Speedy Ways to Pull the Plug on Stress

Stress isn't all bad. In fact, the only time you don't have stress is when you are 6 feet under. Short-term stress can help you meet a deadline, turn a double play, or keep your bumper from getting crumpled.

But when stress lingers like week-old leftovers, or nags like a too-full desk, it's time to pull the plug. The more you're stressed, the greater the risk of accidents, infections, and arterial aging. It's not the desk or the stress that's the trouble; it's your reaction to it. So while we can't stop your boss from sending work to you, or make the line at the airport move faster (if only), we can help you learn how to make stress take less of a toll -- or maybe make it toll-free. Even if you already have a favorite way to break the tension, whether that's playing basketball or listening to Mozart, these easy techniques are great to keep in your back pocket when your first choice isn't available:

1. Breathe in, lick your lips, and then blow out slowly. The cool air helps you refocus and slow down.

2. Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds and then release. Repeat several times. Repetitive contraction and relaxation helps release the tension you hold above the neck.

3. Stop for a second and focus on your breathing. Now, look down. See anything moving? Probably not. That's because most people take short, shallow breaths -- the kind that come from your chest. To relax, take deep, whole breaths. It should take about 5 seconds to inhale and 7 seconds to exhale. And your belly (yes, your belly) should expand as you breathe in, then flatten as you breathe out. Ahhh . . . that's better.