Shower Thoughts From Around the World
Shower Thoughts From Around the World
The shower is an ideal spot for thinking. While we can unwind and allow our brains to wander beneath the hot water, but what exactly they are thinking?
We went on Reddit to find out what the 27.8 million users of the r/showerthoughts community are most likely to think about while they’re in the shower.
Top 10 Thoughts in the Shower
#1. About the World
The most popular shower thought goes to about the world. The world came up 207 times, which makes it the most common thing people thought about in the shower. We can’t help but think about the world when we let our minds wander. There are so many things going on in the news that affect us worldwide.
#2. About Life
The big-picture thinking goes on! Life came up 172 times, and there was a good reason for that. One of the big philosophical questions is what life is all about. With world problems like climate change and a pandemic clouding our minds, what better place to try to figure out what life is all about than in the shower?
#3. About Food
Of course, not everyone thinks deep thoughts in the shower. Some of us only think about one thing: food. We thought about food 98 times that day, whether we were choosing what to have for breakfast while taking our morning showers or thinking about how good the food we had eaten that day was. Breakfast does seem to be the meal time we think about most in the shower. Cereal and egg both came up 19 times, while bread and cheese both came up 13 times.
#4. About the Future
Who doesn’t think about the future? You can think about the future in the shower, whether you’re thinking about flying cars, rockets, and will aliens come to earth? or just considering what kind of adventures you’d like to have next. There were 83 posts about the future on r/showerthoughts.
#5. About Dogs
Have you tried once to shower in the presence of a pet? Even for the five minutes it takes to take a shower, our pets occasionally refuse to leave us alone! Even if your pets don’t come with you to the toilet, chances are that your thoughts will drift to what they’re up to or making sure they’re ready for the day. Dogs are man’s best friend, and there were 82 shower thoughts devoted to them.
#6. About kids and work
Our thoughts will unavoidably turn to our responsibilities throughout every shower because not all thoughts can be imaginative. One of our top concerns is taking care of our children and our jobs. There were 42 references to children and 80 thoughts about kids, so perhaps you’re worrying about the mischief your children are getting into while you’re relaxing or thinking about getting them ready for the school run.
It’s important to set aside some time to mentally get ready for the day, and the shower is an ideal place to do so. Work accounted for 80 shower thoughts, whether you were sorting your to-do list or just thinking about the commute.
#7. About Water
The water is a shower’s most important component. Water is obviously one of the most common shower-related ideas. We’re picky when it comes to water, and 72 shower thoughts were devoted to getting things exactly perfect. The pressure and temperature being just a little off can ruin a shower.
#8. About our family members
Family troubles can take over our thoughts, and if you’re having trouble solving them, you might find it helpful to do so in the shower. Our parents accounted for 65 shower thoughts, ranging from teenagers concerned about getting into trouble to adults considering care needs.
#9. About movies
Have you recently seen a fantastic film? Some films simply stay in our minds. The 65 shower thoughts reveal that we think about movies to our heart’s content in the shower, whether you’re seeing yourself as the main character or wondering if you could have ever predicted that plot surprise.
#10. About mobile phones
Having trouble putting down your phone? Our lives are dominated by smartphones since we rely on them so much! Therefore, even while you’re safely keeping your phone out of the water in the shower, you might be considering sending someone a message, waiting for an important phone call, or simply checking your alerts. 62 thoughts in the shower concerning our mobile phones is enough!
What Leads to Random Shower Thoughts?
Even though it’s obvious that having thoughts in the shower is a typical occurrence, there is a highly scientific rationale for why we think about our obligations and existential questions when we’re in the shower. Sophia Brown is a psychologist who also practises as a therapist.
“Theta brain waves, which have lower frequencies, can be produced while taking a shower. While awake, we are continually absorbing and digesting the environment around us, but while in the shower, we are not required to do this. The prefrontal cortex has the ability to relax, which in a way completely ceases the sensation of conscious thought.
When we daydream or carry out routine tasks without giving them much thought, we are in the theta brain wave state. Our minds may wander when performing tasks that don’t need much thought because we can become fairly creative in this mindset. You tend to access your subconscious mind more when you are in this condition since it is still active. There is a sort of meditative quality to it.
Why Do We Ponder Existential Questions Most In The Shower?
The most common thoughts revolve around fundamental existential concerns, whether they be about the world or life itself. We asked Sophia Brown why that is the case:
“Each individual will have different thoughts. Everyone will have unique opinions about life, even though the generality may be “life.” When we are in this state, we often have ideas for solutions because we are more in touch with our subconscious thoughts. The most likely idea is going to be about the solution if someone is currently dealing with anything in their life.
Are Random Thoughts in the Shower a good thing?
While expected shower-related ideas might seem harmless, some of us might be worrying too much. Julie Miller, a sub-specialised eating problem counsellor who has won four awards, explains:
“When our thoughts wander, there is a feeling of ‘detachment,’ of being cut off from the current moment. Detachment can be healthy and acceptable, but too much of it can be harmful. In an effort to avoid undesirable or challenging feelings and situations, we could begin to distance ourselves.
How Can Negative Thoughts in the Shower Be Reduced?
You might be wondering if there’s a way to avoid or lessen the intrusive or unfavourable thoughts that bother you when taking a shower. Julie Miller, a psychotherapist, offers some guidance:
There are ways that can assist in bringing us back to the present, such as mindfulness. The next time you take a shower, focus on the present instead of letting your mind wander.
First, pay attention to the sounds in your immediate environment. Pay attention to the water’s temperature, how it feels on your skin, how your body is feeling at that very moment, and even the smells of the surroundings.
Finally, take a deep breath and a few moments to really tune into your emotions at that very moment, allowing them to flow in and out like water.
We can truly start to engage with our true authentic sensations and experiences by setting aside just 5 minutes a day to practise mindfulness.”