"Take a deep breath as you step up to the line." That piece of advice first entered my mind when I was a young boy in grade school basketball and it has helped me make many free-throws over the years. It is one form of relaxation that I still use to this day.

There are many relaxation methods that you can implement to help you get rid of stress, or at least reduce it significantly. The key to these relaxation techniques is that they should not be difficult to implement. A few good relaxation techniques can save your life, because you see my friend, stress is more than just unpleasant: Stress can become a major health issue if not dealt with properly.

Ideally, if only you could just remove those factors that cause you to feel stressed, you would be fine, right?

Reality paints a different picture.

Relaxing your body will go a long way to improving your physical condition. However, the most effective techniques should combine the relaxation of your body and your mind. Your body and mind are very closely related and so there are a number of methods you can adopt that will not only improve your physical well being but also act as excellent mind relaxation techniques as well. This article focuses on two of the most basic and easiest techniques to put into use, breathing and exercise as a means of relaxation and stress reduction, plus the resources to further explore these methods.

===> Breathing

Breathing is one of the most important methods for controlling stress and it is also one of the easiest methods to utilize when it comes to relaxing. After all, it is a natural part of living and your body depends on a steady supply of oxygen. Without sufficient levels of oxygen, your body cannot function to its fullest capacity, much like an automobile engine that is starving for fuel.

There is a vast array of resources available regarding specific breathing techniques that go well beyond the scope of this article. Many books and audio books cover this topic extensively.

===> Exercise

Obviously exercise and breathing go hand-in-hand. You can use breathing techniques without specifically performing any physical exercises. On the other hand, you must utilize breathing efficiency methods while performing any physical exercise. That is why I personally prefer the latter method.

I am sure you have heard of the term "runner's high". Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to be healthy and benefit from that experience following my exercise routines. I no longer run to the extent I used to. While I miss hitting the open road, the repeated pounding has taken its toll on this middle-aged body. I now seek the same results in other forms of exercise, such as cycling, weight training and a program called the "Sprint 8" workout by Phil Campbell.

Once again, there are a number of resources on a wide variety different exercise methods available to you. These relaxation techniques are just two of the ways you can achieve stress reduction in your life.

===> The Problem:

How do you find time to learn these relaxation techniques while dealing with your daily routine? Oh no, more stress!

The most common way to learn these methods is by reading books. Sadly, because of the great demand on your time in this 'drive-up-window' society you live in, reading a book often gets omitted or pushed aside because of your busy schedule. You are busier than ever and time has become a dwindling commodity.

Sound familiar?

Thankfully, with the advent and popularity of audio books, you can now get the right information into your mind without having to try and find the time to read during a busy day.

===> Save Time

Now, you can 'listen' to books, seminars, lectures and podcasts while you're on-the-go, and when you don't have time to read. And since today's selection of downloadable audio books is not limited to just fiction and literary works, but runs the gamut from how-to manuals to business books and self-help information, you will find that you can download an unlimited amount of information into your brain.

Not only can you fill your mind with stress reduction and relaxation techniques, but you can also learn a skill, enjoy a murder mystery or an epic romance novel, and even increase your cultural literacy.

You can enjoy the benefits of audio books while exercising, commuting to and from your work, spending time on your hobby, walking your dog, etc. At the end of that stressful day try relaxing with your favorite audio book, even with the lights off.

When you find your time is limited, 'listen' to what the book has to say.

Hop off the 'stress escalator' by learning stress reduction, exercise methods and relaxation techniques with a good audio book.