Instant stress relief?

I get stressed easily. Any techniques (other than taking deep breathes and counting to ten. I've tried that one) that I can try in a stressful situation that would instantly calm me down?

Couple of thing that you can consider :

1. Whatever happens, it WILL NOT be the end of the world
2. Apprehension is the worst killer. So, don't think about what might happen.
3. You will face it and then will decide how to handle the situation.
4. You have to discover that 'imaginary switch' that you turn off when you go to school / work and do the same when you're at home. You cannot think about the problems of one place when you're at the other place.
5. Take one step / one day at a time. DO NOT stress yourself out with what hasn't happened yet.
6. Always chalk out a plan and do things way ahead of time. Your stress level will go down automatically because you will know that you have done your best. So, it's okay if anything goes wrong.

Unfortunately, there is no "instant" remedy. You have to change your way of thinking. That requires a lot of practice, but it gets to you easily once you get the hang of it.

"Learn how to enjoy life. Life is too short." ( I was told the same thing when I was young ). Now, I see how true it is.

Walk away. Sometimes a short walk down the hall of your office, or down to the corner of your home is enough to help you relax, and get focused back to what you were doing.

no, not really. You can try telling yourself that everything will be ok. I get stressed easily, nothing ever worked for me, so now I pop a xanax

Pop 5 kava kava. Call me in the mornin.