Please Assist Me.... I want to relax

Ok, so I am opening this folder to have a OPEN discussion maybe pep talk about my hair. I am in the position right now I want to relax again... not for the look but for the ease. I am investing so much time in doing my hair I feel I have no life. My last set of braids took a full week of working hours a day to do, and isalready slipping =-(

Now let me qualify here, people ask why the braids, well when I just braid my hair it currently takes about 10 hours and it only last 2-3 weeks. I work out 4-5 times a week and most natural styles don't last through the sweat or rising I do to clean my scalp.

So I need sugggestions, thoughts, comments, your experiances. Whatever.

Thanks,
Hnykss
aka
Shanda