I agree with whimsygirl's post.

Focus on the NOW. Right this second.

Sad, bad, or scary thoughts may enter your mind from time to time. But, imagine that you are sitting beside a creek. That creek represents your life right now. You are right there, watching your thoughts and emotions go by ~ you aren't focusing on any issues in particular. You're just watching these things float up in front and then down the creek. You are safe.

There are some rocks in that creek bed. Some big, causing a lapping sound around it. Other rocks are soft little pebbles. Smooth ~ the water goes over those pebbles almost silently. Just a soft and relaxing arrrrrr sound as the water goes over the small pebbles.

Can you smell that fresh air? I smell pine trees. Not an overwhelming smell, just subtle. Can you feel the cool mist off the stream as it passes? So relaxing, comforting, and peaceful. You could take a drink of this cool, clear, crystal-like water. It's refreshing!

I hope that the image I described is as peaceful and relaxing for you as it is for me! Hold onto a soft and smooth rock as you imagine that creek (or brook) again. You can take the imagination farther. Doing techniques like the one above does lower the stress level significantly, especially the more often that you do it. This exercise can be performed alone or in a crowd of people ~ at work, home, or on a bus. It really does help!

I hope that you give my tip a try & you have some decent success with it. I aim high in self-expectations as well.