You’ve got three meetings scheduled, one to which you are already three minutes late, dozens of unread, much less unanswered, emails and if you look close enough, there’s a mysterious food stain on your shirt that you didn’t notice while rushing out the door because your alarm didn’t go off. Needless to say, you’re feeling it — and it’s not even lunch.
While a week away sounds glorious, and the perfect thing to calm the nerves, sometimes there isn’t time, or availability, or the budget to do so. So to relieve some stress while on the job, work on some of these simple actions during those exasperating times and you’ll be breathing a little easier.

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Stretch it out
Standing up for a quick stretch can relieve muscle tension and unhunch those shoulders. Hell, even if you can't break free from the shackles of your desk, an easy shoulder roll in both directions will help.
You may also like: the best jobs for lazy people.
You may also like: the best jobs for lazy people.

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Take a quick walk
Move your legs and you'll walk the stresses right out. Some fresh air, the sun, just the simple act of getting away for a bit will benefit you.
For more, don't miss 19 Canadian jobs that don't need a degree but still pay well.
For more, don't miss 19 Canadian jobs that don't need a degree but still pay well.

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Munch on dark chocolate
It regulates levels of a stress hormones, all while satisfying your sweet tooth.
It may also be time to review this list of the 20 best jobs for work/life balance.
It may also be time to review this list of the 20 best jobs for work/life balance.

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Chew some gum
Whether it's fruity, minty or bubblegummy, chomping on a piece of gum can get rid of stress. The chewing action can actually reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels. And don't even get us started on what blowing bubbles can do. (Actually, nothing really. It merely adds pure fun and whimsy to your day.)
If you think you really need a major change, check out the 20 best countries to work abroad.
If you think you really need a major change, check out the 20 best countries to work abroad.

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Choose green tea over coffee
There's a chemical in the tea that helps relieve anger. For good measure, throw in some honey. The sweet stuff provides compounds that reduce inflammation in the brain, fighting anxiety and depression.
Plus, cheer up even more with 9 ways of knowing you're an awesome employee.
Plus, cheer up even more with 9 ways of knowing you're an awesome employee.

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Savour an orange
Take a true five, even 10-minute break where you smell the fruit before you peel it, tear away the pith, separate the pieces and even look at the pulpy pieces before you pop them into your mouth. And if some juice runs down your chin and all over your hands, that's OK. There are worse things than having that relaxing scent stuck under your nails all day.
You may also be interested in: 20 habits that are guaranteed to make you unpopular at work.
You may also be interested in: 20 habits that are guaranteed to make you unpopular at work.

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Close your eyes and breathe
Speaking of short breaks, a few minutes of peace and quiet to just relax, close your eyes and concentrate on your breath can relieve stress and depression. It's also an easy way to regain calm and focus.
For more, check out: 10 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree.
For more, check out: 10 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree.

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Drop cold water on your wrists and behind your earlobes
There are major arteries right underneath the skin in those areas, so cooling them can help calm your entire body. Think of it as a pure perfume.
Maybe you just need a vacation. Read on for the high-paying jobs that offer the most time off.
Maybe you just need a vacation. Read on for the high-paying jobs that offer the most time off.

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Get organized
There's something stress-inducing about a stacks of paper, open folders, sticky notes and pens everywhere. Take a few minutes to declutter, leaving only what you need on your desk. We can hear your sigh of relief already.
Need a little chuckle? Check out 30 really annoying office phrases.
Need a little chuckle? Check out 30 really annoying office phrases.

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Plan your next vacation
Like those dreams of winning the lottery, there's nothing wrong with fantasizing about sand between your toes, the sound and sight of crashing waves, and balmy air blowing through humidity's victim, your frizzy hair. The only difference? Your next vacation is way easier to achieve than winning the lotto.
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