The other morning I sat struggling with some fairly technical copy for a client. Now that my wife and I are homeowners, I’ve been working from an office in our basement nearly every morning.

As I meandered up the stairs for a coffee refill I had a surprise waiting for me. My wife had our four-month old son laying on his mat. He was making some kind of cooing sound that sounded close to an owl. As I bent down to acknowledge him, he gave me one of his patented whole body smiles. The kind that can change your day.

I returned from my five minute diversion refreshed and more ready to go.

The lesson here? 

When you’re struggling with your creative work, it’s OK to step away for a minute. Find something relaxing or inspirational. This recent post on ProBlogger is full of great ideas to stay refreshed.

It’s OK to walk around the block, watch a quick TED video or acknowledge your children as you work. A quick diversion through the course of an 8-hour day can be exactly what the creative Gods ordered.

What little routines help you break up the day and stay refreshed? It’s those routines that will keep your most creative, best work flowing.

Matt Brennan is a Chicago-based marketing writer and copy editor.