Did you know that some of the greatest creations of our time were spawned on breaks away from the workplace? The Wright brothers came up with the concept of a 'flying machine' whilst on a camping trip, and Bill Gates has 'Think Weeks' away from the office.

Why not plan a weekend away with some close colleagues?  Have a short agenda, based around brain-storming and problem -solving, or just get plain creative, with no boundaries. Arrive on the Friday evening, have a relaxing meal (one glass of wine only!), and go for a group walk the following morning.  Take a notebook, some healthy snacks or a packed lunch, find a peaceful and inspiring route (waterfalls are perfect - clean, fresh, powerful), pose a single question or problem, and just let the mind roam free.

Whilst you hold the problem in your mind, just enjoy and appreciate your surroundings, look around you, savour the colours, sounds, aromas (the good ones!), just let your mind meld with nature, take in the space and peace.  Let the countryside become your office. You may well find that several solutions and ideas come to mind - note them down.  When you return from your walk, a country cafe (or pub!) becomes your meeting room where you share your ideas. 

Consolidate all the best ones, and agree an action plan for when you get back to the office. You can repeat the next day, or use the overnight 'upload' phase, and take advantage of the Theta brainwave cycle, to nurture the ideas - keep a notebook handy for when you suddenly sit bolt upright in bed with that killer concept that will turn into millions on Monday morning!