Anyplace, anytime: 27 ways to relax in 10 minutes or less

You don't have time to take a leisurely walk during your mid afternoon slump or pop into a spa every other night of the week. That's why we've come up with 27 quick, easy tips on how to chill out — no matter what time of day it is, no matter where you are. Because the last thing you need to stress out about is not relaxing.

Wake up every morning to what sounds like an air raid? No wonder your nerves are shot. The Timex Retro Alarm Clock Radio T247LT ($20, Timex Audio) calmly rouses you with soft music that gradually gets louder.

Feel like a head case? Take the problem by the roots: In the shower, grab your hair close to your scalp — sounds painful, but just try it — and tug up to release tension. Then rub your fingers in small circles over your entire head to stimulate blood flow, which reduces pain and stress.

Swap your A.M. caffeine jolt for a mug of ginseng tea. A chemical compound in ginseng not only kick-starts your metabolism the way coffee does but soothes anxiety too.

Take the stairs. Studies show that doing just 10 minutes of physical activity three times a day can improve mood, relieve depression, and increase feelings of well-being.

Eat a breakfast that's low in fat (fat takes longer to digest and may aggravate an uneasy stomach), rich in complex carbs (to raise serotonin levels for a relaxed, calm feeling), and high in protein (which boosts brain chemicals that help you focus). Go for plain oatmeal with low-fat milk and strawberries; one slice of whole-wheat toast with low-fat peanut butter and banana slices; or a whole-grain waffle with 8 ounces of low-fat cottage cheese and sliced peaches.

Listening to music is proven to reduce stress responses such as high blood pressure and elevated heart rate.

Sit up straight and drop your shoulders. Good posture helps you take in more oxygen and perform better during stressful activities like timed logic puzzles — aka deadlines.

A recent study shows that people working near plants reacted 12 percent faster and were less stressed, based on blood pressure readings taken before and after a typing assignment.

Think acupressure. Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to squeeze the soft spot between the thumb and index finger of the other. Hold for three counts. Switch sides. Next: With thumb and index finger, gently squeeze each of your fingers all over. Use your thumb to rub each joint in a circular motion. Then hold each finger at its base and pull gently to stretch it, sliding your grip up the finger and off the tip. For extra benefits, use a dab of lavender oil, which can relieve anxiety and headaches.

E-mail a friend: Social support has been proven to lower stress.

Revel in giggles on YouTube at ridiculous videos. Laughing fits are a surefire way to stamp out stress.

Sit on the edge of your chair and straighten your left leg in front of you. Exhale and bend forward from your hips, keeping your back flat and chest lifted. Hold for 2 to 10 breaths. Do the same with your right leg. This will relieve any tension built up.

Attack of the afternoon blahs! Bypass the Snickers and grab a handful of dried fruit and nuts. You'll avoid a mood-scrambling ride on the blood sugar roller coaster.

Roll a golf ball under your bare feet for a private foot massage.

To get oxygen flowing again, sit up straight and interlock your fingers behind your head. Pull your elbows back, stretching your upper back and chest muscles. Bring your elbows forward. Repeat.

Still craving that Snickers? Pop a few (that's three — not a whole bag) Hershey's Kisses instead. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that consuming small sugary snacks (note: not artificially sweetened ones) can relieve stress.

Get into drawstring pants and a terry hoodie the minute you walk in the door.

Sip a nice Shiraz (or any other red wine) to help you unwind: It contains antioxidants that mop up free radicals — molecules that can damage cells and are often released when you're under stress.

Snuggle with your baby. Studies show that bonding can help lower anxiety.

Prepare a simple, healthy meal that doesn't require many ingredients. See "Ten Foods, Forty Recipes".

When you flick on the tube, grab some knitting. Researchers at the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Boston found that repetitive activities can help calm your nerves.

Stress makes chronic skin conditions like acne worse, but honey can make them better. The bee's pride and joy is a moisturizer, antioxidant, and antiviral all in one sticky package. Spread a thin layer on your face and neck, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off with tepid water.

Gently caress your guy all over until he puts down the remote. Scottish researchers have found that couples who indulge in regular sex have lower blood pressure than those who don't.

Go to bed. A 1997 University of Chicago study found that sleep deprivation reduces resistance to stress.

Keep a notepad and pencil bedside to write down any to-dos that are weighing on your mind — it will help you let go of anxious thoughts and drift into la-la land.

To ease your body into sleep, tense and relax all your muscle groups sequentially. Start with your toes, move to your calves, then your knees and thighs, and keep going until you get to your face. Deep relaxation has been shown to decrease anxiety.

If you toss and turn for more than 15 or 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a calming activity, such as reading or meditation.

By Jane DiLeo and Heather Berger