6 Tips for Achieving a Zen Attitude

The term “zen” originates in Buddhism. Having a zen attitude means being mindful and finding awareness of the present moment. To achieve a zen attitude, you need to focus on positive things. This will help you calm down, relax and cope with everyday problems without stressing out. So, how to master your zen attitude?

Let it go. Even if you haven't watched Disney's Frozen, you've probably heard the Oscar-winning song “Let It Go”. It should become your anthem, because one of the most important things you need to learn is how to let go of everything you can't fully control. You are able to control your feelings, thoughts and actions, but you will never be able to fully control other people or circumstances. If you realize and accept it, the world around you will become less disappointing.

Put things into perspective. Don't focus on details, look at the bigger picture. If you have a problem, think about the worst possible outcome and then think what is the actual possibility it will happen. Let us prompt: it is actually very tiny. You should also keep in mind that issues that seem important now might matter less as time passes. Sometimes ignoring the problem actually makes it go away, although that's not always the case.

Take a moment to think. When in stressful situation, most people act first and then think. That's how most mistakes are made. To deal with problems calmly and efficiently, you need to think first and then react. If you are feeling angry, focus on your breath. Inhale through your nose, hold your breath for a couple of seconds, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat until you calm down and are able to think clearly.

Focus on positive things. Instead of focusing on your failures and problems, focus on your accomplishments and positive things in your life. Of course, it won't make the problems magically go away, but it will boost your self-esteem and help you believe in yourself.

Be grateful for what you have. Don't take all the good things for granted, treat them as a well-deserved reward. You should be grateful for the life's challenges, too, because overcoming them makes your stronger. Mistakes help you learn and failures make you humble. Everything that happens in your life can help you become a better person if you have the right attitude.