In the latter half of my Seven Year Burn-out on Writing, I got into spinning yarn and then knitting (yes, in that order). Fiber arts taught me a lot about writing and process, and I believe got my head back to a point where I could face writing again.

Loving the process was a big part of it. Not being afraid to rip back and start again. ("It just means I get to knit more!" I remember someone saying.) Savoring a new technical challenge. A reminder of what real flow feels like. Doing something just for the fun of it, rather than to meet business goals.

Also, making the making of physical goods and nice tools is probably part of what got me back into writing by hand, fountain pens, etc. ^_^