A little relaxation and distance changes

[suprunp]

Creative revelations come to most people when their minds are involved in an unrelated activity. [...] They [some psychologists] surmise that associative connections between ideas and imagination that already exist in the mind become weaker and are transformed by new information. A little relaxation and distance changes the mind’s perspective on the problem—without us being aware of it.
(Scientific American Mind; Volume 16 Number 1; Unleashing Creativity)

Should it be 'a little relaxation and distance change the mind's perspective..." or should I read it as "One relaxes a bit and distance changes the mind's perspective..."?

Thanks.

[Barb_D]

I would suggest the author meant that the activity of relaxing was completely connected with distancing yourself from the problem, and that because the two happened together, they can be considered one action.

Like "washing and drying the dishes is my most dreaded household chore."

[JohnParis]

I agree with Barb. The author seems to be saying that the creative process could be enhanced by not thinking of the problem at hand and by thinking or doing something else and distancing your thought processes from their current mode of functioning. I have heard several people say that answers to their creative problems and flashes of brilliance often come to them at the oddest times. Like, when they are in the shower or even doing the dishes.