On the writing side of things, I've been able to write characters that are opposite of what I always write and now I get more enjoyment fleshing these characters out. There's always so much to explore in both writing and art that it's almost a crime to be static and still.
Going out of your comfort zone either as a writer or as an artist is such a fun and rewarding experience. You get to think to yourself "I didn't know I could do that" time and time again. It's a satisfying cycle of learning, improving and challenging yourself.