The Reset Method
A practical philosophy for working people's self-care. Reset yourself and take a fresh step forward, as many times as you need.
― It’s okay to stop. Every time you start walking again, that step changes your future. ―
What is the Reset Method?
Definition
A way of living our philosophy through mind and body.
A practical philosophy for maintaining and optimizing mental and physical well-being by having the courage to pause rather than pushing forward, and for cultivating meaningful connections through life’s serendipitous encounters.
Essence
Have the courage to stop, savor the moment, and start walking again.
Every day, we move toward somewhere — commuting, walking, running marathons, working. Each step is life itself.
It’s not just about where you arrive, but how you journey there. What you see, whom you meet, what you feel. These become your story.
The Reset Method is a way to consciously craft that story.
Origins
It began as “Reset Running” — a method to minimize physical strain during long-distance running.
While discovered through running, its essence transcends the activity. It’s a universal philosophy applicable to physical movement, mental well-being, and how we approach our work.
The Three Cores
The Reset Method rests on three foundational pillars.
The Courage to Stop
Don’t force yourself to keep going. Allow yourself to pause.
See stopping not as weakness, but as courage.
Many push themselves relentlessly, driven by fear: “If I stop, my career is over.” “If I rest, I’ll fall behind.” But going nonstop breaks both mind and body. Deciding in advance that “it’s okay to stop” is what lets you go the distance.
Resistance and Intentional Reset
It’s natural to resist stopping. “I don’t want to look weak.” “I can’t let myself off the hook.” “Stopping means losing.” The more driven you are, the more you feel this.
But intentional resets often help you reach your goal.
In running: rather than pushing until you crash, taking walking breaks makes finishing more likely. For most recreational runners, the impact on finish time is less than expected.
The same may apply to careers. Rather than working until burnout, building in resets may actually bring you closer to your goals over time.
Of course, there are no guarantees. But one thing is certain: stopping doesn’t mean it’s over.
Time to Savor
Use pause time to recover, notice connections, and record.
Pausing isn’t slacking — it’s a reward.
Savor what you can only encounter in that moment: the scenery, the people, the atmosphere. A discovery made while moving. A brief greeting during a pause. Roadside flowers. The color of the sky. By savoring and recording these, your experience becomes about quality connections and meaningful time, not just pace and distance.
The Power to Start Again
Take another step, as many times as needed.
Staying stopped forever isn’t the goal. What matters is starting again.
Both the courage to stop and the power to restart — you need both to finish. No matter how often you pause, every time you start walking again, that step shapes your future.
The Six Principles
These guide all Reset Method practices.
- Keep your rhythm — Honor the cycle you’ve set
- Pause time is savoring time — Combine rest with enjoyment
- Listen to your body first — Physical condition over rules
- Stay flexible — Be kind to yourself; adapt
- Experience over outcomes — Value connections and stories over stats
- Record — Capture your journey through photos, voice memos, videos
Practice Forms
The Reset Method takes many forms.
Every form integrates mind and body. Each embodies the courage to stop, the time to savor, and the power to start again.
Mind-Body Integration
These elements unite all practice forms:
- Savor — When you pause, be present
- Record — Document your journey through photos, voice memos, videos
- Cultivate connections — Notice chance encounters as gifts (people, places, moments)
Practice Forms Overview
| Practice Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Reset Running | Alternate running and walking at set intervals, resetting body and mind |
| Shiso (Training Runs) | Daily practice runs that prepare body and mind for your journey ahead |
| TabiRUN | Running as journey, not race — creating your story while discovering connections |
| Reset Walk | Practice without running; walking calms the mind and opens awareness |
| Reset Daily | Mindful awareness during commutes, errands, ordinary walks |
| Reset Work | Intentional pauses during work to realign mind and body |
Safety Guidelines
The Reset Method is designed to reduce strain, but please observe these precautions.
Before Practice
- Get adequate sleep and nutrition
- Skip it when you’re unwell
- Consult a physician if you have health conditions
During Practice
- Hydrate before thirst kicks in (especially in heat)
- Stop immediately for chest pain, dizziness, nausea, or severe fatigue
- If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to quit
- Your body comes before any rule
On Pace and Distance
- Suggested paces and distances are examples, not prescriptions
- Adjust for your fitness, age, and condition
- Beginners: start short
Origins of the Reset Method
Kazuna Research Institute
- Philosophy: “It’s okay to stop. Every time you start walking again, that step changes your future.”
- Vision: “To a renewed self, as many times as needed.”
- Focus: Self-care for working people
- Method: The Reset Method
- Three Cores — Courage to stop, Time to savor, Power to restart
- Six Principles
- Practice Forms — TabiRUN / Reset Running / Reset Walk / Reset Daily / Reset Work
The Vision Behind It
The Reset Method grew from our philosophy: “It’s okay to stop. Every time you start walking again, that step changes your future.”
So many feel they can’t stop at work. Running, walking, life — it’s the same. Pushing without pause breaks mind and body. But deciding “it’s okay to stop” is what carries you through.
Running paths, walking paths, work paths — all hold potential connections. People you meet, scenes you witness, versions of yourself you discover. Pause time is when you notice, savor, and record these gifts.
The Reset Method develops both the courage to stop and the power to start again. It’s how you weave your journey into your own story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and practical tips for the Reset Method.
Related Articles
Deep dives into the philosophy and practical techniques behind the Reset Method.
| Article | Description |
|---|---|
| Why 15:5? | The origin and effectiveness of the 15-minute run, 5-minute walk cycle |
| The Signal Wait Method | The simplest daily Reset Method practice |
| Walking and Time | How walking pace affects our perception of time |
| Resistance and Reset | Facing the resistance to stopping |
Closing
Run if you can. Walk if you can. Either works.
What matters: Savoring this moment. Noticing connections. Taking another step.
That is the heart of the Reset Method.
To a renewed self, as many times as needed.
Kazuna Research Institute Kazuhiko Ehara