David Rock, Neuroleadership expert says, according to a study of 6,000 people conducted by the NeuroLeadership Group in collaboration with a large healthcare firm asked respondents questions about where, when, and how people did their best thinking. Only 10 percent said it happened at work. At the NeuroLeadership Institute, they have been researching thinking in the workplace. The brain science shows us about how leaders think, develop, and perform, and recently they are investing in understanding the role of the unconscious mind.
One idea they suggest in the study is to take breaks, embrace distraction to clear the mind. Another idea is to work in four hour increments. This may not seem new, but I don't see us doing this very well. Your brain needs a break. Check out David Rock's book, "Your Brain at Work."