SERENITY NOW!

It goes without saying that our jobs are pretty stressful. Maybe not as much so as saaaaayyyy Jimmy Cayne over at Bear Stearns (any bidders out there? BSC closed at $116 today), but given these markets, it's a nutty way to live. www.breakingviews.com

However, this is what we bargained for when we chose this career. Some of the traders and investment bankers I've met have no concept of stress relief. They think relaxation and toning life down a few octaves is for wimps. Really, why make all that dough if you're dead by 40? If you have to work 80 hours per week in this environment, here are some tips that will help you enjoy it a little more, perform a little better, and live a little longer.

Today we'll focus on your diet. Yes, your diet can affect stress and vice versa. Failure to eat right can cause your body to experience blood sugar imbalances, higher cortisol output, and blood pressure changes. When you're going a hundred miles an hour all day you forget some important things, like;

Drinking water. You need 8 glasses a day, period. It helps in fat loss and regulates blood pressure.

Eating foods prepared by others. I.E. Fast food or prepackaged meals. Food we make ourselves means we put more thought into it and its ingredients.

Coffee overload. A little is OK and can be good in helping fat loss. But all day coffee drinking raises blood pressure and kills appetite which in the long run is a bad thing.

Skipping meals. Running out the door without breakfast is a serious sin. Your body is a machine. It needs high quality fuel. Period.

From now on: Eat Breakfast. No coffee after 2 pm. Drink ice cold water or diet soda (caffeine free). Pack lots of healthy snacks; almonds, Triscuits, apples, bananas, etc. No more donuts, bagels, and candy bars (unless it is packed with nuts and you plan on hitting the gym after work). Try Green tea. Cook your lunch the night before.

Tomorrow, some other tips on chilling out plus a mellow workout.