I come from a family where working seven days a week, 12 hours a day is normal. I was raised to believe that success was only earned by hard work, and hard work took time and dedication -- mainly all of it. So it’s easy to assume that growing up had been hectic and we were always on a time crunch, but now that I’m older I’m able to appreciate all of those lessons that my parents taught me about work ethic.

But with hard work comes stress and stress can take a negative toll on your life. Sometimes, you have to take a few steps back and realize that your body can’t handle everything that your throw at it or throw it into. So, here are some of my tricks to stay at ease.

1. Cut off your phone.

I know this is something that the current generation hears every day, but it's true. Most of our stress lies in those little handheld devices that are attached to our hips every day. So take a break from it all -- the work, the relationships, the constant need to be in the loop. Turning off your phone won't kill you, but it'll definitely put you at ease and show you what's really going on in the world around you.

2. Get out of the house.

I know this seems like a weird one, but locking yourself in your house all day isn't going to make you feel better. It's gonna close you off from fresh air and achieving a clear mind. Try going to a park or the zoo or even out to eat (see tip 3). Just get out of the house for something other than work or errands.

3. Eat. And keep eating. And keep eating some more.

I am a firm believer in treating yourself and for me there's no better gift to myself than a plate fully of fat, greasy, amazingly good food. I know these days most people are on fancy diets that cut out sugars and carbs and gluten and whatever else, but I think that for your own sanity that you should be entitled to at lest one cheat day every so often. Get that big burger with everything on it and then get that chocolate lava cake for desert afterwards. Reward your body every once in a while and I promise you'll feel better.

4. Bubble baths on bubble baths.

Your body is tired from the strain of the world on it and there is no better way to soothe it than sinking down in a hot tub filled with mass amounts of bubbles. Your muscles will relax, your mind will relax, your feet will relax- basically all of you will relax in a nice bubble bath. So bring out the candles, dim the lights, and enjoy your peaceful moment.

5. Uplifting company.

When it comes to the world's biggest stress reliever, it's your closest friends. They're the people who know you inside and out and can tell when you just need to let a load off. So have them over to hangout, rant and gossip and laugh about everything that's going on in both of your life's right now. I promise that this is ten times better than wallowing by yourself. Your friends know exactly what to say or do to put you in that positive state of mind.

So these are the five tips I apply to my everyday life, every once in awhile, just to remind myself it's OK to stop going full speed and to not let the weight of the world rest on my shoulders. Relaxation is another, less talked about, key to success, happiness, and overall well-being.