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From one appointment to the next, we’re always on the run. Sometimes we’re even running from our desks to someone else’s. And yeah, there are times when we really need to be in a hurry, but more often than not, it’s not necessary to move like we’re Mario Andretti (minus the hot car, of course).

So here’s what we do: we slow down. But not so much that we feel like we’re never going to get to our big-time meeting/colleague’s desk/receptionist’s base for the latest gossip. We keep walking, we keep doing, we can even keep talking to the person striding along with us. We just move a tiny bit slower.

Why This Works

Sleep-research scientist and yoga teacher Dr. Roger Cole says that eight major activating systems get on the go when we feel stressed. They combine forces to do three things: increase brain activity, tense up our muscles, and rally support from our circulatory and respiratory systems.

Here’s the thing: when our bodies are moving fast, our minds are moving fast, too. Slow your body down; slow your mind down. Counteract the rapidly increasing brain activity. It’s about mindfulness—which actually has nothing do with focusing on the mind. When we slow down our movements just a teeny tiny bit, we become mindful—of our steps, our arms swinging, our shoulders, our hands, our feet . . . the list goes on. We drop out of our heads and into our bodies.

So kiss your stressed-out, crazy-making thoughts goodbye, and say hello to a soothing stride.

Try It

Next time you’re on your way to work, heading for the bus, rushing to pick up lunch, or taking a bathroom break, take a break from your busy mind. Move one millisecond slower. Drop out of your head and into your body. You’ll feel it. Trust me. Try it.