This paper shows that the brain’s Default Network is causally linked to creative thinking.

The Default Mode Network is activated by having time to wander — i.e. having thoughts without purpose (daydreaming).  This is when new connections are made and breakthroughs often happen.

Ideas also tend to come from walks, because walks also tend to activate the “default mode” network.

Both walks and allowing daydreaming are therefore useful recovery activities if you are looking for creative solutions to a problem.