i actually find the getting away from it part not so helpful if it's more than a few days.  creativity is a practice and a discipline like most things in life, and if you stop, well... you lose your focus and dull your skills.  it's not like you train for a race by not running.

i go ages between posts, but that's because i tend to have several images going at once.   not the best habit.   so i guess i'd advise finishing things.  seriously, i think one of the best ways to get inspiration in writiing when blocked is to start doing quick pieces, the best way to get inspiration for pictures and paintings is to do lots of 10 minute sketches, and the best way to get inspiration for poser work is either quick sketches or quick renders.  don't try to do the best you can do.  don't polish.  just try as many new ideas as possible.  even if they're silly or simple or weird.  you do some 1 - 2 hour renders, and you'll hit some idea that just lights you up.

outside media is up to you.  sometimes i find other people's work inspiring.  sometimes i find it binds me to standard types of work.  sometimes the outside world harmonizes with my inner voice, and sometimes it just drowns it out or makes it hard to hear.  we live in a media rich society, and most people here spend a lot of time online, where we actively consume media at a furious rate.  that can be a benefit and a burden, depending on where you are mentally.  i think you have to determine which phase you're in.