By Teri L. Les, CPA, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Assistant Superintendent Finance & Operations, Oakland Schools
In the past few weeks, many of us have been reminded of how fragile life can be with the loss of our colleague, David Martell. Moments like this make it impossible to ignore how important it is to care for ourselves in the midst of demanding work. Even something as simple as stepping outside for a short walk can be an act of preservation, a small commitment to our own well-being that we too often overlook.
For most of my career, getting up during the workday simply wasn’t part of my routine. I moved from meeting to meeting, spent long stretches at my desk, and often ate lunch without ever leaving my office. The idea of walking—just for the sake of walking—felt indulgent, even wasteful. With deadlines looming, how could I possibly justify time spent wandering the halls or the parking lot?
If I’m honest, I also worried about appearances. What would people think? Surely walking around during the workday couldn’t be considered meaningful time.
It wasn’t until a health scare forced me to reevaluate my habits that I started something different: after lunch, I began taking a short 10- to 15-minute walk. What I discovered was remarkable—and habit-changing.
A Small Change with a Big Impact
That simple walk wasn’t just good for my physical health; it became one of the most productive parts of my day. It’s often the only time when I truly have uninterrupted space to think—away from screens, meetings, and distractions. Some of my best ideas come during these walks. They help me sort through problems, plan difficult conversations, and prioritize what really matters.
Sure, I can’t input formulas into Excel while walking, but I can absolutely think through how to present that data in ways that are meaningful to my audience. That thinking time has proven invaluable.
A Well-Trodden Path to Great Ideas
It turns out I’m far from the first person to discover the cognitive power of walking. Friedrich Nietzsche believed that “all truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” Charles Darwin treated his daily walks as a form of meditation that enhanced his work. Albert Einstein was known to walk at least three miles every day, and Aristotle famously taught while walking with his students.
Their routines weren’t coincidences. Modern research confirms that walking boosts creativity, improves problem-solving, and sharpens focus. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for cognitive refreshment.
The Physical and Mental Health Payoff
Beyond the mental benefits, walking offers clear physical advantages. Just a 10- to 15-minute walk a day can lead to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased creativity and longevity
- Decreased risk of dementia and other cognitive decline
It doesn’t require a gym membership or a major commitment, just the willingness to step away from your desk.
So, Get Up
If you’re like me—glued to your desk, convinced that stepping away feels unproductive—consider this your invitation. Get up. Walk. You might find that this simple shift becomes the most productive part of your day. You’ll return with a clearer head, sharper priorities, and maybe even a little more kindness toward yourself and others.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Celebrating MSBO Members
- Don’t Miss Out on These Scholarship Opportunities
- Exhibit at the Largest Trade Show of Educational Products
- Guide to Navigating Grants Webinar
- MSBO Board of Directors – Nominations Open
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- The Heart of Service: Honoring David’s Legacy
- Welcome New Members