Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, hit 49.7% of his shots over his career. But his percentage on game-winning shots? 48.0%.

Yeah, that’s right—barely a difference.

And this guy had the weight of an entire city, a franchise, and a sneaker empire riding on every last-second jumper.

Stress affects everyone. But some handle it better than others.

Regardless of where you fall on the stress-management spectrum, you can do better.

Did you hear about the guy who has been thinking about taking up meditation?

He figures it’s better than sitting around doing nothing.

We all deal with stress, whether it’s work, finances, relationships, or trying to get through an airport security line without losing your mind.

So, how do you manage stress like a Zen master? You master your mindset, set boundaries, and practice a few simple habits that make all the difference.

How to Manage Stress Like a Zen Master

Staying calm in a distracted world will help you lead a more fulfilling life.

With all of the noise and chaos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lose your peace of mind.

Practice these six simple strategies to stay centered and maintain your composure, no matter what's happening around you.

1. Manage Your Thoughts

Your mind is constantly flooded with information. You can choose to focus on the negative—doomscrolling, arguing with strangers online, getting worked up over the weather—or you can focus on the positive, cultivate gratitude, and take control of your mental real estate.

Think of your brain like a high-end condo building. You wouldn’t just let anybody move in and start throwing loud parties in the lobby. Nope. You’re the landlord—rent is due, and negativity isn’t on the lease.

Action step: When a negative thought pops up, replace it with something productive. Instead of thinking, “This situation is terrible,” ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is just a fancy way of saying, "Be present."

Too many people spend their days rehashing past mistakes or worrying about the future. Meanwhile, they forget that life is happening right now.

Ever notice how kids are always in the moment? You give a toddler a popsicle, and he’s completely zoned in, like he just discovered the meaning of life. That’s mindfulness—enjoying the moment, not worrying about what’s next.

Action step: Take 60 seconds every hour to pause, take a deep breath, and check in with yourself. Where’s your mind? Are you stressed? Shift your focus to the present.

3. Don’t Text While Driving

Look, if you want to manage stress, reduce distractions. One big one? Your phone.

People act like they’re conducting international peace treaties while driving. Meanwhile, they’re just texting “LOL” or checking their fantasy football scores.

You ever been in the car with someone who won’t put their phone down? It’s like playing real-life Mario Kart. I’m in the passenger seat gripping the door handle like it’s going to save me. Meanwhile, they’re swerving all over the road, completely unfazed.

Action step: Put the phone down when you drive. Simple. Your stress levels (and everyone else's) will thank you.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Stress skyrockets when you’re running on fumes. The problem is, too many people treat self-care like it’s some kind of luxury.

“Oh, I don’t have time to sleep 7 hours a night.”

“I’ll eat healthier when work calms down.”

“I’ll exercise when I’m not so busy.”

Buddy, if you don’t prioritize your health, your body will prioritize it for you—with hospital visits.

Action step: Pick one self-care habit—better sleep, exercise, nutrition, or meditation—and commit to it daily.

5. Cultivate a Sense of Faith

Listen, whether it’s faith in a higher power, the universe, or just the idea that things tend to work out, having belief in something bigger than yourself can keep you sane.

Ever notice how the most unshakable people aren’t the ones who have it easy? They’re the ones who’ve been through it all and still manage to stay calm. That’s because they trust the process.

Action step: Take a deep breath and remind yourself: “This moment isn’t permanent. I’ve handled challenges before, and I’ll handle this one too.”

6. Join a Positive Support Team

You ever notice how some people just love drama? Their lives are one long soap opera, and they want you to star in it too.

No thanks.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up. It’s hard to be Zen when your closest friends treat every minor inconvenience like it’s a national emergency.

Action step: Do a friend audit. If someone in your circle constantly drains your energy, set boundaries or find a new circle.

Summary:

Managing stress like a Zen master isn’t about never feeling stress—it’s about handling it better. Master your thoughts, stay present, set boundaries, prioritize your health, trust the process, and surround yourself with positive people.

Life will still throw stress your way. But you? You’ll be too calm, focused, and centered to let it control you.

To your success,

Coach Joe

P.S. I'm driving on the highway and I look over, this guy’s got a coffee in one hand, a phone in the other. I thought, "Who’s steering? Hopes and dreams?!I" Then I see his dog looking out the window like, “I don’t think we’re making it to the park today.

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.