Before the pandemic, I would walk 45 minutes to and from the office each day. It was magnificent time to think. I’d often leave the office thinking about a thor

Before the pandemic, I would walk 45 minutes to and from the office each day. It was magnificent time to think. I’d often leave the office thinking about a thorny technical problem, and on the way home, inspiration would strike. That happened so often that I started noticing it was always at the same point on my walk home. I’d see that place up ahead and privately joke to myself, “I’m about to have a great idea!” Then I’d forget about my private joke and go back to thinking and walking. Then I’d have a great idea! Sure enough, it was at that same spot. The spot wasn’t magic. I’m convinced that it was the amount of time I spent walking. It was enough to start loosening my tight mental grip on the problem and let my mind roam. That relaxed mental processing was immeasurably valuable. In a few weeks, I’m choosing to go back to office. What I’m looking forward to most is reaching that spot on my walk home.