Everyday chores
Washing dishes or mopping the floor is when I get most ideas for my story. Do simple household chores that don't need too much of your attention, thereby letting your mind to rest for a while. Thinking too much about your work might actually halt your brain from processing anymore. Doing such simple things might actually help to finish your other tasks by giving break to writing as well as gaining time to write later.
Reading
Pick a good book to keep you hooked. As you continue to read, you will get immersed in the book; fall into that imaginary world that you will actually forget everything else in reality. Reading will help a great deal to soothe your mind - it might trigger new ideas for your story, who knows!
Routine? Not really...
Having a writing routine never really worked for me. I always sit down to write when I actually feel to do so. Else, it simply won't work for me. This is not just for writing but with everything else, well... almost. I might be doing something else in the kitchen or keep rolling in bed before falling asleep - those were the moments that triggered a lot of ideas - even the exact form of sentences flow effortlessly while I'm not in the writing setup. Having your system ready at all times helps so that whenever you are overflowing with ideas you can simply write. Or using a notepad might help. Instead of squeezing your mind out when you are not in the mood, try writing when you actually feel to.
Relax
Gardening, cooking, cleaning - there are a lot of options to relax. Relaxing doesn't necessarily mean taking a nap or doing nothing. Engaging in activities other than doing your usual work will help relax. Simply put your mind in off mode. Don't think anything about what your character is going to do next and focus on what you can do off-page.
Refresh
If talking with your best friend refreshes you, go ahead. Nothing is stopping you from having a cup of coffee with your loved one and keep chatting. Watching your favourite movie, strolling in the garden, playing with your kid, anything that refreshes you and diverts you completely away from your story. Indulge in something that you love doing to refresh yourself.
Other activities
If you are a self-publisher, there are a lot of other things you will be doing to finish your book like formatting, sending to an editor, sending out query letters, choosing your book cover, etc. Carry out some of these activities which will give time to think differently also giving you some rest after thinking too much about your plot.
Free writing
If you are writing for paid assignments, you couldn't afford to waste time doing something else other than to just sit and write. Try free writing during such times - simply write whatever that comes to your mind not worrying about errors or even if it makes sense, for a set period of time. After a session of free writing, you might probably be ready to do the actual job!
Just like sharpening the saw, a writer's mind needs a constant dose of refreshment and relaxation to keep the ideas flowing. This is not a waste of time but actually an essential part to shape your writing better.
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