If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem perpetually calm, while you’re often fraught with worry, you’re not alone.
I’ve found those people who rarely feel anxious have some habits in common.
Anxiety isn’t always within our control, but there are certain behaviors that seem to keep it at bay for these seemingly serene individuals.
Psychology has a lot to say on this matter! I’ve sifted through the research and found 8 habits that these cool cucumbers tend to have.
My aim? To help you understand these habits so that you might also tap into some of that calm and worry less.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s certainly a start. So, let’s dive into the world of the non-anxious and see what we can learn, shall we?
1) They practice mindfulness
You’ve probably heard this buzzword before, but what does it really mean?
Mindfulness is all about staying present in the moment, not fretting over past regrets or future uncertainties. It’s about taking the time to absorb what’s happening right now, in this very second.
But it’s not just about sitting cross-legged and meditating (though that can certainly help). No, the people who master this habit integrate mindfulness into their everyday lives.
For example, they might take a moment to really savor their morning cup of coffee, instead of gulping it down in a rush. Or they might consciously choose to switch off their work brain in the evening and truly engage with their loved ones.
It’s a simple concept, but it’s not always easy to implement. However, those who do often find that they’re less prone to worry and anxiety. Why? Because they’re too focused on the present to stress about what might be lurking around the corner.
Mindfulness takes practice, but according to psychology, it’s a habit worth cultivating if you want to keep anxiety at bay.
2) They say yes to stress
Sounds strange, right? But bear with me.
People who rarely feel anxious have a unique approach to stress. Instead of seeing it as an enemy, they view it as a friend.
Stress is a natural reaction to challenging situations. It’s our body’s way of preparing us to face whatever is coming our way. So, rather than trying to avoid it or fight it, these individuals embrace it.
When stress knocks on their door, they welcome it in, sit it down, and have a chat. They acknowledge its presence and then work with it, instead of against it.
Instead of panicking about a big presentation or job interview, for example, they see the stress response as their body’s way of gearing up for the challenge. They use that energy to prepare and perform better.
This doesn’t mean they love being stressed all the time. But they understand that stress is inevitable and can actually be beneficial when managed correctly.
So next time you feel stressed, try saying yes to it. You might find that it loses some of its power over you when you stop seeing it as the bad guy.
3) They spend time in nature
Green spaces, blue skies, and the rustling of leaves. There’s something about being in nature that calms us down.
Individuals who rarely feel anxious make it a habit to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting on a bench under a tree, they make nature a part of their routine.
And it’s not just about getting fresh air or exercise. Nature has a profound effect on our brains. When we’re in natural surroundings, our bodies produce less cortisol, the hormone that triggers our stress response.
Even looking at pictures of nature can reduce anxiety and improve mood. But nothing beats the real thing.
So the next time you’re feeling anxious, step outside. Listen to the birds, feel the wind on your face, smell the flowers. You might find that your worries start to melt away with the simple act of being in nature.
4) They practice self-compassion
Let’s face it, we can often be our own harshest critics. But people who rarely feel anxious have a different approach. They treat themselves with kindness and understanding, especially when things don’t go as planned.
Imagine you’ve made a mistake at work. Your first instinct might be to berate yourself, to call yourself names, to dwell on your failure. But what if you could speak to yourself as you would to a friend?
Instead of beating yourself up, you could acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes. You could remind yourself that this doesn’t define your worth or predict your future. You could treat this as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Self-compassion is such a simple habit, but it can have a profound impact on anxiety levels. It allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience, rather than spiraling into worry and self-doubt.
So the next time you stumble, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re human, and it’s okay not to be perfect all the time.
5) They embrace imperfection
In a world of Instagram filters and polished LinkedIn profiles, it’s easy to feel like you need to be perfect all the time. But those who rarely feel anxious know that this isn’t realistic or healthy.
Picture this: You’re hosting a dinner party and you’ve spent hours preparing. But just as your guests are due to arrive, you realize you’ve burnt the main course.
Rather than panicking, these individuals would laugh it off and order a pizza. They understand that things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay.
Embracing imperfection isn’t about settling for less. It’s about understanding that life is messy and unpredictable, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
It takes the pressure off to be perfect all the time, which can significantly reduce anxiety levels. So next time something doesn’t go as planned, remember: it’s not a disaster, it’s just life!
6) They limit their news consumption
Ever heard of someone who starts their day by scrolling through the news, only to find their mood dampened by the latest headlines? I have a friend who used to do this every morning without fail.
But one day, they decided to shake things up a bit. They swapped their morning news scroll for a short walk outside, and the difference was noticeable.
Their overall mood improved, and they found themselves less anxious throughout the day.
People who rarely feel anxious often limit their news consumption. They stay informed, of course, but they don’t let the news dominate their thoughts or dictate their mood.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But by setting boundaries around news consumption, these individuals protect their mental health and maintain a more balanced outlook on life.
7) They set boundaries
It’s easy to say yes to everything and everyone. To take on that extra project at work. To agree to another social event when you’re already run ragged. To let someone vent their problems to you for hours on end.
But let’s get real here. Saying yes to everything is a one-way ticket to Burnout City.
People who rarely feel anxious understand the importance of setting boundaries. They know their limits and aren’t afraid to communicate them to others.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but setting boundaries is crucial for your mental health. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about self-preservation.
You’re not a superhero. You can’t do everything for everyone all the time. And that’s okay.
So start saying no when you need to. It might just be the ticket to a less anxious life.
8) They prioritize self-care
At the end of the day, people who rarely feel anxious understand one crucial thing: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
They prioritize self-care and make it non-negotiable. This might look like regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, or taking time to unwind and do things they enjoy.
But self-care is more than just bubble baths and yoga classes. It’s about making choices every day that promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And it might just be the key to living a less anxious life.
So take that walk, read that book, get that extra hour of sleep. Because you matter, and so does your peace of mind.
Final thoughts
We’ve journeyed through the habits of those who seem perpetually calm, and it’s clear there’s no magic potion to ward off anxiety. It’s about the choices we make each day, the habits we cultivate, and the attitudes we carry.
This article serves as a guide, illuminating paths you might choose to walk down. But remember, it’s your journey and your choices that ultimately shape your life.
Time spent fostering good habits and nurturing your mental health is never wasted.
Being calm and collected doesn’t mean you’re indifferent or aloof. It means you’ve taken the time to understand yourself, your triggers, and your coping mechanisms.
Here’s to embracing a life with less worry and more peace of mind!
