Have you ever wondered why stress seems to follow you everywhere, no matter how hard you try to shake it off?
I’ve been there too. For a long time, I couldn’t figure out why I was feeling stressed day after day, even when things seemed to be going well on the surface.
It wasn’t until I took a closer look at my daily habits that I realized something important: stress doesn’t just happen out of nowhere.
Often, it’s our routines—the things we do (or don’t do) every single day—that quietly build up and add to our stress levels.
The good news is, once we identify these habits, we can start making small changes to lighten that load.
In today’s article, we’re going to dive into six everyday daily habits that could be causing you more stress than you realize.
I’ll share what I’ve learned and some practical steps to help break free from these stress traps.
Let’s get into it!
1) Neglecting self-care
Let’s start with self-care, or rather, the lack of it.
We often get so caught up in our daily tasks that we forget to take care of ourselves.
I’m not just talking about hitting the gym or eating your greens. Self-care is much more than physical health.
It’s about allowing yourself to rest, to breathe, and to simply be.
Are you always on the run, pushing yourself beyond your limits? That could be a major reason why you’re always feeling stressed.
Skipping meals, not getting enough sleep, and denying yourself leisure time can all contribute to chronic stress.
When you neglect self-care, you’re sending your body a message that it’s always in survival mode.
And that’s a surefire way to keep your stress levels soaring.
As noted by experts like those at Psych Central, it’s also associated with low energy, a lack of patience, and even worsening mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety.
The lesson here? Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential.
2) Overloading your schedule
As an entrepreneur, I used to fall into the trap of cramming too many tasks into one day.
The idea of ‘maximizing productivity’ led me to believe that a packed schedule was the way to success.
But here’s what I learned: an overloaded schedule leaves no room for the unexpected.
A single delay or unexpected task could throw off the entire day, leaving me feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Not to mention, it left no room for downtime or self-care, which as we’ve just discussed, is critical for stress management.
So, I made a conscious decision to stop overloading my schedule.
I started allowing free time between tasks to accommodate any unforeseen events and, most importantly, to give myself a breather.
The result?
A noticeable decrease in my stress levels and a significant boost in my overall well-being.
Sometimes, less really is more.
3) Harboring a big ego
Another habit that can fuel your stress levels without you even realizing it is harboring a big ego.
When we let our egos run the show, we constantly feel the need to prove ourselves, to win every argument, and to always be right.
This constant striving can create a lot of internal and external tension, leading to unnecessary stress.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore the concept of ego extensively.
I discuss how our ego often stands in the way of our happiness and peace, and how learning to tame it can lead to a significant reduction in stress.
For now, just know that buddhism teaches us that letting go of our ego – our self-centered desire to always be ‘the best’ or ‘in control’ – can lead to a more peaceful and stress-free life.
This doesn’t mean you stop striving for success, but rather, you stop allowing your self-worth to be dictated by external achievements.
4) Not keeping organized
Psychologically speaking, our brains crave order.
When we’re surrounded by clutter—whether it’s a messy desk, an overflowing inbox, or a disorganized home—it can create a sense of chaos that adds to our stress levels.
For instance, research has shown that disorganization can trigger feelings of anxiety and even reduce our ability to be productive.
I’ve noticed this firsthand.
Whenever I’m working in a cluttered space, it feels like my mind is as scattered as the environment around me. It’s hard to concentrate, and little tasks start to feel overwhelming.
But when I take just a few minutes to tidy up or plan my day, it makes a huge difference in how calm and in control I feel.
The good news is that getting organized doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start by decluttering one area of your life at a time—your workspace, your schedule, or even your daily routine.
Simple steps like creating a to-do list or designating a place for everything can reduce stress significantly.
Once you get the hang of it, the clarity and peace of mind that come from being organized can work wonders for your mental well-being.
5) Being a perfectionist
Now, this might seem counter-intuitive.
While striving for excellence is admirable, setting unrealistically high standards for yourself in every aspect of life can be detrimental.
Research suggests that perfectionism can lead to more stress and increase the risk of burnout.
Basically, when we constantly chase perfection, we set ourselves up for disappointment because, let’s face it, nothing is ever perfect.
This mindset can lead to a constant state of stress because we’re always feeling like we’re falling short.
What’s the solution?
Strive for progress, not perfection.
Recognize that mistakes and setbacks are part of the process, and they’re opportunities for growth rather than signs of failure.
We humans are social creatures. Despite our increasingly digital world, face-to-face social interactions are still vital for our mental health.
If you’re always buried in work or other obligations and neglecting to spend time with your loved ones, this could be another reason for your constant stress.
Connecting with others provides a natural stress relief.
It’s not just about distraction from daily worries, but also about creating a support network that you can lean on in times of stress.
Make sure to carve out some time in your busy schedule to connect with the people who matter most to you.
It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant; a simple coffee catch-up or a walk in the park can do wonders for your stress levels.
Final thoughts: Stress is a lifestyle, not a sentence
Recognizing these habits is the first step toward reducing stress.
From neglecting self-care to harboring a big ego, each of these habits can contribute to your stress levels in ways you might not have considered.
However, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t happen overnight.
It’s about making small, mindful adjustments to your daily routine—one habit at a time.
The power is in your hands. Your path to a less stressful life starts here.
