I agree that turning the game off when you're not playing it helps. The villagers seem to get more distracted when the game is open. And having as many researchers as possible is good advise. Other skills kind of depend on your population size. You do sound as if you are at a point in the game when there is a 'lull' while accumulating points. I have used that time to train builders, find collectibles or mushrooms until points are up. Hope this helps.

Good luck