Anxietycoach.com suggests a simple belly breathing exercise to create a sense of inner calm. All you have to do is put one hand on your belly. Place the other hand on your chest. Now open your mouth and sigh. In this process, allow your shoulders to relax. Then inhale through your nose, making sure to breathe through your diaphragm. Pause before and after each breath, making sure to breathe slowly. Repeat these steps until you feel more relaxed.

Another option to try is alternative nostril breathing. According to Time, this can be done by placing your right thumb on your right nostril, closing it off so that you breathe through your left nostril. Once you’ve completely inhaled, switch sides, closing off your left nostril and opening up your right nostril. Now exhale. Continue doing this until you feel calmer. 

A third exercise involves measured breathing. According to AnxietySlayer.com, this exercise can be done either sitting or standing. The important thing is to relax your hands and knees. First, allow your shoulders to relax, while also making a point to relax your jaw. Next, breathe in through the nose for a count of four. Use the diaphragm to do this. Hold your breath at the peak of the inhalation, then exhale with a count of seven. You can do this absolutely anywhere. And if you’re embarrassed that someone will notice, refrain from putting your hands on your chest and stomach. 

Listen to music.

Music is a pretty amazing thing. In fact, the body can be calmed by listening to relaxing music. This is especially true of classical music. According to Psych Central, classical music is said to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure and decrease stress hormones. Plus, music is a distractor, so it can take your mind off stress.

So pick something that you find peaceful, put on a set of headphones, and give it a listen. If you’re new to classical music, try tuning into a classical music station in your car or on the Internet. And if you don’t like classical, try slower-paced adult contemporary hits.