8 tiny self care habits that will make you feel a little calmer and less-stressed

Believe it or not, there’s a world of difference between simply going through your daily grind and actively caring for yourself.

The key lies in the little habits, the small actions that you might not even consider self-care.

These tiny habits can be the perfect antidote to your busy, stressful life. They can help to make you feel just a bit calmer and less overwhelmed.

In this article, I’m going to share eight small self-care habits that can have a big impact on your mental well-being. And don’t worry, these aren’t grand gestures or time-consuming routines – they’re simple changes that you can easily incorporate into your everyday life.

Let’s get started.

1) Start your day on a positive note

We’ve all had those days where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Suddenly, everything seems to go wrong and the day just spirals out of control.

This is where the power of starting your day on a positive note comes in.

The key is to create a simple morning routine that sets the tone for your day. This could be as simple as spending a few minutes stretching, reading a chapter of a book, or even just enjoying your coffee in peace.

When you start your day on a positive note, you’re giving yourself permission to approach the rest of your day with a calmer, more relaxed mindset.

And don’t worry if you’re not a morning person. This doesn’t need to be an elaborate hour-long routine. It could be as short as five minutes. The important thing is to find something that works for you and stick to it.

2) Practice mindful breathing

I can’t stress enough how much mindful breathing has transformed my daily life.

It started a few years ago when I noticed that I was often holding my breath without even realizing it, especially during stressful moments.

So, I decided to pick up a simple habit: taking a few minutes each day to focus on my breath.

I would find a quiet spot, close my eyes, and just breathe. Inhaling deeply through my nose, holding it for a moment, and then exhaling slowly through my mouth.

Over time, I noticed that these mindful breathing exercises were having a profound impact. Not only did I feel calmer and less-stressed throughout the day, but I also found that I was better equipped to handle stressful situations when they arose.

The beauty of mindful breathing is its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment or a lot of time to practice it. You can do it anywhere, anytime you feel the need for a little calm in your day.

Trust me, this is one tiny self-care habit that can make a world of difference in your life.

3) Disconnect to reconnect

Ever feel like you’re constantly connected? With the rise of technology, we’re now more connected than ever before. But this constant connection can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

Studies have shown that spending too much time on social media can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Plus, the blue light emitted by our screens can interfere with our sleep patterns, leading to even more stress.

That’s why it’s crucial to take some time each day to disconnect. This could mean turning off your phone for an hour, or maybe just not checking your emails after a certain time.

By disconnecting from the digital world, you’re giving yourself the chance to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and less-stressed you feel when you give yourself this digital detox each day.

4) Embrace the wisdom of Buddhism

In my journey towards a calmer, less-stressed life, I’ve found tremendous value in the wisdom of Buddhism.

One of the core teachings of Buddhism is the concept of mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in whatever you’re doing at that moment.

And it’s not just about sitting on a meditation cushion. You can apply mindfulness to any aspect of your life, from eating your meals to doing your work.

In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I dive deeper into these teachings and offer practical tips on how to incorporate them into your daily life.

It’s a tiny self-care habit that can have a profound impact. By practicing mindfulness, you’re not only reducing your stress levels, but you’re also cultivating a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to live a calmer, more mindful life, I highly recommend checking out my book. It’s packed with practical advice and insights that can truly transform your life.

5) Keep a gratitude journal

I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs in life, just like everyone else. There were times when I felt like I was drowning in stress and negativity.

That’s when I started keeping a gratitude journal.

Each night before bed, I would write down three things I was grateful for that day. They didn’t have to be big things. In fact, often they were small moments: a kind word from a stranger, a beautiful sunset, a good book.

Over time, this practice transformed my perspective. I began to see the good in each day, no matter how hard it was. It helped me realize that even on the worst days, there’s still something to be grateful for.

Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple habit, but it has the power to shift your focus from stress and negativity to positivity and gratitude.

Give it a try. You may just find that it helps you feel a little calmer and less-stressed too.

6) Say ‘no’ more often

It may seem counter-intuitive, but one of the best self-care habits you can adopt is to say ‘no’ more often.

In our quest to be everything to everyone, we often stretch ourselves too thin. We take on too many responsibilities, agree to too many social engagements, and try to meet everyone’s expectations.

But here’s the thing: every time you say ‘yes’ to something, you’re saying ‘no’ to something else. And often, that something else is your own self-care.

So start practicing the art of saying ‘no’. It’s okay to turn down an invitation if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to delegate tasks at work if your plate is already full.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to say ‘no’.

7) Incorporate movement into your day

You don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours to reap the benefits of physical activity. Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference in your stress levels.

Whether it’s a short walk during your lunch break, a few stretches in the morning, or a quick dance party in your living room, find ways to incorporate movement into your day.

Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. Plus, it can help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective on things.

Take a break from your desk. Stretch. Walk. Dance. It’s a tiny self-care habit that can help you feel calmer and less-stressed.

8) Prioritize sleep

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It’s the foundation of your physical and mental health, and it’s crucial for managing stress.

A lack of sleep can leave you feeling irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed. On the other hand, getting enough quality sleep can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and enhance your overall well-being.

So make sleep a priority. Create a calming bedtime routine, keep your bedroom dark and cool, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.

Trust me, prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do for your stress levels. And it’s a self-care habit that will benefit every aspect of your life.

Embrace the journey

It’s important to remember that implementing these self-care habits is not about achieving perfection. It’s about progress.

The journey towards a calmer, less-stressed life is unique for each of us. It’s about understanding your needs, listening to your body and mind, and making conscious choices that nourish you.

One of the key elements in this journey is mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism. In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the practical ways to incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life to help find that calm and inner peace.

It’s about finding joy in the small moments, being present, and cultivating gratitude. These tiny habits, when practiced consistently, can lead to significant changes in your stress levels and overall wellbeing.

So as you embark on this journey towards a calmer, less-stressed life, remember to be patient with yourself. Take it one day at a time. Embrace the journey and know that every step you take is a step towards a happier, healthier you.