Playing God Is Serious Business: Know When To Say When

Many of us like to take risks in life, push our luck. Often we may not realize how daring we are being. Please believe, there is a difference between being bold and being a buffoon.

Basically, you don't want to put your life in danger or shorten your life span. We do have free will and a set destiny, including our eventual death date. Nevertheless, why make life harder on ourselves?

Professional athletes may be some of the worst offenders. Take Kobe Bryant for example. He has had several surgeries on various parts of his body, the last two have been season ending on his knee. He has hardly been a factor in the NBA as of late. He already has five championships, several records, Olympic gold medals, and millions of dollars, not to mention a loving wife and two lovely daughters. Kobe should seriously not play God and think seriously about retiring.

Peyton Manning was at a similar crossroads three years ago. He could have been paralyzed. He did his due diligence, rehabbed hard and sought every professional opinion before coming back. He's still planning on playing at age 39 since he continues to pass routine physicals and stay healthy. Patrick Willis announced his retirement today. He decided for himself and his family that testing God and his own athletic prowess wasn't an option.

I have been faced with this several times in my life. I do lead a very healthy lifestyle but I still take risks. A year ago, I entered an eating contest where I ate a giant burger in under 30 minutes. This was a one time thing and I was full for days. I also run and have a half marathon around the corner. I was reminded today about running too close to the road and the sidewalk. My running style has allowed me to avoid injury and accidents over the years. But it still got me to thinking. I want to stay as safe as possible. The only routes I currently run on are those with back roads and little traffic or running trails with at least a sidewalk. Since I am doing more outside running now, these safety measures will continue to improve.

So use good judgment in your life and don't think the Good Lord is automatically going to bail you out because you make a foolish choice. Trust Him, trust yourself and use good reasoning and common sense.

What are some ways that you have tested and played God? Do you think that even when you make poor decisions, God always protects you?

Creating An Alternate Workout Space

One's workout can easily be deterred by a number of factors such as climate, finances and not having the resources to properly exercise, even if you're at the gym.

Having a home/alternate workout space is crucial and doesn't require much space, time or money. Here are some pointers to help you along the way.

1. Utilize your living room, hallway or even bed.

And of course I don't necessarily mean that last one in a nasty way.

Seriously, if you can find space to do drills such as crunches, dips, and pushups, there's a start. You can stay active and at little to no cost.

2. Have a steady library of workout videos and YouTube videos.

I mentioned this last year in my article "Cabin Fever Workouts". DVD packages such as Insanity, P90X and anything by Jillian Michaels allow you to carry your workouts anywhere you have access to a TV and DVD player. Better yet, YouTube is full of exercise and conditioning videos and circuits.

3. Buy certain equipment but don't feel the need to break the bank.

Plenty of people buy weight sets, cardio equipment, basically their own home gym. That is fine and good as long as you can afford and use it. However, all you really need is a mat or a large beach towel, a jump rope, a broomstick for good mornings, and some heavy equipment that is more inexpensive. Also , if you have access to the woods, buy yourself an ax or a hatchet. One of the better workouts is cutting wood and someone always needs some wood for various reasons. 

4. Run/walk/jog outdoors.

Even in cold weather, this is good, free and easy cardio. You're staying active and you're not even sacrificing space.

5. Do plenty of yoga, pilates and/or PiYo.

All of these exercises are low impact but effective and work well inside of your home. You don't need much space, yet you're still getting loose and sweating and getting a good core workout.

One has to be creative and always thinking to stay in shape. Workouts get old quickly and you always need plenty of options.

What are some other ways that you workout in the home or outside of the gym? What does your home workout space look like?

Things To Pack Two Of In Your Gym Bag

Yep it's that time of year again: the beginning. Gyms and fitness centers everywhere are packed out with the New Year's Crowd. However, newbies and veterans alike always forget something that is vital to their workout or regimen. The difference is that forgetting something will easily discourage a newbie or a seasonal person.

This is why I pack extra of quite a few items. Here are some accessories you should have at least two of in your bag.

1. Workout shirt

Let's say yours gets too sweaty or even lost. Or for those that like to coordinate their outfits, there may be a better shirt in your bag.

2. Shoes.

You want to have proper footwear when working out, especially if you're doing heavy cardio. It never hurts to have another pair of tennis shoes.

3. Shorts/pants

This is mostly for temperature reasons. You may find yourself too hot or too cold. Therefore, prepare for any condition in the gym.

4. Water bottle

You must stay hydrated and while you may have left your fancy blender bottle at home (I have one also and love it) , you can still have an extra bottle to turn to. I actually have about three-four water bottles, and they need not be fancy. An empty 16 ounce bottle will do.

5. Earphones

Most of us aren't going to forget our phones. However we may forget our headsets so we can get into the zone in private. Or worse, your earphones may fade out on you. Either way, have multiple sets of these to complete your multiple exercise sets.

6. Towels

Even if your gym provides towel service, bring a couple of extra hand towels and even a regular towel. These are all found at affordable prices at Walmart and Dollar General. Like water bottles, you can't have enough of these.

7. Socks

Very important for various reasons. One main one is you may be doing yoga or pilates where you remove your shoes. You then realize you don't have decent socks on.

There are many things that we all carry into the gym with us to make our workouts more effective. Work with your collection and keep backups, especially if you don't live close by.

What are you always forgetting to bring to the gym? Are there any items that I omitted that you would add?

Staying Hydrated: Five Beverages To Quench Your Thirst

This is an important time of year (Spring/Summer) in which to stay hydrated.  Whether in the gym or just in your daily activities,  you don't want to be thirsty.  This could cause you to become sick, dizzy, and possibly in the ER with dehydration. 

Here are five healthy drinks to curb your thirst. 

1. Water. 

This one is a given. During the warmer months of the year (and even year round), one should strive to drink one gallon of water/day. That's exactly 128 ounces. You can see many folks carrying around gallon jugs filled with water. It's also good to drink water with your meals, and a glass every couple of hours to keep you fresh and clean inside. 

2. Fresh Juice

I mean fresh juice, either from the supermarket,  or made from your juicer or blender.  The key is to get as much juice as you can and not a drink filled with sugar. You get all of your proper nutrients as well. Whether be apple, orange, or grapefruit juice, you can't go wrong with good, organic fruit juice.

3. Naked drinks

These drinks have grown in popularity over the past year or so. They encompass all sorts of nutrients you need, they have a wide variety available,  and they are fairly affordable.  At $2-$3/drink, they are well worth their value.

4. Gatorade.

Gatorade is one of the most popular sports drinks of all time,  one that most every athlete drinks. They are filled with glucose,  used to curb dehydration.  However, you want to drink these in moderation.  They are filled with excess sugars and potassium. Limit your usage to a couple per week.

5. Tea

Sweet tea is awesome, as many of you know that I'm a fan of. However,  there are many other great, healthier teas. Green, black, and even white tea.  They keep your system clean and your body energized. Tea is extremely healthy for you, minus all the sugars. You can even find tea in the small drink packets. Therefore,  try to drink more tea.

What do you drink to keep hydrated?  Do you prefer any beverage over the other?

Fitness Challenges and Results

Over the past several months,  I have refocused and rejuvenated my physical fitness goals. This began in September when I changed over to Anytime Fitness. Thus far, it appears to be working out.  I am highly motivated,  seeing results again, and am setting many long and short term goals. I am also involved in some challenges,  one of which just ended.

I was in a Biggest Loser Challenge at Anytime York. It was based on weight percentage lost. I ended up being the winner of this challenge, which ended last week.  Although my metabolism and motivation are both up, I still have weight loss goals. Therefore, I plan to continue this challenge on my own. I'm less than 20 pounds from my goal, a far cry from where I began.

Another challenge is wrapping up this week. Many of you have seen the "Get Moving" video that Anytime Spartanburg-Hillcrest made featuring me. I am participating in the Jacob's Ladder Mount  Everest challenge.  The goal of the challenge is to climb 29,035 total feet on the Jacob's Ladder,  the height of Mount Everest.  All who accomplish this feat receive a free T-shirt and recognition on the Jacob's Ladder web page, as well as social media. At press time, I am about 3,500 feet away, and I plan to finish this challenge this week. 

My other challenge at Spartanburg-Hillcrest will take more work, which is fine. It is running on the treadmill at a speed of 6 with an incline of 30. I have did similar workouts in the past through Jeanette Jenkins. However, this one will be a doozy. I am currently working on incline level 9, and I can run nearly 6 miles without an incline. I'm confident I can reach this challenge within the next couple of months. Those who accomplish this feat will be featured on the wall at the Spartanburg-Hillcrest facility.

Finally, there is one that caps off all of these challenges, and other ones. It's sharing my own Anytime story via www.myanytimestory.com. The grand winner will receive $10,000 for themselves , plus $10,000 for the charity of my choice.  I have my charity picked out, and I'm putting together my story.  The deadline is June 17, my deceased father's birthday.  I hope to have an even better chapter to add to my already amazing journey with Anytime Fitness.

Thanks and shoutouts will follow later. For now, I just want to thank you all that have followed my fitness journey since my days at YBB and previous to this.  It feels good to be back in the saddle and I don't plan to disappoint.  I am using old methods mixed with new ones from others to give myself the healthy physique I desire.

Continue to keep up with me in my physical adventure!

Acting Brand New: What Is Wrong With You

I'm a proponent of change, progression, and improvement physically, mentally, financially and spiritually. However, it does not sit well with me when people become shells of themselves and act as if they don't know their true friends and family. 

It seems that often these brand new people are just that: acting in a new, strange matter. They think they are better than others, have an inflated self-esteem, and are simply no longer a pleasure to be around.  I have seen it happen dozens of times.

This typically happens when a person experiences a positive change in their financial status, their physical appearance, or their overall social status. 

1. Finances

Money truly can change a person.  Certain people come into it by means of a new job, a promotion, or a big windfall. They think they are high and mighty now that they have less financial worries. Problem is, they may have already been this way before. The new found riches has just revealed this ugly side of themselves. 

2. Weight loss and physique change. 

I have been writing many pieces lately on health and wellness. Many people who gain a new body, new confidence and sometimes even a new following, can become jaded and uppity as well. They think that because they have achieved their fitness goals that those that have yet to are beneath them. People like this look down on them and even make fun of them, like they weren't in the same boat. Worse part is they are not helping them at all. They are hurting them and themselves. 

3. Social status

Through the previous two items and many others, your social standing has suddenly increased.  You are more desirable as a mate, you are on the VIP list for all the big parties and gatherings and more people simply want to be like you and around you. It seems too easy to forget those that have been by your side the entire time, rather than these new found friends. You often see this in high schools and in teen movies.  Some people cannot simply handle popularity and celebrity status. Look at the celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Charlie Sheen that cannot stay out of trouble. 

Basically, humility and grace is required when one reaches a higher level in life. You should always remember you are privileged, not entitled, to be at this point. It could all vanish in the blink of an eye.

Please don't forget the ones that have been in your corner in the tough times.  This doesn't necessarily mean trying to support the entire neighborhood. It means showing gratitude and not being too good or busy to have small talk and spend time with these people.  It benefits both parties equally.

How has someone you know changed for the worst because of any of the factors I mentioned? What did you say to them, if anything?

Eating Healthy and Clean

You see many people talk about getting fit and losing weight. It doesn't matter what you do if your diet isn't proper.  A proper, clean lifestyle of eating is the best way to gain and maintain results. 

People get it twisted when they try diets of every variety. You must change your dining habits, rather than try a fancy diet or a cleanse.

Fruits and vegetables are a must. Use apples, fruit cups, and carrots as snacks.  Eat a salad with at least one meal/day. Substitute regular salad dressing for Italian dressing or vingarette. Beans and greens are especially essential.  Lower your salt and sugar consumption as well. Confirm that this food group doesn't have those dangerous perservatives.

Protein, not heavy meats like beef and pork, is important. Stick to the lean stuff like nuts, chicken, tuna, salmon, and whey protein powder. There are many different protein powders and mixes out on the market, and all have their pluses and minuses. I have found Whey has the most consistent results.  Try mixing with water or soy or almond milk. Limiting your dairy intake and increasing your consumption of multivitamins will make a difference also.

Also, take in more complex carbohydrates like whole grains, brown rice and oatmeal. Cut out the simple carbs, fried stuff, sweets, and fast food. Finally, drink more water. One should attempt to drink at least a gallon (128 ounces) per day. Remember that sodas and even many juices are filled with calories and sugars. Quench your thirst with more herbal tea, green tea, and natural juices.  Even try juicing up fresh fruits and veggies, and drinks such as Naked. 

This are some simple things to help turn your diet around. Remember you aren't sleeping or in the gym all the time. You have more access to healthy and unhealthy foods and beverages than ever.  One just has to decide they want the healthy, clean choice.

Some Cabin Fever Workouts

This week was an odd one for those in the South. Almost half a foot of snow and ice covered the Southeast, making travel virtually impossible for days. Many of these people are also active in their gyms and fitness centers. They developed cabin fever, and an extreme sense of loss from not being able to get out and workout in their gyms.

I was able to stay even thanks to home workouts, DVDs and YouTube. Many folks I know were posting circuits and YouTube vids to help people beat this cabin fever and not get a week behind on their fitness.

Here are some of the more popular workouts during this time period

1. Insanity and Hip Hop Abs

This includes pretty much any workout by Shaun T. He is an awesome trainer and fitness instructor.  His workouts are easily available and designed for home usage.

2. Tae-Bo

No this isn't one of my 90s flashbacks. Billy Blanks is still active in the fitness game, along with his family, and even has a fitness nightclub. His workouts are all over YouTube, and will definitely help you break a sweat.

3. P90X.

Many of these workouts also require little equipment but yield lots of results. The Plyo, Ab Ripper and Yoga are all three especially good for when you're confined to your home.

4. Jeanette Jenkins

She has been a favorite trainer of mine for years. She posts vids and circuits frequently on Twitter and YouTube. She has trained many celebrities, including Kelly Rowland, and she knows what she is doing.

5. Jillian Michaels

The Biggest Loser star also keeps a library of fitness exercises, drills and videos designed for all levels. It's hard to go wrong with her.

There are many others available in this advanced technology world. Trainers are freely posting even short vids on Instagram and Vine, there are fitness apps, and there are even workouts such as planks, burpees and squats that many of us already do at the gym.

Weeks like this past one do not come often in the South but when they do, it's no excuse to put your entire life on hold. Rest for a little while, but stay on track so you won't feel so winded upon your return to the gym.

Spotlight On Rhonda Durbin: Motivated, Versatile and Enthusiastic About Fitness

Finding a good fitness instructor, personal trainer, or especially a gym can be tough. Young ladies like Rhonda Durbin have made all three easier.

I first met Rhonda almost four years ago at a ZUMBAthon at my former gym, Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa.
She had a lot of skill, different moves that I hadn't seen, and a love for fitness and others. Everyone present was impressed.

This enthusiastic, sweet, bright smiling woman is a trainer and instructor extraordinare and co-owns Tryon Health and Fitness Club with her mother in Tryon, NC.

She has literally made fitness a lifelong passion and now a career. She began teaching classes at the age of 13 when her aforementioned mother couldn't teach a class one day and Rhonda filled in. It was a mini trampoline class and she viewed the videos on it and all and taught that class well. The rest is history.

Ms. Durbin has many different certifications and accreditations in fitness through the AFAA  (Aerobic and Fitness Association Of America). She just had to recently get recertified as one must renew every two years. Not only is she a certified personal trainer and ZUMBA instructor, she also does yoga, kickboxing,  body sculpting, yogalates, and many other classes. There's not too many classes or styles that Rhonda doesn't or can't teach.

She trains and teaches folks of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.  This includes young adults and the elderly. Her style is not a get in your face and yell ala Jillian Michaels. She motivates through examples and positive encouragement. Rhonda will push her students and clients as needed, but keeps a balance and adjusts to each person and class.

She has helped numerous people achieve results, which is something that she takes joy in. Rhonda loves to see others succeed, and loves to succeed personally as well. She strives to be as fit as possible and can be harder on herself than she may be on others.

No YouTube vids of her workouts are available as of current. However stay tuned, as Rhonda's brother is really into doing YouTube stuff, and has his own channel.  For those that aren't near the Tryon area, this would be an added treat.

Find Rhonda Durbin on Facebook, as well as her gym, Tryon Health and Fitness Club. Her and her mother are also very professional and have a good facility going with lots to offer.  Class schedules are available, as well as updates on the facility and Rhonda's life.

Rhonda is definitely one in a million in the fitness world. Do not be surprised if she is later mentioned in the same company as Jeanette Jenkins, Billy Blanks, and Jillian Michaels (less the drill sergeant style) . You heard it here first readers. Those who have taken her classes and sessions know this fitness diva is for real!

Seven Workouts To Try To Get You Going

My series on health, fitness, and healthier living continues. Often we find ourselves not sure what to do or what to work on in the gym. There's more than simply walking on the treadmill for an hour, doing 100 situps and pushups, and getting on the bench press.  You should try to work the entire body through the week if possible, and concentrate on certain areas that need the most attention. 

Now many of these workouts are most effective with proper diet and water. However, they will all give you a jumping point.

1. 2 on, 2 off.

I learned this years ago from my former trainer. Stay on the treadmill for about 10-15 minutes. Walk for two minutes, run for two minutes, and then repeat.  You can adjust according to your strength level. 

2. Eight sets of everything

You may be working chests and arms, or simply legs. Try working a favorable weight, but doing three sets of eight on every machine. I often do fifteen, but I have started at eight.

3. HIIT/circuit stuff

This high intensity interval training includes sets and intervals of squats, lunges, burpees, planks, and even sprints and suicides. These have been shown and proven to boost the heart rate and burn more calories and fat. 

4. Classes

Don't underestimate a good class. Many are already included in your gym membership so take advantage. ZUMBA, Insanity, Body Pump, spin, MMA, etc. My gym, Anytime Fitness, even has Fitness On Demand, where you can choose a specific class, and watch and workout with it on a large projection screen

5. 20/20/20

On an all-cardio day, this is very effective.  20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the bike, and 20 minutes on the stairmaster. You can sub in any cardio exercise. But pick three and do each for 20 minutes/piece.

6. Sports

Engaging in a sport such as basketball or racquetball can get the heart pumping.  Full court basketball is particularly always good cardio, arm and leg workouts.

7. Abs

Working abs is the toughest and often the last body part to get fully sculpted. It relies heavily on your diet, rather than your workouts. However, there are many ways other than sit ups to work these. I mentioned planks earlier.  There are also several ab machines, bicycles, sprints, jumping up and down, and the ab roller for instance.

Hope these help in your fitness journey!

Encouraging Newbies At Your Gym

Yes, yes I know and understand.  A new year can be exciting and refreshing. However, if you're a regular gym rat, fitness buff, or are at the gym religiously, it can be frustrating. Your own routine can be interrupting by new folks hogging the machines, weights and other equipment.    There are all sorts of people trying to start anew and get fit for the New Year. Some stick it out, many give up after a month or two. 

One reason people throw in the towel so quickly is that they are newbies, or rookies to working out. They know they need to get healthy; they just need the proper encouragement and motivation.  A NYE resolution may have brought them there. However, how do you keep this new member from becoming a Holiday Hopper (only showing at the first of the year and just before the summer to tone up for vacation season.)? Here are some suggestions I have. It's been decades since I was a newbie but I'm always willing to help anyone trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

1. Patience.

This is for both rookies and veterans alike. Anyone new to working out must realize that real results will not come overnight. You will also be really tired and sore at first but this will eventually go away. Also, veterans, please make them feel welcome and don't be the gym police. Kindly remind them if they are taking too long on a machine or a piece of equipment.  Answer any questions they have and even ask them if they would like to workout in some sets with you. If they decline, that's fine. A warm personality can go a long way.

2. Seeking other help

The key word here is still encourage.  Encourage them to work out with you if they desire. Better yet, get them in a class, bootcamp, or get them to try a session with a trainer. Many gyms offer free 30 minute personal training sessions. This can help the gym neo get some motivation and drive to keep trucking.  The classes are definitely good for that as you are working out with folks of all fitness types and walks of life. Many personal bonds can be formed as well.

3. Have them set goals, short and long terms. 

Their goal may be to lose 50 pounds. Well, how about helping them lose one pound at a time? Also, suggest a routine that includes slowly substituting unhealthy foods for healthier ones. It's all about baby steps. When achieving a fitness goal, slower is often better. It speeds the metabolism up and you have smaller goals and milestones. These all build up to the big picture. 

4. Social media

It's hard to forget Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the others. Suggest that they connect with you and/or others that are like minded throught fitness groups. You can share healthy recipes, motivate and cheer each other on when someone is making progress.

The key is to make newbies comfortable and keep them excited. This is beyond the regular staff. The members can also help. It is ultimately up to the individual.  However, with a kind push, that new member can potentially go further. They then realize fitness is a lifestyle and a commitment.  They will not want to miss a workout, and will think twice about their snacking choices.

So next time you see a newbie infering with your workout, try offering a helping hand, rather than a scoff or a side eye. It can go a long way. They may not listen, but it doesn't hurt to try. The gym should be like a family or a village, where everyone is encouraging each other. It starts with one person at a time.

Pros and Cons Of Joining A 24/7 Chain Gym

Many out there want to get more fit and healthy.  One of the first ways is to choose which type of gym you want to attend.  I currently attend Anytime Fitness, a 24/7/365 gym that is part of a chain of over 2,200 worldwide. I was used to attending a local gym for years with limited hours. I have found Anytime to be more advantageous, and so have many other fitness buffs. 

It appears 24 hour fitness centers are opening everywhere, and increasing in popularity.  Here are some of the pros and cons of joining this type of facility. 

Pros:

1. You obviously get to workout anytime, anywhere your gym is located.  If you're on vacation, or a night out, you can squeeze in a late workout.  You control your hours and workout pace.  You also are not limited by holidays.

2. You open yourself to a wider network of people and equipment.  Before, you may have been limited to only one gym, with a certain variety of equipment and classes. Now you are exposed to an unlimited variety of the latest in equipment, classes, and overall fitness tools.

3. Security is usually tight at these sorts of facilities.  There are extra cameras and alarms.  Therefore, no one can just come in, not even during staffed hours. Police also have rapid response times when an alarm is enabled.

4. You are now low on excuses to workout, which goes back to #1. Many chains have something for everyone besides flexible hours and days. There are large gyms, small gyms, and those right in the middle.

5. The members are very friendly and helpful.  The rules are stricter, especially during non-staffed hours.  Therefore, more people, veterans and newbies, tend to take their fitness more seriously.  They are also very willing to help you out and let you work in sets with you.

Cons:

1. Personal touch can be lost. Many locally owned gyms depend solely on the membership base to survive and not stockholders. Therefore, they are often quicker to show their appreciation and grace.

2. It's easier to find a workout buddy or group at a traditional gym. Since hours are limited, more people come at the same time, to the same gym, and building bonds is easier. Members of 24/7 gyms tend to come at scattered hours and days and are harder to catch.

3. Cost. Monthly fees and contracts are easier with a local gym. 24/7 gyms have to abide by corporate regulations, which means higher start-up costs, and long term contracts.

4. It can be easier for a newbie to be distracted and lose focus. At a traditional gym, staff and trainers are always on hand to encourage and assist. There are times where one may feel isolated at a 24/7 gym.

5.  You may not have a 24/7 gym close to you. Let's face it, having access to many gyms is nice, if you're out a lot and/or are in close proximity. The closest and cheapest gym to you may be the local, mom and pop gym and that is fine.

I chose my gym because it fit my preferences and fitness lifestyle.  I am not trying to force anyone to join. The aim is to show what appears to be an evolution in fitness, and something that may be worth a try. 

The main thing is being somewhere where you're comfortable and motivated to go regularly and lead a healthier lifestyle.  The final decision will be up to you.

Don't Sweat It: Just Relax

We all encounter bouts of stress and turmoil. No one is without their battles and struggles. Some folks have it better, and some have it way worse. Nonetheless, they are struggles all the same.

Stress management is crucial not only to your health and happiness, but also your goals and achievements. Working under pressure and being overly stressed are two different things and should not be confused.

I have previously mentioned about treating yourself once a week. That is definitely good. You have to take the load off at times.

Also, find inspiration in others. I find it in my circle of friends and family, ministers such as Joel Osteen, watching movies such as Remember The Titans and Antwone Fisher and most sports movies. They give me that extra drive and motivation that I deem paramount and necessary.

Exercise is a major factor in stress relief. I go to the gym several times a week, partially to blow off steam. It seems I don't think about my problems while I'm working out. I'm in my own zone.

Listening to music is also helpful, as it's the universal language. I have a vast and contradicting playlist, plus my Pandora stations have variety also. When I really need to relax, I listen to oldies from the 50s-70s, Michael Jackson, and even jazz. I feel calmer, cool and collected after hearing these types of songs and ballads.

Finally, I breathe and mediate. That's right. I get my quiet time, my “me” time to simply think, unwind, and unleash the negative tension.

Relieving stress is obviously easier said than done. However, stress management is important and necessary. Don't sweat the small stuff, pick your battles, know what you can control and simply relax! Nothing is permanent. Your test can someday be your testimony. So stick to the fight and don't let life knock you out with one punch. You're stronger than that.