1) Take a good 2 weeks off. Full recovery can take up to a month depending on natural recovery abilities and how much stress on the CNS was involved in your regular 6 day a week workouts. If you find that you have lost noticeable muscle size and strength with a 1 or 2 week layoff period than chances are you haven't been training correctly in the first place. You may lose a bit of muscle tone and a little strength, only natural, but nothing to any great extreme. I will take a good 2 weeks off after a 8 to 12 week training cycle. Also good for the mental outlook and approach when getting back into the swing of regular training again.
2) Would suggest walking/hiking in the out of doors as a light form of cardio. Stretching, as a regular semi daily activity and Yoga style movement actually help the muscle system recover. If familiar with Martial Arts, than any form of light Kata's can also be done.
2) Creatine seems to have it's best affects felt when cycled, I have been told. Taking a few weeks away from it may be a good idea, even when on a regular training plan. Athletes do this. Creatine also tends to encourage the body to hold water for some BB'ers. Hence the soft and bloated muscle look on some BBers. Intakes of whey proteins by all means. With a liquid form of a multi vit/min included. Extra Vitamin C course. Good Luck.
