STRESS STOPPERS: You feel it creeping into life when there is no time for it — stress, anxiety, the blahs — whatever you call it, it is not a welcome feeling, is it?

Yeah, exercise is the recommended way to stop it, so say the doctors, but what if we need something more immediate. It’s not like everyone can drop what they are doing and take to the treadmill when life crashes.

Everydayhealth.com offered five 5-minute stress busters (deep breathing, getting outside, making a list, using a meditation app, and playing more) that could be useful in the busy lives we all lead now. We have tweaked the info just a bit below based on our own experiences.

The first one seems simple; take a few deep breaths. But in reality, to do this one must take deep breaths with intention. Focus only on breathing and nothing else. It might help to count on to 4 on the intake and again when exhaling. Increase as you breathe deeper.

Next, step outside. Not necessarily to take a long walk, but just get a change of scenery or a breath of fresh air. Sometimes that is all that is needed to change your mindset.

Or, try making a list of everything that has to be done. Get it out of your head and onto paper. Some people even throw the list out after getting it all out.

Meditation apps are wonderful, too. Calm.com has one of the best free apps. Peace comes in 1 to 2 minutes.

Finally, play more. Let yourself be a child once in a while. Get some bubble wrap and pop away the stress.