Watch a dog after a tense moment: a loud noise, a scuffle at the park. Often it stops and shakes its whole body, then trots off as if nothing happened.
What's happening
Stress gets your muscles ready to act. When you then sit still in a meeting, that readiness has nowhere to go. A short burst of loose, rhythmic movement gives it an outlet, and many people find it settles them faster than sitting and trying to relax.
The tool: the one-minute shake-out
Stand up with your knees soft.
Shake your hands loosely for ten seconds, then your arms, then bounce gently through your legs.
Let your whole body shake for about a minute, breathing out through your mouth.
Stand still for 20 seconds and notice how your body feels now.
When to use it
After a tough call, before you present, or when you feel jittery and can't sit still. A bathroom or an empty meeting room works fine.
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