10 Tips to Care for a Florida Landscape

Lawns can come in various types, forms, shapes and sizes. Each lawn has a style and character of its own.

There are lawns that boast of verdant gardens. They can be considered as great works of art and perfect as setting in the Florida environment.

There are some that resemble the old farm style. They are covered with grass and garden of weeds. The greens can be very relaxing and comforting.

Many other lawns can be seen out there that are groomed almost flawlessly. However, no matter what type it is, the most important matter to a landscape owner is to know how exactly to achieve it and enjoy it.

10 Tips to Maintain and Care for the Lawn

Whether in Florida or in any other state, all it takes to keep the lawn beautiful is to maintain and care for it. Here are 10 tips to take into account:

1. Come Up with a Plan

Lawn owners should come up first with a plan. Identify what should be achieved by the project. A professional should help you with this unless you have experience with it.

Ideally, any plan should be written down. This shall be your guide as you consider the options and endure the various obstacles in your sod endeavors.

Once the plan is laid down, you can easily decide on the other aspects of lawn maintenance. You will know the choices to make to care for your type of lawn.

2. Choose the Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers should be chosen well. Pick one that will suit best the character you want your landscape to have; or have a professional  plant your landscape plan for you.

It all depends on your type of landscape and personality. Bushy plants are ideal for those who want some coverage. Colorful flowers are best for people who like to keep it bright.

Be wary also of some plants that may damage your endeavors. Caring for the lawn requires certain caution from plants that can damage the soil or choke other shrubbery.

Dandelions and black medics or the yellow clovers may look good to the eye but their presence can actually affect the alkaline of your soil and even result to deprivation of other plants.

3. Grass It Up

Before planting any grass on your ground, research first on the best one available for your location. St. Augustine, Centipede, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Bahia are all grasses that grow well in North Florida lawns.

4. Aerate the Lawn

Aerating the lawn is a must to give a way for fresh air to the small life forms and the microbes under the soil. It also gives water a new course to take, preventing saturation.

Aeration is best done during springtime when the soil is still moisturized and the rains are not yet over.

5. Have the Right Chemistry

To achieve the perfect chemistry for the lawn, people sometimes have to add lime or iron to the soil. Grass ordinarily prefers acidic soil. Lime is perfect to bring down the acidity. Sulfur on the other hand will help increase it.

Seek a professional or an experienced gardener to test the acidity of the soil to know the proper option to take.

6. Use Fertilizer

Grass is one plant that utilizes much nitrogen. Make the soil rich in nutrient. Chemicals are out there but this can disturb the ecosystem of your lawn. Compost is a good way to enrich the soil.

7. Watering the Lawn

Regularly water the lawn to keep the shrubbery healthy. Invest on a watering system. You can choose from a sprinkler system or toting a hose and sprinklers around the yard 3 times per week. Contact us about a free estimate for a watering system.

8. Mowing the Lawn

Determine the proper schedule to mow your lawn. It depends on how fast and how thick your greenery grows.

Mowing will help you get rid of old part of the grass. It also encourages a deeper root system for a healthier soil environment.

9. Simply TLC

Of course, never forget to give the tender and loving care to your lawn. With this in mind, you can never go wrong.

10. Enjoy and Be Amazed

A lush and beautiful lawn is the first thing that any neighbor, visitor or a mere passerby will notice in the household. This alone shall speak of the industry and dedication of the owner to the welfare of his or her home.

Thus, the presentation of the lawn is crucial, especially for people living in neighborhoods like in Florida where households and residents speak of beauty and good life.

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about landscaping and gardening.

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CURB APPEAL

Want to improve your curb appeal? We have put together a list of 5 quick ways to improve your curb appeal. You can do these things yourself or request an estimate and we can help you with them.

1. Landscape Clean-Up

This is often one of the least expensive yet most significant things you can do to improve the look of your home. Simply picking up the front yard, putting away unused items (such as lawn furniture) and pressure cleaning the driveway can make a world of difference. 

2. Add Color

Free standing flowering plants are the fastest way to add color and texture to your landscaping. Choose flower type based on your sunlight, shade and water restrictions. Container Gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful appeal quickly and affordably. You can buy ready-made containers from garden centers or create your own with your favorite plants. Window Boxes are another way to bring color and charm to your home exterior. Choose boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.

3. Landscape Shaded Areas

Many people tend to leave shaded areas bare and boring. Take your landscape to all new levels by putting shade-tolerant plants in the areas under trees where other plants won't grow. This will leave your lawn looking full and appealing.

4. Add New Mulch to Your Beds

Get landscape beds into shape by pruning growth, pulling weeds, and adding new mulch to restore color that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather. Mulch holds in moisture and prevents weed growth, and makes beds easier to maintain. There are different looks that come with mulch. Wood mulch comes in different sizes and types of wood, it also comes dyed for a eye popping look.

5. Raise Tree Canopies

The tree canopy, if too low, can block sun from getting to your lawn grass and cause it to decline.It also can block the veiw of the home and make it look uncared for. By removing the lower branches, you can raise the canopy of your tree. Just follow a left – to-center, and center-to-right arc. Raising your tree canopy will allow more sun to get to your grass, you can walk under it without getting hit in the head and the tree will look much better from the street.

Automatic Irrigation & the Benefits in Florida

Introduction to Irrigation There are many benefits related to the installation of an irrigation system in your residential or commercial landscape. Over the last 20 years or so we have seen an increase of awareness in the importance of conserving water, for many a state across America has seen the effects of drought; but especially in Florida.

By installing an automatic irrigation system that best suits your needs, you will be saving time and money. When you water by hand more than 50 per cent of the water is wasted in runoff and evaporation. Automatic irrigation systems can be programmed to run at night when the evaporation is low, and in times of water restrictions.

Individuals who install irrigation systems will benefits greatly, but the environment will also benefit. This is so important that everyone play their part in the conservation of this precious resource.


BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
We will now discuss some of the benefits associated with the installation of an automatic irrigation system for your landscape and the environment.


Saves Time
An automatic irrigation system will save you plenty of time that you in the past would have spent watering your lawns, gardens and flowers. You can now have your timers set, so that watering will take place at the times that best suits your landscape and the climate where you live. You can go on that holiday knowing that your lawns and flowers will be maintained and flourishing when you return.

Saves Money With an automatic irrigation system there is no money or water wasted, for everything is timed, programmed and these systems all have rain sensors, so every drop of water is used only when it is needed.

Saves Water

Whatever type of irrigation system you install, there will definitely be a greater saving on water. You can help conserve water with automatic systems, for there is no wasting of water, every drop is used not wasted away. You can save between 30 and 50 percent of the water that you would normally use with other more conventional watering methods.

Improves Growth When plants, crops, lawns or flowers are watered with smaller amounts of water over a longer period of time, they grow faster, for it is the ideal condition for growth. You will enjoy greener and more luscious gardens and lawns.

Weed Reduction
You will notice a reduction in the amount of weeds appearing, this is due to the fact that those areas that need water are the only areas receiving water, with the implementation of a specifically designed irrigation system.


With all of those benefits, you can't go wrong! Call (352) 481-5296 for a free proposal today on your own automatic irrigation system for your landscape!

Can Fertilizer Cause Rust Stains on Concrete?

Can fertilizer leave rust stains on concrete sidewalks and driveways?

Yes. Often times before the fertilizer can be swept off the concrete, either rain or water from a sprinkler system hits the fertilizer and turns the iron in the fertilizer to iron oxide, commonly known as rust.

This is one of the most stubborn rust problems that you can find. Many people will try muriatic acid or other harmful chemicals that are not only dangerous to your health, but also dangerous to the environment and can even damage cement.

Fortunately there is an alternative, Concrete Rust Remover. The product is safe to use, biodegradable and the most effective product we know of in removing rust from concrete. Please let us know if you're in need of our pressure cleaning service to use this product on your sidewalk or driveway.

The Importance of Landscaping in Home Buying

The right landscaping is a critical factor when it comes to home sales, for both the buyer and the seller. For the seller of the home, enhancing the landscaping can lead to a faster sale, and even to a higher selling price. For the buyer, the right landscaping can serve as an assurance that the home is worth the price being asked, and it can help to ensure that the home will retain its value as long as the landscape is maintained in its current condition.

On the other hand, many price conscious buyers and those seeking investment properties will specifically look for those homes whose landscaping is not up to neighborhood standards. The nature of the landscaping can reveal a great deal about the home and its current occupants, and those investors who are able to apply a critical eye to the landscape may be able to land some real bargains.
When it comes to looking critically at the landscape, however, it is important to keep in mind that every buyer and seller will have a different vision of what constitutes the perfect landscape. For some the perfect landscape may be a hillside covered with wildflowers and native species of plants. For others a meticulously groomed and manicured formal garden represents the epitome of class and style. Still others may prefer to incorporate water elements, such as ponds, waterfalls and fountains, into their dream landscape.

It is important, therefore, to distinguish between a neglected landscape and one that simply does not represent your tastes. While a landscape overgrown with weeds can indicate a sloppy homeowner, and perhaps other problems lurking inside the home, On the other hand, a well kept landscape that is, to your eye, in bad taste, may simply mean that the home and its interior is not in your style. This kind of problem is easy to fix, so be sure to consider the nature of the problem as you shop for the perfect home.

Of course you may be lucky enough to find the perfect home with the perfect landscape already in place. While this is not an everyday occurrence, it certainly does happen, and in fact it is the landscaping that leads many home buyers to the home of their dreams.

If, on the other hand, the home is perfect but the landscaping is not, it is important to visualize your dream landscape as you would like it to be. The first step is to sketch out the elements of the landscape as they are now, and then to mark down the changes you would like to make. If you need to remove trees, bushes or other permanent elements of the landscape, be sure to note that as you go. Having a visual representation of the perfect landscape will make it much easier as the landscape redesign goes forward.

As you visualize your perfect landscape, be sure to remember the importance of a good view. It is not enough for the landscape to be attractive to passing motorists and pedestrians; it is essential that the landscape provide you and your family with a pleasant view of the outside world. Considering how the landscape looks, from both inside and outside the home, will help you visualize, and create, the landscape of your dreams.

Annuals can Create a Huge Impact on your Home

Planting Annual flower beds, or "Seasonal Color," can create a huge impact on the visual aspect of your home. Commercial properties have done this for years to create a sense of being at home for their customers and to attract customers to their properties. Try color bowls or large container plantings near the entry of your home; or just fill the corner of a highly visible bed with annuals. Your friends and family will be very impressed with your landscape and home.


Can you see how the red Begonias stand out under the palm trees? That is just one example of how much of an impact seasonal color can make on your landscape; which is the first impression of your home. 

And as the old adage says, "The first impression is the most important!"

Landscaping: Pro vs. Joe

Going to the grocery store without a list – especially if you're hungry – is inadvisable, according to both financial and nutritional experts. You can end up with a mishmash of ingredients that look good but don't go together, returning home over budget and without a proper meal. 

The same can be true when you're hungry for a great landscape. The journey from blank slate of a yard to lush personal oasis can be fraught with as much danger as a trip down the potato chip and pop aisle. 

JOE - DIY (Do It Yourself) MEANS PATIENCE

Some homeowners opt to do it themselves. These dedicated DIYers must be prepared to have plenty of patience and be willing to learn along the way, while suffering the occasional failure, if they start without a plan. 

One of these daring folks is Julie Comfort, an avid DIY gardener and gardening guru to her friends. This green thumber started out with no skills, little plant knowledge, and definitely no plan 29 years ago, when her young family purchased their first home. 

"We bought a house with a yard that was yuck," she said with a laugh. 

Wishing to make this a place where she could entertain and where her young children could play, Comfort set out to learn all she could, devouring gardening magazines and consuming books recommended in their reading lists. 

With her children grown, she moved out of that home 25 years later. Its front yard was a grass-free homage to colour and the backyard a lush landscape surrounded by large trees, featuring a small pond. 

"If you don't know a lot about plants, then read, read, read. You also must have patience because it's all trial and error," said Comfort. She estimates that she lost one in four plants over the years. "Walk your garden regularly to see what's struggling and what's thriving. That tells you a lot about your choices." 


PRO - SAVING TIME AND MONEY

Howard and Marie* did just the opposite. After living in their home for five years, it was time to redo the deck and spruce up the backyard. 

"For any type of renovation, we would hire a professional. We just don't have those kinds of skills," said Howard. 

From the three quotes they received, the couple chose Grant Harrison and his company Escapes Outdoor Living Designs. A professionally rendered plan is one of the benefits of dealing with a professional. The homeowners worked with Harrison and his landscape designer Michelle Schinkel to come up with a design that worked. "We had an idea of what we wanted and he came back with a plan. We massaged it and came up with one we loved," Howard says. 

According to Howard, Harrison and his crew were able to make recommendations and offer ideas that the couple wouldn't have thought of on their own. For instance, there was an existing cedar shed that the couple was concerned about matching. Harrison's research revealed that using a special type of stained pressure-treated wood would answer all of their concerns: colour matching and colour retention (natural cedar goes grey with age), as well as durability. 

Privacy and soundproofing were also an issue, as the couple was looking for a more secluded environment after a neighbour installed a pool. 

"Grant came up with the idea of planting cedars," said Howard. Placed along part of the side and rear fences, these trees will grow into a hedge that ensures privacy and offers some sound buffering. Schinkel designed planting beds that would work under the shade of the existing trees and the cedars, and others that could deal with the almost full-sun areas surrounding the deck. Harrison and Schinkel included extra seating in the plans for the deck by adding bench seats along the rails. 


"We would have never thought of that, but it makes it much more usable," Howard enthuses. 

This is in stark contrast to the experience that some homeowners have had when they've discovered that the landscape they wanted doesn't really work. Mike Pascoe, with Kernow Gardens, has been called in to rescue yards gone wrong – those that started without a plan and ended in the wrong place. "They've futzed around with it for a long time and I've had to go in and cut it down anyway. Sometimes there are 30-year-old trees that are just wrong for the landscape." 

Pascoe estimated that homeowners should spend 10% of the house's value on landscaping their outdoor spaces for maximum resale value. This cost will be recouped when selling your home. 

"A lot of people balk at hiring a professional, but I can almost guarantee that you'll save money because you'll avoid a lot of foolish mistakes," said Pascoe.

Before

In the Process

Finished

Drawing

Landscaping in the Shade in North Florida

Different parts of a garden may possess entirely different conditions, shade landscaping takes advantage of those areas which have light restricted in some way. The sunlight in a garden may be restricted by artificial barriers such as the wall of a house or garden wall, or natural obstacles such as trees and foliage; light barriers may have been put up with the express purpose of creating shade or else a shaded are may be the outcome of an entirely different need. In all cases there are plants which thrive or suffer from these conditions and the wise gardener will research the plant choices available before planning, designing and purchasing.

There is not just one kind of shade, nor one kind of shaded area. There is the area which is shaded during the morning, but catches the sun in the afternoon; and there is the area which sees the morning sun but not the afternoon. Then there is the shade created by overhead foliage which might keep an area without direct sun or perhaps under a perpetual mottled light; the favoured situation for fuchsias, for example. The shade areas are often categorized as: deep shade, part shade and filtered sunlight areas. 

In all 3 cases there are plants available to choose from, selections to be made. In gardens where no shade or little shade is available the planting of trees, shrubs and the erecting of well placed barriers can create these spots to allow a variety of plant to thrive in your garden. 

Shade areas are relatively easy to maintain parts of your garden too. Typically, plants that enjoy shade do not require a lot of water and do not grow very fast either. They tend to be un-invasive as well.

The most important thing is understanding the requirements of each plant to have it thrive. Those plants which enjoy strong sunlight are least likely to endure shade; similarly, those plants which enjoy deep shade will not endure much direct sunlight. Shade landscaping adds a greater variety to your landscape and will break up the monotony of sun-loving Florida plants.

5 WAYS TO HELP YOUR LAWN IN A DROUGHT

Grass requires plenty of water to keep it green and growing. Long periods without rain, like we've been in recently in North Florida, can mean that you end up with a dying yard. Here are ten ways to make sure your lawn is ready for the drought.

1. Irrigate deeply and less often – Set your irrigation to use plenty of water at once. Watering longer will allow you to space out your waterings. This will encourage your grass roots to  reach down for the water instead of just accessing what is available near the surface.
2. Avoid fertilizers – Don’t apply fertilizers to your lawn before or during a season of drought. This is actually harmful to your lawn rather than helpful because it increases the need for water.
3. Raise the mower height – By raising the cutting height on your mower, you will be encouraging root growth in your grasses. This will help the grass stay greener longer during a drought season. This is ESPECIALLY true for St. Augustine grass.
4. Increase potassium – Prior to a drought season, change your fertilizer to one that contains a higher level of potassium. Potassium may encourage root growth in your grasses. The key term here is prior, and that is months prior; not just before the drought.
5. Change grass types – Zoysia turf grasses will maintain their green qualities longer during a drought than other grasses. If drought is a frequent problem, you may want to consider increasing these types of grasses in your lawn. St. Augustine grass is not very drought tolerant at all, although it is easily the most popular grass in our area.

As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to help keep your lawn greener, longer, during a drought period. Just remember, that if you can water, watering longer and less often will be better for your grass than small amounts every day. Please let us know if you have any other questions or would like any help with your irrigation system.

Hiring a Landscape Maintenance Company Saves you Time

For many homeowners, hiring a landscape maintenance service to keep their yard and garden in tip-top shape makes a lot of sense. Sure, such services do cost money. But for many homeowners, the convenience and expertise a landscape maintenance service provides are well worth the money.

All homeowners love having a manicured lawn and weed-free garden full of blooming plants and pretty flowers. But for most homeowners, achieving that look is a real chore. Many don’t have the time to put into yard and garden maintenance work. Others, perhaps, lack that green thumb needed to make their gardens thrive.

That’s where the professionals of a landscape maintenance service can help. A landscape maintenance service takes care of the lawn, the gardens, the trees, the fountains and patios. If it’s in your yard, there’s a good chance a maintenance service company can build it, mow it, rake it and help it grow.

The advantages of hiring a landscape maintenance service are many. Here are just a few:

• A landscape maintenance service handles the yard chores you either don’t want to do or don’t have the time for. You come home from your job to a manicured lawn and well-maintained gardens.
• A landscape maintenance service employs professionals who know not only how to mow your lawn and weed your garden, but to also make sure your plants are healthy. They can create sustainable landscapes that not only enhance the beauty of your home but are friendly to the surrounding environment.
• Many companies offer services that go well beyond mowing grass and taking care of gardens. Landscape maintenance service companies often will clean pools, build decks, install patios, spread dirt and build home irrigation systems.
• And if you’re just getting started, a landscape maintenance service can help you design the yard of your dreams – plus do all the heavy lifting to make that design a reality.

But not all landscape services are created equal and finding the right one for your yard will take a little work.

First, check with your neighbors who have hired services. Ask them how much they pay, what kind of jobs the service handles and if they’re satisfied with the results. Often, landscape maintenance services will be happy to add customers in areas where they already work because it cuts their travel costs. Ask the service if they might be able to quote you a better price because of this. If you don’t have neighbors that use professionals, you can check with local nurseries and garden supply stores. These businesses often keep lists of professional landscape maintenance service contractors.

Choosing a Landscape Maintenance Service

When you interview a landscape maintenance service, ask questions. Check out the company’s qualifications and references. Reputable landscape companies are proud of the work they perform and will be happy to show you.

Finally, know the work you want to have done and know what your budget is. This will allow the company to determine its best price quote. It’s also a good idea to get quotes from several companies if possible.

Hiring a landscape maintenance service will cost you money. But the convenience and curb appeal will enhance not only your yard but your quality of life.

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It's Time to Plant that Seasonal Color Again!

There are many benefits of planting seasonal color at this time of year. Whether you decide to do it yourself by running down to your local nursery and planting them in your landscape or allow us to design and plant them for you at the just the right spot, you can't go wrong with adding some vibrant flowers to your landscape. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of seasonal color in your landscape:

•Flowers provide instant curb appeal which attracts attention from friends, visitors, and customers.

•Flowers in a landscape improve a property’s appearance almost immediately and can increase a property’s value.

•Flowers can reduce feelings of anxiety and boost energy and enthusiasm in the work place; This is also true of residential landscapes for homeowners.

•Flowers brighten a landscape after a long winter and bring in a welcome change of seasons with a splash of color.

•Flowers help to soften harsh building lines.

•Flowers, as well as other plants, have a positive impact on the environment by producing oxygen, filtering the air we breathe and helping to control soil erosion.

The Master's Lawn Care seasonal color program is designed to enhance the viability of our plant material and we also offer several optional services such as soil amendments and various watering methods that will help your plants and curb appeal thrive.

If you decide to have this done rather than hassling it with it yourself, please call us at (352) 481-5296 for a free estimate and design or visit our website at www.themasterslawncare.com. 

50 Ways to Create A Good Day

1. Think Positive Thoughts Before You Sleep 
   The quality of sleep you get the night before can affect your mood the next day. Thus, if you want to create a better day tomorrow, you have to make sure that you think only positive things before you go to bed at night. Do not fret about your mortgage problems or dwell on the bad things that happened to you during the day. You need a good night's rest in order to prepare your mind and body for the busy day ahead.
   
2. Every Day is a New Day 
   The first thing that you should say to yourself the moment you wake up is that today will be great. Know that you have control of what kind of day you will have. Treating every day as a new day and positive one will give you a positive attitude and a winner's outlook. The power of the mind is strong so feed your mind with positive things.
   
   
3. Wake Up a Few Minutes Earlier 
   If you want to get out of bed at 6AM, set the alarm for 5:45 and then allow 15 minutes for your body and mind to adjust and wake up. At 6, hop out of bed! Waking up late and rushing through things will increase your heart rate and simply stress you out. On top of that, you'll inevitably forget to do something and then stress about that too!
   
4. Take It Easy 
   Take things easy. Breathe deeply and slowly. If you are feeling rushed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that in the big scheme of life, being a minute late is pretty small.
   
   
5. Keep a Mental Note of the Things You Need to Do 
   It is always a good thing to try to keep a list of the things that you ought to do or accomplish for the day. If you are forgetful, you should write these things down. Aside from the things that you need to do at the office, you also need to remember those that you need to do for your family or friends. Write them all down so that you can manage your time wisely throughout the day.
   
6. Get Some Inspiration 
   Do not expect manna to come down from heaven. If you want to create a better day, you have to make a conscious effort to achieve things. Give yourself a boost with some inspiration. Be sure to read, listen or watch something that can perk your day up. Sometimes, just seeing your child laugh is enough to make your heart smile.
   
   
7. Eat a Healthy Breakfast 
   Your mood for the day can actually be affected by the things that you do and eat. In order to jump start your day and prepare your mind and body for the busy day ahead, you need to have a power breakfast. Make sure that you eat something healthy. Whole grains, protein, and fruits can surely give you the nutrients that you need to do the things that you need to accomplish for the day.
   
   
8. Get a Workout in 
   Getting your sweat on will help in jumpstarting your system and releasing endorphins. If you wake up sluggish, you need some exercise to perk up your day. Besides, working out will obviously give you a positive tomorrow too for multiple reasons including health, longevity and better appearance.
   
   
9. Pay Attention to your Hygiene and Appearance 
   One of the things that people are conscious about is their appearance. To ensure you won't feel insecure, make sure to take a bath, wear clean clothes and pay attention to your face and grooming. If you know that you look presentable, you will feel empowered and confident.
   
10. Compliment Yourself 
    Say good things about yourself. Do not be afraid to compliment yourself once in a while. However, be careful not to be conceited because people hate narcissistic individuals.
    
    
11. Adopt a Positive Attitude 
    Before you step out of the house, make it a conscious effort to be positive in all things you do. Tell yourself that you will stay positive throughout the day.
    
12. Exert Some Effort to Smile 
    Studies show that smiling, even if there is no reason to do it, can lift up your mood. Besides, a smile can make you look even more attractive.
    
    
13. Try Not To Be Reactive 
    There is a tendency for men to react to everything negatively, especially on the road. Thus, you should try not to be reactive, especially when you are driving. If somebody cuts you on the road, just let it pass and think that the other guy may be having a bad day. Or just be please that you are not as rude as that individual.
    
    
14. Count to Ten to Keep You from Exploding 
    If you think that you are going to get mad, count to ten to calm your nerves. This will let some steam out.
    
    
15. Think before You Act 
    Many people end up feeling remorse after they have done nasty things without thinking. To prevent feeling guilty and remorseful, think first before you do something.
    
    
16. Don't Take Things Too Seriously 
    Not everything that you hear people say about you should be taken seriously. Some people just like being nasty so you should not get affected with what they are saying.
    
17. Be More Attentive to People 
    In order to minimize altercations or misunderstandings, it would really be a good thing to listen attentively to what others are saying. Being attentive will also help you come across as being sincere, thus making you more likable. Of course, don't do it for the sake of being likable. Be genuine in it.
18. Look at People and Situations in a Positive Light 
    You really can't prevent bad things from happening. Sometimes shit does happen. In order not to let these things ruin your day, try to look for the silver lining in everything.
19. Give Compliments to Other People 
    Make a conscious effort to compliment other people. This will help build better relationships. Just make sure that you are complimenting them genuinely.
20. Manage Your Time Wisely 
    A good day can turn bad if you feel stressed out. Thus, manage your time wisely to ensure that everything that you need to do can be accomplished with time to spare.
21. Take a Break 
    To prevent being burned out, you should take a break once in a while. Try walking around the office or doing some stretching while you are in your desk every time you are feeling a bit drained.
22. Deal with Things the Mature Way 
    Do not be petty and do not act like a child. You are an adult so try to do things maturely.
23. Laugh a Lot 
    Laughter can pick up your mood. Just do not laugh at other people's mistakes.
24. Consider Inputs from Other People 
    Take time listening to the suggestions and inputs of other people. Even if you are the manager or head of your department, you need other people's contributions too.
25. Grab Fruit Instead of a Bar of Chocolate 
    Fruits can surely wake you up in the middle of the day, whereas a bar of chocolate will just give you energy spike for a few minutes. So, you will end up feeling even more tired and sleepy.
26. Always Do Your Best 
    You will not have regrets if you know that you have given your all in everything that you do.
27. Don't Wallow in Sorrow and Defeat 
    Nobody is perfect and sometimes you need to experience losses and defeats to learn. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, use these negative things to make you a better person.
28. Stay Away From Negative People 
    Negative people can just pull you down so there is really no point in spending your time with them. Stay away from them whenever possible. If they happen to be your mates, seek to inspire them. If that won't do, perhaps it's time to find yourself new mates.
29. Be Courteous and Kind 
    Doing other people some good will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling. And also make you more likable.
30. Build Bridges and Develop Friendships 
    Having enemies can surely drain your energy, whereas building friendships can make your support team bigger and stronger.
31. Be Careful with What You Say 
    It is often hard to take back the bad things that you say, so you need to be careful with your words.
32. Take Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers 
    You can enhance your mood by counting your blessings and seeing the good in other people, things or situations.
33. Learn to Pace Your Energy 
    You need to be careful with energy bursts and crashes. Try not to exhaust yourself in the morning because you will surely have a nasty and tiring afternoon if you do.
34. Incorporate Exercise Throughout the Day 
    Exercise can give you a “high” because endorphins are released after a good workout.
35. Wear Comfortable Shoes 
    It is very hard to stay positive if your feet are hurting. I've seen too many of my female friends wear heels that hurt their feet just because they look good.
36. Drink Plenty of Water 
    Dehydration can cause lethargy. So avoid it at all costs.
37. Pay Attention to What You Eat 
    Eating junk food can contribute to mood swings. So eat moderately.
38. Go Easy on the Coffee 
    Too much coffee can make you nervous and fidgety.
39. Treat Yourself 
    Be sure to give yourself small rewards every time you did well. We all need to give ourselves a nice pat on the shoulders to give ourselves a little encouragement.
40. Plan the Next Day before Going Home 
    Before you head home, make a list of the things that you need to accomplish in the office the following day.
41. Spend Quality Time with the People You Love 
    Don't take anyone for granted. Sustain your relationships. Spending quality time together is the best way to keep and improve relationships.
42. Keep in Touch With Friends and Family 
    If you live alone, calling your loved ones or just dropping by to say 'hi' can lift your spirit as well as theirs.
43. Have a Hobby 
    To keep your mind off your work, do something that you love outside your office work.
44. Have No Regrets 
    You cannot go back in time so you cannot undo the things that you have done. Instead, make a conscious effort to make things better in the future.
45. Keep a Journal 
    Writing things and ideas down can help you to keep track of your goals and remember things you've learned and observations you've made. And it can also help you figure out new directions for your life and then guide you as you go.
46. Take a Relaxing Bath 
    After a stressful day, a relaxing bath can help you go to sleep comfortably.
47. Prepare the Things You Need Before You Go to Sleep 
    This will help make tomorrow less stressful because you won't feel at a lost of what to do. Being prepared always help you to stay focused and assured.
48. Get in the Mood to Sleep 
    Do the things that can help you go to sleep early because a restful sleep can help you improve your mood for the next day. Reading a book before bed or listening to soft music helps me to sleep better.
49. Make Love 
    Making love can also release endorphins and help you have a good night's sleep. Plus, it helps to improve your relationship. Of course, I don't expect you to do it every day.
50. Go to Bed Early 
    Try to go to bed early and get enough sleep to prepare yourself for the day ahead tomorrow. You don't want to wake up the next day feeling like a zombie.