I have a similar experience except with a different outcome. All that thinking about how to be a better human somehow, strangely, is translateable to better (software) product development. I spend more time understanding people and their desires and less time chasing shiny technology.
After kids those unpaid thought cycles are spent on how I can help my kids grow into better adults.
It actually forced me to change my work habits a bit. Before I could be less methodical about working through a problem because I had lots of spare brain cycles outside of work. But now I have to work through problems more diligently.