I am on surface streets with a red light. I’ve been driving for almost an hour. I have about half an hour left. You see, I have an early morning client that I train multiple times a day. I’m heading back to my Glendale neighborhood. Personal training isn’t always fun. I have a lot to do to drive to and from my clients’ homes. I’m not really complaining, as my rate includes that “driving time” stuck in traffic. I also use this time to listen to audiobooks. As soon as I arrive at my base of operations, I have the ritual of sitting in my car quietly for 10-15 minutes and taking deep, diaphragmatic breathing. I sit with my eyes closed and have a notepad next to me as I often have ideas that I want to write down.

Understand this: there are no instant miracles when it comes to relieving stress. Follow some of the tips suggested below.

10 minutes of quiet …

When you have something in mind, do a “brain dump” of all your ideas on paper instead of trying to keep it all in your head.

To have a mental breakdown, sometimes you need to sweat a little …

To reduce stress, I love how exercise improves my mental health.

Exercise daily. When I do, I process ideas much better. There is a certain energy that only exercise can give you. Good physical activity for the mind.

Endorphins make you feel great.

Go for a walk. Outdoors in your neighborhood. Sometimes I go to the local park. Call a friend and go out and make it a fun time to socialize and exercise.

Exercise helps increase feel-good hormones, such as endorphins, and helps improve feelings of self-worth. I find physical activity the best stress reliever. It helps me clear my mind.

By training outdoors, you will feel more refreshed. You have (most of the time) fresh air and you can enjoy nature. This will reduce the stress hormone, some studies find. Where you are in terms of your surroundings is much better for reducing stress.

Using spousal support helps maintain consistency.

The Research The Indiana State University Bloomington study found that married couples were more consistent when they exercised together. It was a study carried out for more than a year. One of the main reasons is that one in four women experiences increased sexual energy from partner training with their spouse. Having a spouse and having a healthy sexual relationship helps relieve tension.

Take a yoga class or do vigorous cardio (this can be a fun dance class too)

Talk to yourself …

Do you have frustrations? If you feel like you need to swear, then swear. (be aware of who is around you) Find a private space and yell out loud. Don’t hold back your anger.

Hit a soft pillow or punching bag.

Watch something funny like a comedy show on Netflix.

Read a good book or listen to an audiobook that interests you.

Put on your headphones …

Listen to good music – I like to wear noise-canceling headphones.

Lie down and listen to relaxing or good music. Use a Bose headphones with better sound quality.

I hate going to the dentist. I get stressed when I have an upcoming date. I have to do something to calm myself down. I bring my iPod and listen to great music while they work (I’m not a fan of drilling sounds)

The local YMCA has a running track on the roof that I use. I stay away from crowds when using this.

A warm bath in Epsom salt also helps. Even rubbing lotion on my body after a hot shower helps relieve stress.

Talking to a friend on the phone and having a good conversation takes my mind off things.

Healing methods can help …

Massage therapy has so many benefits. Your body releases hormones similar to morphine-like effect and naturally lowers your blood pressure and gets a host of other benefits.

Breathing time …

Practice diaphragmatic breathing. As I mentioned earlier, what I do when I arrive at destination after driving for some time. This can help with stress and anxiety. It is easy to do. Extend the muscles of the abdomen or the lower part of the muscles of the abdomen and take in more air in that part of the lungs. 10 minutes a day can work wonders. Sit in the car for a few minutes before going to your next appointment or inside after a long day at work.

Avoid them to help you relax …

Don’t say stimulants. Cut down on alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.

Clear your mind and escape. Increase your energy waves with a deep breath through your belly.

Drink chamomile tea in the evening. Do some relaxing yoga poses like Child and Corpse Pose or just sit in a quiet space with your eyes closed before bed.

Cleaning junk mail (old phone books, magazines, etc.), cabinets (old plastic containers), old medicines.

On the computer or game console …

Play video games, draw, or scribble on paper. You might not call it creating artwork, but it sure is fun.

Make sure that when you play with friends, for example at a basketball game, you don’t take it seriously and have fun.

The mop can be your friend …

Cook for the family. But avoid using food as a way to relieve stress.

I clean house. I organize the cabinets, clean the floor, vacuum, wash the dishes.

No need to wait …

Do not wait for the equipment of the machine. What is your backup plan? Do you know how to modify the exercises you do for each part of the body? Well you should. This is important to avoid stress when waiting for equipment in the gym. Why wait for a particular machine? Do some research and read up on other alternative exercise moves so you can cut back and not waste time when the gym is crowded.

Run for fun with your dog …

Dog walking or running, you choose. Have fun with your pet. Take your dog for a run, jog, or brisk walk. Dogs are great for exercising.

You want to relieve tension when you exercise, not increase it.

Read a positive audio book or tape while overdoing it

Take 5 minutes. Instead of going to the shower immediately after exercising, stop your workout earlier and find a quiet place to sit still and quiet for 10 minutes. I suggest looking for a place outdoors. Sit back and relax, then clean up and get dressed.

Find a variety of outlets to exercise. Bike, hike, rollerblade, or join a charity run. Sign up for a mud run, 5K, play basketball with your friend.

Plan your snacks …

If you are hungry or need a snack, have something healthy and ready to eat.

Instead of peanuts, try eating soy nuts. Instead of a chocolate bar, try the chocolate fruit sauce (banana dipped in fudge). Instead of pretzels, try air popcorn. Instead of ice cream, try a smoothie in a blender. Instead of

Here you have a lot of tips. Pick a few and take action this week. You should take action on what you think works best for you.