10 Ways to Relax in 5 Minutes or Less

Your inbox just loaded with several emails marked urgent, you’ve a project deadline by EOD, and your mom just called to find out if chicken is gluten-free. It would be an understatement to say your nerves might be a little jangled.

Before you go all Jessie Spano, a few minutes might be all you need to chill and regain your focus.

We’ve rounded up 10 ways to relax and relieve stress, fast.

1. Get your green tea on

This herbal tonic gives you the benefits of L-Theanine, a chemical that can help reduce the body’s stress responses Trusted Source. Plus just staring at a mug of the green liquid on your desk might calm you, too, thanks to the earthy color’s ability to soothe Trusted Source.

2. Chillax with some chocolate

When you need a quick break, break off a square of dark chocolate to boost your brain health and reduce stress Trusted Source. As an added bonus, dark chocolate is lower in sugar than milk chocolate, but it hits the sweet tooth sweet spot.

3. Go tropical

Take a five-minute break to peel, slice, and bite into a juicy mango. Weird fact: Mangos contain a compound called linalool, the main ingredient in lavender essential oil. And you know what lavender does — ahhhhh. It may reduce stress and anxiety Trusted Source.

4. Crunch and munch

Instead of clenching your jaw, may as well put it to work. Trail mix, an apple, or some celery sticks provide a satisfying crunch to curb your spiral.

5. Bust a move

Losing yourself in the beat can help you shake stress off. Plus, dancing gets the blood flowing for a reenergizing rush of oxygen.

6. Stare out the window

Give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing but gaze. Looking at nature scenes like trees and public parks can be more relaxing than staring at a tech screen. But even if nature is nowhere near, just viewing the outside world for a few minutes might get you out of your own head.

7. Stretch it out

You don’t need a 90-minute yoga session to reap the benefits of stretching. You can do it when you’ve got to stay put anywhere or when you’re on the go.

8. Write it down

Putting your feelings on the page provides an outlet for what’s on your mind. Try journaling about debt, work worries, or even peeves about your partner or roommate. Seeing the words might just give you a new perspective.

9. Try aromatherapy

It takes just a minute to drip some lavender, frankincense, or another essential oil into a diffuser. Or, mix a few drops into your favorite carrier oil (such as jojoba), rub into your hands, and inhale. The soothing scents may help send stress and anxiety packing by stimulating receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions.