Mind Games

HAVE YOU EVER wondered why some people have their best ideas in the shower? According to every internet article on this subject, it’s a mixture of three factors: dopamine, distraction, and a relaxed state of mind.

My best ideas come while I lie in bed in the “hypnagogic state.” I’m finally getting the sleep I’ve been craving since I woke up (dopamine), my phone is put away (no distraction), and the busy day is behind me (relaxed state of mind).

Science Focus says, “during this state, our mind is free to wander, and this could make us more likely to have spontaneous, creative thoughts.” But here’s the kicker: “If you fall asleep immediately after this state, you will likely forget your inspirational ideas.”

Which is exactly what happened to me last night. As I was drifting off, I wrote my editor’s note in my head, line by line, until I fell asleep, peacefully knowing all I would have to do is put pen to paper – er, fingers to keypad – in the morning. But when I woke up, it was gone. I could not (and still can’t) remember a single word, not even the basic theme, to save my life.

Was what I crafted the Pulitzer Prize-winning, world peace-giving, game-changing letter I thought it was or was whatever I concocted in my head simply nonsense as my brain finally shut off and sleep set in? I guess we’ll never know because you’re stuck with this editor’s note instead, which is probably closer to nonsense than game changing.

I’m curious where you get your best ideas. Do you keep a journal or your phone nearby for that million-dollar plan? Or have you found those free-flowing thoughts are just that – thoughts. Sound off in the July Brain Squad survey (bigpicturemag.com/brainsquad).

Smart Tips From This Issue

Instead of hiring additional salespeople, partner with a distributor to garner more jobs. (The Big Story, page 36)
Use social media to sell your printed products and gain an entirely new client base. (Special Feature, page 40)
Promote your big-name clients during the hiring process to attract print professionals under the age of 30. (Special Feature, page 44)
Set up a charitable donation program to support Ukraine while simultaneously sharing your company values with customers. (Big Business, page 52)

Adrienne Palmer

Adrienne Palmer is the editor-in-chief of Big Picture and Screen Printing magazines. She joined Big Picture magazine in 2012 after graduating from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism with a BA in magazine journalism. During her time with Big Picture, she has held the roles of assistant editor, associate editor, and managing editor; she added sister publication Screen Printing magazine to her resume in 2019. She is a 2019 Folio: Top Woman in Media; spearheads Big Picture's annual Women in Wide Format Awards and Best of Wide Format Awards as well as Screen Printing's annual Women in Screen Printing Awards; is on the board of Printing United Alliance's Women in Print Alliance and the U.N.I.T.E. Together diversity and inclusion program; hosts the Screen Saver podcast; and represents the Big Picture and Screen Printing teams at numerous industry events year-round as a speaker, moderator, and panelist.