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I am often asked by Business Life readers how they might use their journeys for a creative boost. Planes are a great place for 'chilled' thinking — often impossible at work, where our thinking is primarily conscious.

Our subconscious has the capacity to remember every number plate we have driven past and processes information as we sleep. If you have ever woken up just before your alarm goes off, you will have have experienced its precision.

To tap into this creative powerhouse, just relax. Edison used to do this by placing a coin between his knees as he mused. He would then access his whole brain creativity, until he slipped too deeply into sleep, the 'penny dropped' and he would wake up, often with a new insight or idea.

I am typing this on a plane. Flying is the perfect way for us to unstop fabulously creative brain states.

The key is to relax, ponder your issue lightly, and let your mind wander. When something interesting strikes you, write it down.

Never has there been such a good argument for daydreaming and catching a quick nap. Chilled out thinking. Now that's my kind of brainstorm.

Chris Baréz-Brown is Global Head of Innovation Capability at ?What If! The Innovation Company

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