Accentuate the positive. It could be that your favorite song just came on the radio or maybe your friend posted a heartwarming message on Facebook. Whatever it is, noticing small silver linings throughout your day — and night — will help improve your overall attitude on a regular basis.
Bend a little. A little willingness to compromise in tense situations will take you far in reducing stress and helping you achieve an enlightened outlook.
Crash out. Long day? The gym gods will forgive you for skipping a workout every once in a while if it means you’ll be able to get some much-needed ZZZs.
Don’t give up.
Explore. Miami is home to many places you may have heard of but never visited. Take Monkey Jungle, for example, a place where “humans are caged and monkeys run wild”; or the World Erotic Art Museum in Miami Beach (Rembrandt called, he wants his etchings back). Oh, and let’s not forget Jackie Gleason’s Mausoleum at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery. Point is: Stop going to the same places over and over again and try something new!
Figure it out. Google is your friend; if there’s a task you haven’t done before, like repairing ripped clothes (needle and thread are usually better than duct tape) or fixing that weird noise the sink pipe is making (without the aid of the cracky plumber), try it. Self-taught problem-solving can be unexpectedly empowering.
Get lost. Escape your day-to-day for a while, turn off all your electronics, and get to know a new place. The lack of distractions will help you absorb your new environment with more clarity and focus.
Have it out. Communication is key to a peaceful state of mind, so next time you’re upset because your boss took your red stapler, don’t burn down the building or go into a “where’s my stapler?!” rant, just talk about it!
Intuition. Trust yours…you may surprise yourself. Sometimes the best decisions in life happen when you trust your gut instinct and dive in without necessarily thinking it out. Whether the fire is in your belly, your heart or your brain, let your inner compass guide you.
Joke. (Laughing optional)
Keep calm and carry on. Take a page out of the British playbook when things are at their toughest; remember that keeping a clear head and moving forward through difficult times can help you make good decisions.
Let go. Putting too much emphasis on minor annoyances wastes valuable energy; let the small stuff go so mental and physical energy can be focused where it’s really needed.
Meditate. Setting aside a specific time to think and truly listening to yourself minus all the annoying outside distractions can improve focus and long-term decision-making.
Never say never.
Open your eyes. Make an effort to pay attention to details in your normal routine. From warms socks just out of the dryer on a cool day, to the high you feel after a solid workout session, taking the time to really see and appreciate the things around you will help you on the road to enlightened ascension.
Pre-empt. Do something nice for someone first.
Quiet. Get away from the rat race and go somewhere peaceful; your eardrums and your head will thank you for it. Of course, if you can’t escape, a good pair of earplugs works fine, too.
Reflect. If hindsight is 20/20, looking back on past actions can be a wise teacher — whether it’s different decisions made in a past relationship or not having that 6th hotdog with extra relish.
Strengthen your character. No pain, no gain, right? Run that extra mile, put another few pounds on those weights, or get into a deep debate on a topic that requires some serious mental thought.
Take a chance.
Unveil. Is there a side of yourself you never really express? Maybe it’s a hidden talent for karaoke or that you’re uncannily skilled at virtual golf and haven’t let your friends in on the secret. Take this opportunity to break out and share an unexpected side of your passions and personality with others.
Venture. Take a walk with no specific destination in mind. Pay special attention to the surroundings instead of focusing on the endpoint and increase your awareness of everything around you.
Wake up early. There’s a lot to be said for seeing the sunrise and not rushing your morning routine. Start fresh and early so you can tackle your day with an unhurried, clear head. Bonus zen points for making a healthy breakfast shake or going for a run before work…hey, at least think about it!
Xerophyte. Be like one — even in seemingly impossible conditions, they use the resources they have to thrive. (Also, by looking this one up, you’ll learn a new word. We did.)
Yoda. Listen to him. Much wisdom he has.
Zero in. Focusing on one problem at a time can help make challenges more manageable. After all, that’s what life’s all about.
