Theres a lot of data out there showing Americans are overworked.

We work longer hours, take fewer vacations and retire later than workers in Europe. One study even concluded that Americans work 25 percent more than Europeans.

And thats not because Europeans are slackers. It has more to do with the very high value American society places on working hard, achievement and the accumulation of wealth.

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We spend as much time as we possibly can at work so we can have a better car, a bigger house and more stuff, and were told it will make us happy.

If this kind of vigorous workload is the norm in the US, its no wonder were all so stressed out.

Overall, stress levels for Americans have steadily increased, especially in light of the current political climate.

After the 2016 presidential election, Americans experienced their biggest stress spike in a decade. Even before the election, millennials in particular reported higher levels of stress than Gen-Xers or Boomers.

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Between higher stress and longer hours at work, many people are looking for new ways to de-stress.

Ive found it really helpful to step away from the office for 20 to 30 minutes each day to meditate.

As the weather begins to warm up, practicing walking meditation on your lunch break can be a fantastic way to de-stress while also being more active in the process.

Here are some basic steps to help you get started:

One of the benefits of working in Manhattan is, I can easily take a quick walk around the block without driving anywhere. Dont walk in any particular direction; just wander and see where it takes you.

Dont walk so slow that you draw attention to yourself, but certainly dont walk as fast as the normal, rushed New Yorker.

Go slow enough that you can be aware of each step youre taking.

Notice each breath in and each breath out.

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It may help to match your breathing with the steps you take. For example, count six steps as you breathe in and six steps as you breathe out.

Instead of focusing on the stream of thoughts, worries, plans and judgements that dance around in your head, notice the physical sensations around you.

During my walks, I listen to the birds chirping, the cars honking and the passersby speaking in a multitude of languages.

I feel the breeze. Once in a while, I catch some delicious aroma floating out of a restaurant.

Wherever my vision falls, I try to notice whatever it is Im looking at in that moment.

Each time you feel your mind wandering to the worries in your head, gently draw yourself back to the present moment.

Use your breath or the sounds around you as an anchor.

Dont be discouraged when thoughts creep back into your head. Instead, recognize them and let them drift away.

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This kind of mindful walking can be effective for letting go of your thoughts and dropping the to-do list for a few minutes.

In some ways, it can be easier than a formal sitting meditation. There are so many things to hold in awareness: the sights, the sounds, the movement of other people.

There isnt as much empty space for distractions and stress to creep back in.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by the cascade of emails, meetings and action items at the office, try taking one of these walks on your next lunch break.

You might find that you come back refreshed, focused and ready to conquer the afternoon.

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I am a 25-year-old woman living in New York City (the complete anti-zen) who realized I was constantly living in my head, distracted by the past and the future, but completely missing the present. I thought stress was an inevitable part of life ...

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