Sometimes, you need to give your body a workout to get the brain flowing freely. I know I sit too much at my computer cranking out words and images. When I go for long walks or swim laps, my brain changes gears and I enjoy a meditative state while my muscles do their thing. When I’m done, I feel tired, refreshed and full of energy. My fancy flies and I end up in places I didn’t expect—creative leaps from my desk-bound routine.

Go take some exercise today. A good walk at lunch, a bike ride after dinner, a session at the gym, a splash in the pool. Make sure it’s long enough to allow your brain to disengage and your body to get tired (but don’t overdo it—gentle and easy is fine for this exercise!). Then see where your mind goes.