By Patrick TuttlecloseAuthor: Patrick TuttleName: Patrick Tuttle Email: ptuttle@gearpatrol.com Site:http://gearpatrol.com/blog/author/ptuttle/ About: I joined the gang at Gear Patrol because I believe that as men we often settle for less than the very best lifestyle we can attain. It’s been ingrained into our psyches to forgo certain products, services or lifestyles because they don’t fall within some antiquated male paradigm. Bunk.
It’s time as men to stand up and redefine what’s rightfully ours. Much of what I have learned to this end has come through advice from guys who had the experiences and knowledge I was seeking. My only regret was not learning it sooner. Now I feel it’s my obligation to pass along what I know. I’m not saying I have all the answers but I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far.
On a more personal level, I live an active lifestyle and focus on my health and wellness as a means to sustain the frenetic pace. I also suffer from a case of golf-itis and spend a lot of my free time perusing that passion… ok, obsession. I aim to incorporate relevant fitness and golf content into Gear Patrol’s expanding coverage of all things male. Like the rest of the crew I can’t stand over-hyped, under-performing products. None of that crap will be perpetuated here.See Authors Posts (93) on Tue, May 5, 2009 | Email To A Friend
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(7)
We live in crazy times. Between a faltering economy, an epidemic of swine flu and real life pirates, men have plenty to be stressed about. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo living and enjoying life. In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. ” We couldn’t agreed more here at Gear Patrol.
We decompress by enjoying the simple pleasures of life. As you can see from the embedded video, Anthony appreciates a midnight cigar in New York, while Eric relaxes by tinkering with the video function on his Nikon D90 (see video below). I myself like to head to the driving range. There is a zen-like feeling that befalls me as I launch ball after ball into the night air. Each swing transferring a bit of the week’s tension into those little white orbs.
So, how do you relax and unwind? And be honest. If you enjoy a good bubble bath and cold Chardonnay like our man Ben Bowers does, you shouldn’t be afraid to state that publicly.
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I like to hit the gym, and lift super heavy, and sweat so that I feel like I deserve a shower. Then, take the night off, listen to some tracks, and read a book, till I pass out on the bed.
I've been unemployed for a couple months now, so the normal day to day stress from a job isn't hitting me, but rather it's a constant, underlying stress that you don't get rid of. Except when I'm at the gym.
The gym has been great to me over the past couple years, helping me lose 70lbs and get to a point where I'm confident and happy with who I am. It's a place I go to where it's all about me and what I'm going to do that day. I can lift weights for as long as I want, spin on the bike as fast I can and run as many laps until my legs fall out from under me.
It's a fantastic release for a couple hours a day and puts me in the mindset that I can tackle the other problems that will undoubtedly come up.
Physical activity has always been my "happy place". Hitting the gym, playing some ultimate, waterskiiing, or hitting the mat all fit the bill, though most times it's pumping iron. When I have the money going to the shooting range (with a clear head obviously) is also a preferred relaxer. Sitting in a hammock with a book for a few hours also will improve any bad mood.
for something more relaxing, i completely agree on a nice cigar. that's always a pleasant experience. pair it with a nice evening and a glass of Jameson (with 1 big ice cube or 2 small ice cubes) or scotch and i'm chill for the rest of the night.
I thumb the starter on my Triumph Scrambler and ride. Doesn't matter if it's ten miles or one hundred… nothing makes the stress of the job, or the times, disappear so completely.
Good tunes and some form of alcoholic beverage (read: not white wine) has always been an easy path to calm for me. Walking with headphones on is even better, although that typically means I have to skip the drink. Movies are a good distraction as well.
Going for a run along the river in Riverside Park, tuning out the world with Bose noise-canceling headphones and great music or finding the perfect friend to commiserate with works for me. It's nice to physically get the steam out and then laugh it off with a friend–the perfect combination.
I joined a local canoe club in Oahu and it really takes the edge off from the day. After a hard practice, it's usually lights out a couple hours later.
Whenever I'm feeling cluttered and under stress I have the urge to clean up the house. I throw out crap that hasn't been used in years, throw clothes I haven't worn in a bag to donate, clean off my desk, vacuum all the dust under my computers, whatever.
It's almost like organizing my living space and de-cluttering my work-space helps clean out the garbage in my mind and helps me to relax. Then i pop open a good beer (on a coaster), sit back in my lounge chair and just chillax.
Sang's onto something there. It's usually not a way to "relax" per se, but it allow you to more easily relax right after. As if, like he said, your mind is de-cluttered and able to cycle down a bit.
Although I feel great after a workout, it's still new enough to me (about 6-7 weeks) that it still feels like "work." I wholeheartedly agree with a nice cigar, a stiff drink or some down time with music. I also enjoy taking my lab for a lengthy walk in cool, overcast weather. If it's too hot, it's just not nearly as much fun.
It really depends for me. Some days it's listening to some tunes - Colin Hay, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, etc. Other times it's sitting on the back patio with a good drink/beer, enjoying the shade and breeze. A couple episodes of Scrubs or a trip through my internet favorites also does the trick sometimes.
I'm in the same boat as Mark, I head for the garage. When life has me by the throat nothing releases that grip like breaking out the tools, getting elbow deep in my truck or other projects and then after wards rewarding myself with a ICE COLD brew.
probably the best thing for me would be to just go out on a cool night ( really doesnt matter as long as its not raining) and ride my MO-05 swiss army bicycle its like working out and just seeing your town in a whole different way
Grand Theft Auto. The Game, not actual crime. Shooting people in the head until the FBI chase me is a real help. Especially if you imagine those people are the ones causing the stress.
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I like to hit the gym, and lift super heavy, and sweat so that I feel like I deserve a shower. Then, take the night off, listen to some tracks, and read a book, till I pass out on the bed.
I've been unemployed for a couple months now, so the normal day to day stress from a job isn't hitting me, but rather it's a constant, underlying stress that you don't get rid of. Except when I'm at the gym.
The gym has been great to me over the past couple years, helping me lose 70lbs and get to a point where I'm confident and happy with who I am. It's a place I go to where it's all about me and what I'm going to do that day. I can lift weights for as long as I want, spin on the bike as fast I can and run as many laps until my legs fall out from under me.
It's a fantastic release for a couple hours a day and puts me in the mindset that I can tackle the other problems that will undoubtedly come up.
eric, sweet video man! who is the artist that does the background music?
"Fresh Pair of Eyes (Eyes O' Eyes)" Remix by Brooke Waggoner. Anthony had no idea I was filming him… just thought I was obsessing over the 50mm lens.
I shave. As odd as it sounds, shaving is very relaxing for me. I use old-school methods with the soap, badger brush and straight razors (cut-throats).
All I need is a shower & shave at night and I'm centered.
Dave
Physical activity has always been my "happy place". Hitting the gym, playing some ultimate, waterskiiing, or hitting the mat all fit the bill, though most times it's pumping iron. When I have the money going to the shooting range (with a clear head obviously) is also a preferred relaxer. Sitting in a hammock with a book for a few hours also will improve any bad mood.
I turn a wrench. Whether its my restoration project in the garage or my traxxas revo in the hobby room . It lifts me upward.
gym, hiking, rock climbing, etc.
for something more relaxing, i completely agree on a nice cigar. that's always a pleasant experience. pair it with a nice evening and a glass of Jameson (with 1 big ice cube or 2 small ice cubes) or scotch and i'm chill for the rest of the night.
I thumb the starter on my Triumph Scrambler and ride. Doesn't matter if it's ten miles or one hundred… nothing makes the stress of the job, or the times, disappear so completely.
My Maton 12 string guitar and a bottle of good beer
I couldn't agree with you more. The gym is a great place to literally burn off stress. Good luck with your job search.
Three ways -
Gym Time -Long, long, long runs.
Guitar - Some quality time with an acoustic and a notebook.
Single Malt - nuff said.
Good tunes and some form of alcoholic beverage (read: not white wine) has always been an easy path to calm for me. Walking with headphones on is even better, although that typically means I have to skip the drink. Movies are a good distraction as well.
Going for a run along the river in Riverside Park, tuning out the world with Bose noise-canceling headphones and great music or finding the perfect friend to commiserate with works for me. It's nice to physically get the steam out and then laugh it off with a friend–the perfect combination.
I joined a local canoe club in Oahu and it really takes the edge off from the day. After a hard practice, it's usually lights out a couple hours later.
Whenever I'm feeling cluttered and under stress I have the urge to clean up the house. I throw out crap that hasn't been used in years, throw clothes I haven't worn in a bag to donate, clean off my desk, vacuum all the dust under my computers, whatever.
It's almost like organizing my living space and de-cluttering my work-space helps clean out the garbage in my mind and helps me to relax. Then i pop open a good beer (on a coaster), sit back in my lounge chair and just chillax.
Sang's onto something there. It's usually not a way to "relax" per se, but it allow you to more easily relax right after. As if, like he said, your mind is de-cluttered and able to cycle down a bit.
Although I feel great after a workout, it's still new enough to me (about 6-7 weeks) that it still feels like "work." I wholeheartedly agree with a nice cigar, a stiff drink or some down time with music. I also enjoy taking my lab for a lengthy walk in cool, overcast weather. If it's too hot, it's just not nearly as much fun.
It really depends for me. Some days it's listening to some tunes - Colin Hay, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, etc. Other times it's sitting on the back patio with a good drink/beer, enjoying the shade and breeze. A couple episodes of Scrubs or a trip through my internet favorites also does the trick sometimes.
I'm in the same boat as Mark, I head for the garage. When life has me by the throat nothing releases that grip like breaking out the tools, getting elbow deep in my truck or other projects and then after wards rewarding myself with a ICE COLD brew.
probably the best thing for me would be to just go out on a cool night ( really doesnt matter as long as its not raining) and ride my MO-05 swiss army bicycle its like working out and just seeing your town in a whole different way
Grand Theft Auto. The Game, not actual crime. Shooting people in the head until the FBI chase me is a real help. Especially if you imagine those people are the ones causing the stress.
I've got an electronic drum set; I throw on the headphones and bash away…the neighbors don't hear a peep.