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No one ever plans on feeling stressed (8 a.m. breakfast; 10 a.m. meeting; 11 a.m. stress out), but it happens to all of us. And since stress usually hits when there\u2019s a whole lot going on \u2014 including looming deadlines, wedding weekends and visits from the in-laws \u2014 we can\u2019t always bust out the yoga mat<\/a> or slip into a candlelit bubble bath. That\u2019s why we rounded up this list of quick and simple strategies to ease anxiety anytime, anywhere. Try one or try them all the next time you\u2019re feeling tense to start feeling better now!<\/p>\n 1. Let Pandora soothe you. 2. Take a deep breath. 3. Get off track. 4. LOL with cats. 5. Let\u2019s get physical. 6. Find the sweet spot. 7. Fake it \u2018til you make it. 8. Get some green. 9. Laugh a little. 10. Chew on this.Your Stress RX<\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>When your blood starts to boil, pump up the beats. In stressful environments, music has been proven to decrease anxiety. Even better, create your own relaxation station on Pandora or iTunes. Soothing songs like Pachelbel\u2019s Canon in D have been shown to encourage relaxation<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Take](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/10054207\/Take-Deep-Breath_21.jpg\")
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\n<\/b>No matter when or where stress finds you, this old standby can ease the pain. All you need are a few deliberate deep breaths to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol<\/a>. Simply inhale for a count of four, then exhale for another count of four (all through the nose). Continue in this pattern until feelings of calm set in.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>If meeting a deadline is stressing you out, losing focus may be just what you need to calm down and move on. Studies show<\/a> that distraction can effectively alleviate anxiety. So pick up a book, surf YouTube<\/a>, research a healthy meal<\/a> to make for dinner \u2014 anything to keep your mind off the stressor at hand.<\/p>\n![\"Cat\"](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/10054210\/LOL-with-cats_2.jpg\")
\n<\/b>Need we say more? Merely being around animals can improve mood. But if you don\u2019t happen to have access to a dog or cat when the anxiety hits, try looking at cute animal photos<\/a>. One Japanese study found that looking at adorable images is enough to focus attention<\/a> and produce positive feelings.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Another \u201cnatural reward\u201d that works? Sex. While this, better-for-your-body alternative may not be a viable option at all times, sex can be a way to reduce feelings of stress<\/a> without raiding the kitchen cabinets.<\/p>\n![\"Take](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/10054208\/Find-the-sweet-spot_2.jpg\")
\n<\/b>We admit it; there is a reason you reach for calorie-heavy sweets when feeling anxious. These foods actually do reduce the body\u2019s stress responses<\/a>. The key here is just not to overdo it. Try keeping a healthy stash of fresh fruit on hand \u2014 watermelon<\/a> can be more versatile than you\u2019d think!<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Just like feigning confidence at an interview, simply imagining yourself calm can help do the trick. If conjuring up the image of a relaxed you seems daunting, try downloading a guided relaxation app on your phone. We love Relax with Andrew Johnson Lite<\/a> and Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief<\/a> (both free, available for Android and iPhone).<\/p>\n![\"Walk](\"https:\/\/cdn-life.dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/10054207\/Get-some-green_2.jpg\")
\n<\/b>If a windowless office or a day organizing the dark, dank basement has you feeling blue, step outside. Exposure to green spaces is good for you health and has been shown to reduce stress. Don\u2019t have immediate access to a backyard or public park? It might be time to get a houseplant or two. Even small doses of nature might help boost your mood<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Whether you chuckle, snort or snicker, laughter has been shown to reduce the psychological effects<\/a> of stress. And if letting out even a little laugh is hard when under pressure, these misguided fitness videos<\/a> are sure to get the giggles going.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Gum isn\u2019t just for fresh breath anymore; it actually reduces levels of cortisol<\/a> in the body. Next time you\u2019re tempted to reach for some comforting carbs, opt for a stick of gum instead. Not only does it ease negative feelings, you won\u2019t be ridden with guilt from breaking your diet, too.<\/p>\n