The phone is ringing, you've just received an annoying e-mail from a coworker, and there's a big meeting in 10 minutes. What do you do? Go to yoga? Book a massage? Take a swig from the emergency flask you keep on hand?

Here in the real world, you've got two choices: A) Ignore the crick in your neck, wash your rising panic down with coffee and a pastry from the office kitchen, and forge ahead, hoping the sugar crash doesn't come too quickly. Or B) Take half a minute to do a simple stretch that releases your tight muscles, a breathing exercise to let go of stress, or a quick meditation technique that quiets your swirling thoughts.

Most of us would like to choose feeling better, rather than perpetuate the misery. Luckily, we have a vast arsenal of simple techniques at our disposal.

Drawn from the ancient practices of yoga, traditional Chinese Medicine, and herbalism, they can empower you to get calmer, more resilient, and happier in the midst of even the crappiest day. Use these 10 when life is at its most chaotic -- no two-week spa visit required.

1. Aggressive People
Some people -- drunk guys, impatient line-waiters, taxi stealers -- just don't take no for an answer. You hope to hold your ground, but often, some part of you just wants to crawl under the nearest chair. Your best antidote is to inflate yourself through some postural adjustments. If your body projects confidence, your mind will naturally follow suit.

Remedy: Inflate yourself

Time: As long as you need

Try It: Plant your feet flat on the ground and lift the back of your neck up toward the ceiling. Keep your chin slightly lifted and your chest open with your hands by your sides or clasped behind your back so as not to block your belly, the source of personal power. Keep your knees soft while grounding through the soles of your feet to draw strength. Voila -- you instantly project a confident presence.