Even in smaller ways, the art of creation can be of benefit. I spent the spring of 1998 writing a play, for example, and when I got stuck, I'd take a break to build my civilization in the game of the same name. Something about the strategic nature of that game exercised the parts of my mind that were juggling characters and plotlines, while relaxing the other part that was jamming up the works with its exhaustion. I almost always found that after a few hours of Civ, my questions would be answered and the way forward clear.
I agree entirely.
Whenever I am writing something and get stuck, I'll play Fire Emblem for a couple hours, and be able to get back to writing.
The worst for me, is when I am developing characters or back-story, and am unable to link X to Y or come up with motivation for why X would do Y, but after a few episodes of anime, or a few hours of some game (usually Minecraft, Fire Emblem, or Oblivion) my brain will be refreshed enough so I can quickly make up a fantastic link for X and Y, and get the perfect motivation for why X did Y.
My best friend is also the best person in the world to bounce ideas off of, but he's not around all the time
