Feeling Frazzled? Use Any of These Simple Stress Relievers Right Now

POPSUGAR Photography | Rima Brindamour
POPSUGAR Photography | Rima Brindamour

When you're hitting a rough patch or the coffee just spilled all over your new white blouse, the email count is more astronomical than your bank account, you've missed the train or are stuck in traffic, and it feels like the whole world is out to get you and Murphy's Law is in full swing . . . take a minute to pause. Tune out the outside world. No matter what's on your plate, these quick and simple stress relievers can give you a little extra mojo to get back on track, in the groove, and through your day. You've got this. We've got you. Let's do it.

SOS Meditation
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

SOS Meditation

We highly recommend hitting the SOS button — literally or figuratively. Headspace has one-minute, two-minute, and three-minute "SOS buttons" for when you're feeling overwhelmed or flustered. We also have a three-minute guided meditation audio here on POPSUGAR that you can listen to any time.

Breathe in Some Essential Oils
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Breathe in Some Essential Oils

Try using lavender, ylang ylang, rose, or geranium to relieve stress or opt in for energizing and uplifting citrus like grapefruit. Whether you're diffusing at home or just rubbing a little oil between your hands for a nice deep breath, these delightfully scented droppers can do marvelous things for your mood.

Brew a Hot Cup of Tea
POPSUGAR Photography | Lexi Lambros

Brew a Hot Cup of Tea

Hot drinks can actually calm anxiety, according to anxiety expert and psychotherapist Jodi Aman. She told POPSUGAR that "drinking hot liquid helps with calming your nervous system." Try a stress-relieving blend like chamomile, lavender, or green — or something with valerian root for an extra kick.

Take Some CBD
POPSUGAR Photography | Dominique Astorino

Take Some CBD

The all-natural, plant-based form of popping a pill — if taken in the right dose for your body — can feel like a panic attack's off button.

Stretch
POPSUGAR Photography | Kathryna Hancock

Stretch

Taking a meditative minute or two (or five or 10, if time permits) to just stretch out your body can do wonders for you both physically and mentally. We tend to carry stress in our muscles, so the physical release could allow for an emotional one as well while the time away from your daily to-dos can allow for a bit of peace and calm for your brain. Stuck at work? Book a conference room or step outside to get some relief.

Walk Around the Block
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Walk Around the Block

A bit of fresh air and circulation does a body and brain quite a bit of good. Wherever you are, try to pause, put everything down, and go for a brisk jaunt. Leave your phone behind to fully disconnect.

Phone a Friend
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Phone a Friend

Vent your frustrations or get a full-blown distraction from one of your best pals. They're there for you through thick and thin, so send that "SOS" text and hop on FaceTime or a quick call to chat out the stress.

Bump Some Tunes
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Bump Some Tunes

Pop in your headphones or turn up your Bluetooth speaker and let the music move you into a better mood. Need some happy songs? We've got you.

Try a Gentle Yoga Flow
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Try a Gentle Yoga Flow

If you've got a few minutes (honestly, just carve out a few minutes even if you think you can't) and a little space to move, try this stress-releasing sequence. It's free, you don't need any equipment, and you can truly do it anywhere . . . so get to it!

Foam Roll or Self-Massage
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Foam Roll or Self-Massage

Similar to stretching (but even better!), if you've got a foam roller or massage therapy ball, you can do some serious work on the tense parts of your body. Even five minutes can make a world of difference.

Just Dance
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Just Dance

As it turns out, dancing is a great way to relieve stress (and has been shown to help fight depression!). Into Zumba? We've got videos for that. Love to laugh while you dance around in your bedroom? The Fitness Marshall is what you need.

Eat Some Dark Chocolate
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Eat Some Dark Chocolate

Not that you need another reason to treat yourself, but dark chocolate is high in magnesium, which (like CBD) is a natural anxiety remedy. It can also relieve muscle cramps, which tend to happen when you're particularly tense. So get that chocolate! The higher the percentage of cacao, the better.

Head to the Gym (or Studio)
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Head to the Gym (or Studio)

If you've hit the "F*ck it" point and you're throwing the papers off your desk, head to your gym or favorite studio, book the next class, and sweat it out. Sometimes that's the only thing you can do to get it out of your system! No studio nearby? Head for a run outside or try one of our at-home workout videos. Pro tip: turn up some loud music while you're at it.

Sing
POPSUGAR Photography | Rima Brindamour

Sing

It sounds a little silly, but it totally works. Singing is known to fight stress and even more serious conditions like anxiety and depression. Jump in the shower and use the shampoo bottle as a mic or get in the car and go for a drive while you bump some '90s pop hits or Alanis and scream-sing the stress away. Not that we have experience with this or anything . . .

Take a Hot Bath
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

Take a Hot Bath

If it's the end of a long, hard day, throw in some soothing salts and soak out the stress. Bonus points if you use candles and/or aromatherapy, a face mask, and some tranquil tunes. You can make your own spa at home if you try hard enough.