Incubation

Incubation is a stage in the creative or problem solving process in which attention (consciousness) is diverted from the task at hand and focuses on something else. After the incubation period a 'flash' of creative inspiration or the solution to the problem comes to mind.

For instance, it can help when solving a puzzle to take a break and do something else for a bit. When you return to the puzzle the solution will sometimes instantly come to you after not thinking about it for a bit.