This is a post that’s hit really close to home since I’m a guy who can go 0-60 all the time.  So much I find my body and my mind crashing more often than the norm.

All day you see people cutting other people off when driving and giving others the bird.  I personally try to avoid car traffic at all costs simply because it’s a thing that can really annoy the frick out of me and it never fails to put me in a bad mood.

Another trick I’ve picked up is to try and take 2 deep breaths before I react to anything.  So if somebody just cut me off while driving, I’ll take 2 deep breaths and then react to it.  This totally lessens the intensity of the anger and frustration that can build up with these little things that happen every day.

But I know all stress isn’t avoidable and that’s why I’ve started doing things that I know will help with my stress levels.

I’ve slowly begun implementing some stress relieving systems into my life that help me keep my sanity and retain the natural balance in my life.

One thing I’m starting to do is getting a massage once a month.  I train pretty darn hard and my body can seriously take a beating, so I thought I owed it to my body to get a professional massage once a month, and my body has thanked me for it!

Here’s are some tips that I’ve picked up along the way when it comes to getting rid if stress and keeping the balance in your life.

1. Exercise.

I recently read a study that found exercise to be one of the most effective ways to combat depression and rightly so.  I know I’m not the same if I don’t exercise for a few days, the negative hormones really build up and cause chaos mentally and physically.  But if you are over-training you can end right back up where you started with depression and sleeping problems.

2. Sleep Better.

After exercise they found sleep to be the second biggest factor to relieving stress. If I’m having a crappy day and I’m in a real bad mood I’ll try and take a nap for a half-hour. I also try to get to bed by 10/10:30 when the body is prime for recovery and regeneration.  It’s just nit the same going to bed at midnight and waking up and 9.

3. Meditation.

Coming in third was meditation, this has been another element I’ve been trying to do more often. I try to sit quietly with no distractions (TV, music, iPhone, electronics, etc.) and just focus on my breathing for just 5-10 minutes. And trust me it really does make a world a difference in my day. The key is really trying to clear the mind so it doesn’t keep spinning in circles and making your mind go crazy.

4. Talk About It.

Being able to talk about your problems and worries with somebody who genuinely cares can be a terrific way to get rid of stress.  And this doesn’t necessarily have to be a significant other but it could be a close friend, brother/sister, parent or mentor.  Sharing your problems with someone you care about can do wonders for all of us.

5. Get a Massage.

I can’t stress this one enough, releasing all the tension in your body from life and exercise is necessary in this day and age. I’m trying to get one a month to help manage my stress, but I’m also doing it myself everyday with the foam roller. And my total investment for the foam roller? Only $25 bucks.

To get more information on foam rolling I just released my DVD, The Secrets of the Foam Roller.  <= Click here to discover my #1 secret for instantly increasing your flexibility and more self-massage techniques.

Have any other de-stressing techniques, please share your comment with the world…let us know that you’re alive!