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Stress management techniques like meditation seem like such a big time commitment. Who has 20 minutes twice a day? Are there stress relievers that take less time?

Scott: Yes, there are several "quickie" techniques, plus some overall lifestyle and attitude changes that can be made that take little or no extra time at all. The following are some of my favorites:

• Breathing Exercises: These can be done anywhere, and they instantly release tension from your body and help clear your head.
• Laughter: Just the act of latughing releases endorphins into your body and stress from your body, among other benefits. Also, taking on a more light-hearted attitude in general brings more laughter into your life and makes your stressors seem less ominous.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique, where you systematically release tension from each muscle group from head to toe, can quickly relieve you of stored physical stress, helping you quickly feel more relaxed and at ease.

Are there stress management techniques commuters can do on the road?

Scott: There are some great techniques you could try as a commuter, and you'd probably feel so much better actually using that time for yourself. If you're driving, you can use your car stereo to play your favorite music — music is a great stress reliever — and even loudly sing along, releasing physical tension and expressing yourself in a fun way. You can also listen to books on tape, improving your mind and enjoying the power of your imagination.

OK, my daycare provider is down with the flu, my husband's out of town, I have a major deadline at work, and I feel like I am going to fall apart — just when everybody needs me to keep it together. What can I do to feel better right now?

Scott: I would recommend that you first take a deep breath. (Sometimes stressful situations make us panic, and a deep cleansing breath gets the oxygen going and can relieve tension.) You tmay want to also try a tension reliever like Progressive Muscle Relaxation, which, with practice, can release tension from your entire body in seconds, helping you feel better immediately, and focus on the situation at hand. Next, I would advise that you accept that this day will be more of a challenge and look at your best options of meeting that challenge. Looking at an intimidating situation as a "challenge" keeps your frame of mind more positive and inspires you to look for solutions instead of throwing up your hands in despair. Asking yourself "HOW can I do this?" instead of "CAN I do this?" also gets you past a stress reaction and into problem-solving mode.