I'm still working on other aspects of living well myself, but one thing that I've had success with in terms of mental health:
Karma. Yep. No matter what belief system or lack thereof you have, you can't argue with karma. Put good things out into the world, and good things come back. This is particularly true when commuting in NYC... let me explain: When I travel in the city, I walk a few minutes to a train, walk up two flights of stairs, have to get thru a turnstile, usually get a seat, end up much closer to other people than is strictly comfortable, transfer trains (requiring stairs), the other train is MUCH more crowded, then up two more flights of stairs to the street and crossing, and finally my building.
What I do: try to allow it to be as it will. I can't control the trains etc, I can only control myself. So I just go about my business, thanking the bus driver, letting others go ahead of me, helping the moms with the giant strollers up and down the stairs... and magically, the bus is there even when I don't need it. The train leaves on time, right after I get on it. My commute goes smoothly and calmly, and I'm not a big sweaty irritated mess when I get there. Mind you, things are not always smooth, but at least with this attitude I am able to handle it with far more aplomb than otherwise.
Now if I could just apply this attitude to school... since it's so friggin' frustrating!! But hey, what can I tell ya... I ain't perfect.
