Poker pros are used to sizing up the situation and making the smart play, which is why we've asked some of the best players around for some key words of advice to make our lives better.
Aram Zobian put on a performance for the ages at the 2024 PokerGO Tour U.S. Poker Open (USPO) - four cashes, four final tables, and a win - to claim the overall series title. Zobian's USPO title adds to a career that includes over $5,000,000 in earnings and a World Series of Poker Main Event final table appearance.
1. Get your breathing right
"The breath is likely the most overlooked aspect of performance, because it’s directly linked to presence and awareness. And it’s so simple.
"Two that I like to do are: the 4/8 and box breathing. 4/8 is simply 4 seconds inhale through the nose and 8 seconds out through the mouth. Box breathing, you breathe 4 seconds in, hold, 4 seconds out, hold, and repeat. This is especially good while cold-plunging or other spiritual practices."
2. Sunlight and grounding
"Essentially, we are energetic light beings that harness energy through cosmic radiation, so it’s of utmost importance to receive good light - opposed to being in front of a screen or under fluorescent office lights all day. Being in direct contact with the earth’s electromagnetic field helps to reset our system, partly since toxins hold a positive charge and the earth carries a negative charge. Balance!"
3. Get moving
"Getting the blood flowing is a must, but also listen to your body/nervous system. Energy wants to move and stagnation leads to energetic blockages and disease. However, on days where you didn’t sleep well or don’t have much energy, you don’t have to go all-out in the gym. Sometimes you need to go the opposite direction and de-stress.
"Meditation, prayer, massages, stretching, or simply just focusing in on the breath are all great. It’s still taking positive action, just not as intense as lifting or running."
4. Read often
"And read something that you love.The connections in the brain can be strengthened or weakened depending on what type of habits and practices one holds. Reading helps to learn new vocabulary and keeps you engaged and present in something that’s low stimulation.
"Nowadays, many of us are overstimulated constantly - reading can be a crucial step back towards presence and simple pleasure. Right now I’m enjoying the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis to get some fiction reading back in my life."
5. Kaizen and Shoshin
"Two powerful Japanese concepts. Kaizen emphasizes the importance of improving a little bit, every single day. Shoshin means 'beginner’s mind' - complacency is a killer. Approaching each day, task, or tournament allows life to take on a new light."
Aram Zobian plays regularly on the PokerGO Tour, as well as at the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour, for those interested in following his career. A No-Limit Hold'em specialist, Zobian's dedication to his craft positions him as a promising player to watch in the coming years.
