When "serenity now" isn't working, keep your cool with these easy, instant fixes
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Hug it Out
It's been said that a hug is "like an emotional Heimlich." (Thank you, "Pushing Daisies.") And now there's science to back it up: a study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that people who hugged their significant other had an overall lower heart rate and blood pressure when talking about a personal experience that triggered anger or stress. So if you're starting to feel upset, go hug somebody. (Preferably somebody you know.)
Several breathing exercises can instantly kick-start feelings of calmness. Steve Pavilanis of ALifeLessAnxious.com suggests this: Inhale deeply, holding your breath in as you tense your whole body. Hold this for five to 10 seconds, then relax your muscles as you exhale slowly. Feel better yet?
