Thomson (27) has had a stand-out year for the Highlanders and Otago, and looks certain to win a place in the All Black squad for the end-of-year tour to Japan and Europe, due to be named on Sunday.
The loose forward, who looks to have found his place on the blindside flank in the past couple of seasons, said he had been pleased with his form this year, and enforced breaks had been beneficial.
Thomson broke a bone in a hand in the first test of the year, against France at Carisbrook in June, and had to sit on the sidelines for six weeks.
"The injury was disappointing at the time but when I look back at it now it gave me the time to hit the gym and put on those extra kilos," he said.
"Then I think that week I had off after the test in Wellington was good, as it freshened me up. The first week back was not that enjoyable but last week was a bit better."
He was doing extra running work outside normal team sessions, as he wanted to remain sharp.
Thomson said the season with Otago had been frustrating, but the team had tried hard.
"We've had a good chat about it and talked about potential, not being happy about accepting those close losses. We don't want to accept them and need to turn it round.
"It is hard to pinpoint where we are going wrong. I think is is just accepting our performance is not good enough, and we really need to be concentrating on closing out those close wins."
He said teams such as the Crusaders seemed to have huge self-belief and thought they could win no matter what the situation of a game.
"It is frustrating. It's not like we are going out there every week to get a hiding. Maybe it is about creating your own luck, those 50-50 balls on the ground more often than not come to those who are more desperate."
It has been a rollercoaster year for Thomson. He starred in the Super 14 then faced two charges of assault against his partner, Joanne Alley, which were dismissed in a court in Hastings in June.
He was injured in the first test of the year but came back to star in the final domestic test, when the All Blacks thumped the Wallabies in Wellington.
He said the court case had no effect on him; he put it out of his mind at the time, then behind him when the charges were dismissed.
The test win in Wellington was the highlight of the year, and Thomson said he really enjoyed playing with skipper Richie McCaw.
He said he struggled with motivation on last year's All Black tour, where he had limited opportunities.
"But this year I've had a few games for Otago, and am excited to have a chance to get back into the All Blacks."
Thomson had not heard from the national selectors and was concentrating on this week's game for Otago against Tasman.
