day, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) admit they forget them before they get a chance to write them down.

The survey found showers aren't just for singing. More than half of respondents said they come up with creative inspiration (55 per cent), make important personal decisions (54 per cent) or solve problems (53 per cent) while washing.

It's not just the bathroom where inspiration strikes, though. The UK's top 10 unexpected places for bright ideas include going for a walk (47 per cent), falling asleep (34 per cent), driving (28 per cent) and even gardening (15 per cent).

Others said their best thoughts arrive while cooking (21 per cent), dreaming (14 per cent), washing the dishes (14 per cent), travelling by train (11 per cent) or during and after exercise (10 per cent).

The study also revealed the lengths people go to avoid forgetting a great idea. Nearly one in five (18%) said they've repeated the same phrase over and over until they got out of the shower, while 16% create a memorable mental image to hold onto the thought. Another 7 per cent admitted scribbling notes on a steamed-up mirror.

According to behavioural psychologist Dr Jo Hemmings, there's a scientific reason why so many people think more clearly away from their desks.

"We tend to think creativity happens when we're concentrating, but often the opposite is true," she said. "The best ideas frequently emerge when we step away from our screens and allow our minds to wander. Whether it's in the shower, walking, on a train or gardening, those moments of mental downtime give the brain permission to make unexpected connections, which is where creativity thrives."

The research also focused on business travellers, with Travelodge estimating there were around 5.1 million business trips in the UK last year. Four in 10 (41%) said they're more creative when away from home, while 64% believe changing environments helps spark fresh ideas.

A spokesperson for Travelodge said: "Inspiration can strike at any moment and with Britain's business community spending so much time on the road, our hotels are frequently the backdrop for those vital lightbulb moments.

"We know how frustrating it is to lose a great idea before you can find a pen and paper, which is why we're trialling new waterproof notepads. It's a simple and practical way to make sure our guests' best ideas don't go down the drain."

The waterproof shower notepads will be available as part of a trial at selected Travelodge hotels in London, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle and Chester from 8 July, with guests able to take them home afterwards.