South of London there’s a Tube station just off of Stockwell Road—the station’s namesake.

But my family calls it Stockhell.

We’ve always said, “What happened in Stockhell, stays in Stockhell.” But today, I’m going to let you in on what went down.

To preface, it was my first time across the pond. And to say amazing would be an understatement. I mean, there was a Nando’s within walking distance of where we stayed. That alone made for a magical experience.

It was a great trip.

But there was one day that took us all soaring right over the edge of sanity…

My dad and one of my younger sisters left early that morning to get tickets for seeing Wicked. The rest of us enjoyed a slightly slower morning in our small flat in Brixton before we all met up in the city.

At this point, we had been in town a few days and were pretty familiar with the public transportation. Or so we thought.

But then we went to Stockhell and back.

When my dad left that morning, he realized something groundbreaking. The Stockwell Tube Station was actually closer to our flat than the Brixton station we had been using.

This could shave several minutes off our morning tourist commute into the city. And let me tell you, every minute counted. Armed with a copy of Rick Steves’s tourist guide, my dad made sure we fit as much as possible into each and every day.

Better yet, the Stockwell Station is super easy to get to—practically a straight shot from the flat. And we could totally make it without the map, which my dad had.

Having made the stroll earlier that morning, my dad gave us directions…

Just take a left down the road by the flat, it will start to curve, and just after the curve you’ll hit Stockwell Road. Make a right and go until you run right into the station.

Easy.

We set out. Just like he said, the street curved. But we didn’t find Stockwell Road. We pressed onward, hoping we’d still find the Stockwell Station close by.

But it wasn’t.

At first, we just thought it was because my dad can book it on foot. His top gear even has a name—The Vaughn Johnson Stride.

So we kept going. And going. …and going.

But there was a tiny problem. My dad gave us bad directions. It was supposed to be a right, not a left.

We had spent the entire time going the opposite direction.

At this point, we had no map and were completely lost. Stress was high, tension was thick, tempers flared, and several intensely heated arguments ensued as we tried to get the Stockhell back home.

Anger boiled. Frustration flew. And tears gushed.

Guys, it was bad. We might maybe may have made a bit of a scene.

I don’t think it’s uncommon for any family to get a little frustrated with each other when on vacation. That’s normal. (At least I think it is.) But this was next level. I haven’t seen a Johnson family meltdown this severe before or since.

We were just a few days into our family adventure in Europe. All seven of us were packed into a tiny apartment. Jet-lagged and exhausted, we still tried to do and see as much as possible.

It was too much.

The entire situation was stressful and we needed a break.

But instead of a break, we were broken.

Stress: Both Bad and Beneficial

When the trip ended, that break came. It’s amazing what a couple restful days can do when you need to recover from the stress of a family vacation.

But stress isn’t all bad.

In fact, the right stress is a good thing.

There are two types—distress, “bad” stress (what we normally think of when we imagine stress), and eustress, “good” stress.

Getting lost in England with my family is an all-too-real example of distress. And heavy deadlifts are an example of eustress.

Distress at work can be miserable. You feel anxious, concerned, and performance decreases. But eustress at work—think a promotion and new responsibilities—is exciting. You feel motivated, focused, and performance improves.

Stress is the body’s response to taxing demands. Regardless of the stressor, the physiological stress response is the same—fight or flight.

We’ve all felt it.

Cortisol and adrenaline start pumping, our heart races, and we start breathing heavily. Our senses sharpen, we’re more focused, and become hyper-alert. Blood flow and muscle tension increase and we’re ready to either stand and fight or run in flight.

You could be running for fun or running form a bear, the stress response is the same. Physiologically, your body doesn’t know the difference.

Good or bad, stress is still stress. Too much without a break will wear anyone down. Whenever we experience any kind of stress, we need to let ourselves recover.

Ditch Your Sympathetic Tone

The autonomic nervous system has two major divisions—sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our stress response (think: fight or flight). And the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and relaxation (think: rest and digest).

We need both.

But the poison’s in the dose.

Stressors bombard our lives. Work, family, traffic, finances, and even a long line at Starbucks pile stress on—daily.

In response to stress, the body increases sympathetic activity (or tone) and decreases parasympathetic activity. An increase in sympathetic tone is great. It helps us perform our best.

But when we’re chronically overstressed, our sympathetic nervous system is on overdrive and the parasympathetic nervous system takes a back seat.

Most people are chronically overstressed.

Most people have an over stimulated sympathetic nervous system.

And for most people, the stress isn’t going anywhere.

If you continue adding stress to your day, it’ll become more and more difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, feel well rested, or even turn your mind off. This is because your sympathetic nervous system is working too hard and your parasympathetic nervous system is on proverbial vacation.

Not fun.

Eventually, you’ll reach a breaking point. Unless you give yourself a break from the cycle of stress.

How to Break the Stress Cycle

Managing stress is simple. When the parasympathetic nervous system becomes more active, we’re able to relax.

The best part—we’re in control.

Simple steps will increase parasympathetic tone, decrease sympathetic tone, and physiologically help you relax.

Here’s what to do:

• Eliminate Distractions

Put the phone on silent, find a quiet corner of the house or office, and close your eyes.

• Breathe

Breathe deeply and into the belly (not the chest). Take 4–6 seconds to inhale, hold, exhale for another 4–6 seconds, and hold again.

• Be Present

Don’t let stress or distraction get in the way. During this breathing exercise, think only about your breathing. If another thought comes to mind, let it fade away with your next breath.

Breathing exercises are one of the simplest ways to meditate and relax. They work wonders. Even one cycle (inhale, hold, exhale, hold) can start to help you calm down.

Take a few seconds and give it a try right now.

Everybody needs a break from the stress of day-to-day life. Without it, all Stockhell breaks loose.

The next time you feel stress on the rise, break the stress cycle by breathing.