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So many tasks, so little time. Don’t lose your cool when things get hectic. Make these small tweaks to your daily routine, says Christy Matta, author of The Stress Response, and stay calm.

IN THE CAR Stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Inhale and exhale for four counts each. Deep breathing instantly puts the brakes on tension-causing hormones.

ON THE JOB Log off your email for an hour a day, which will make you more likely to stay focused and less prone to stress-related health concerns.

AT THE STORE Crank up the tunes on your MP3 player. Listening to music reduces the anxiety caused by crowds of frenzied shoppers.

AROUND THE HOUSE Lighten your mood with lemon, mango or lavender scents. They contain linalool, a chemical that banishes stress when sniffed.

Megan Bingham is health/food editorial assistant at Family Circle magazine.

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