Stress isn't all bad. Short-term, it 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, it's time to pull the plug with a quick stress-busting technique like scrunching, breathing, or corking. Here's how to do 'em:

Quick Fix
Chronic stress can destroy your sleep patterns, boost the rate at which your arteries age, and turn your immune-system function down too low. But you can quickly rein in stress with these tricks:

• Scrunch your face tightly for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. Repetitive contraction and relaxation helps release tension you’re holding above the neck. Here’s another muscle melter.
• Breathe in, lick your lips, and then blow out slowly. The cool air helps you refocus and slow down. Learn the right way to breathe for better oxygen saturation.
• Cork it. Hold a wine cork vertically between your teeth (some people may first need to slice a bit off the top before it will fit). A gentle bite on the cork will force your jaws -- a major tension-holder -- to relax. (Skip this exercise if you have this medical condition.)

Know other tricks for pulling the plug on stress? Share them with other RealAge members on our Message Boards.

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