If you really want a less stressful, calmer life, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

Stress has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives. It doesn’t just show up in the big, obvious moments—it hides in the little things we do every day.

The way we respond to emails, how we approach conflict, even the way we talk to ourselves can all contribute to a life that feels more overwhelming than it needs to be.

However, stress isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something you can take charge of.

By letting go of a few toxic behaviors, you can clear a path to a calmer, more balanced life. 

In this article, we’ll explore 8 behaviors that might be quietly sabotaging your peace of mind and how saying goodbye to them could transform your mental and emotional well-being.

1) Overthinking

We’ve all been there. You’re lying in bed, trying to sleep, but your mind is running a marathon.

You’re analysing every decision you made during the day, worrying about tomorrow, and creating scenarios that may never even happen.

Welcome to the world of overthinking.

Overthinking can be a major obstacle on your path to a less stressful life. It creates unnecessary stress and anxiety, and often leads to indecisiveness.

Instead of constantly analyzing and worrying about every little thing, try to let go:

• Practice mindfulness
• Take deep breaths
• Remind yourself that not everything needs to be perfect or under control.

2) Trying to please everyone

Now, this is a behavior I can personally relate to.

In my early twenties, I was always trying to please everyone around me. I’d say yes to every request, agree with every opinion, and bend over backward to avoid conflict.

But I quickly realized that in my attempt to make everyone else happy, I was making myself miserable. It was stressful, exhausting, and honestly, pretty impossible.

You see, you can’t please everyone. Not everyone will agree with you or appreciate your efforts. And that’s okay.

The key is to be true to yourself. Stand up for your beliefs, set boundaries, and remember that it’s okay to put your own needs first sometimes.

3) Living with a swollen ego

Ah, the ego. That little voice inside our heads that constantly tells us we’re better than others, that we deserve more, and that we’re always right.

The ego can be a major roadblock to a calmer, less stressful life.

In my experience, living with a swollen ego only leads to:

• Conflict
• Resentment
• Disappointment

It pushes people away and makes it harder to connect with others on a genuine level.

In fact, in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into how managing your ego can lead to a more fulfilled life.

It’s about practicing humility, being open to learning from others, and recognizing that we’re all human beings with our own strengths and weaknesses.

4) Neglecting self-care

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to neglect self-care. We often prioritize work, family, and other responsibilities over our own well-being.

But here’s the thing: self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Psychologists agree that self-care plays a crucial role in combating stress and promoting mental health.

It’s about taking time to relax, rejuvenate, and take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

This can include simple practices like:

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep
• Taking a few minutes each day to meditate or practice mindfulness

By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle stress and lead a calmer, healthier life. 

5) Avoiding difficult conversations

This one might seem counter-intuitive. After all, difficult conversations can be stressful, right?

Well, yes and no. Avoiding difficult conversations can actually lead to more stress in the long run.

When we avoid addressing issues or expressing our feelings, we allow problems to fester and grow. This can lead to resentment, anxiety, and even damage our relationships.

Instead, try to approach difficult conversations with honesty and kindness. Be open about your feelings and listen to the other person’s perspective.

It’s okay to disagree. What’s important is to communicate and find a resolution that respects everyone’s feelings.

6) Dwelling on the past

It’s easy to get stuck in the past, replaying mistakes or wishing we could change things that have already happened. But dwelling on the past can be a major source of stress and anxiety.

The past is a place of reference, not residence. You can learn from it, but you can’t change it.

So instead of dwelling on what’s behind you, focus on what’s ahead.

• Set new goals
• Embrace new opportunities
• Remind yourself that every day is a chance to start fresh

7) Constant comparison

Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to feel like everyone else has it all figured out.

Picture-perfect families, successful careers, exotic vacations – it can seem like everyone else is living a dream life.

But this constant comparison isn’t just harmful, it’s a thief of joy.

Comparison is a trap that distracts us from our own achievements and growth. It creates unrealistic expectations and feeds into feelings of inadequacy and discontent.

Remember, everyone is on their own journey, with their own struggles and triumphs.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own personal growth and happiness. Be proud of who you are and the progress you’ve made.

8) Ignoring the power of gratitude

In the quest for a calmer, less stressful life, one thing that often gets overlooked is gratitude.

We’re so focused on what’s going wrong, what we don’t have, or what we want next, that we forget to appreciate what we do have.

Gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting happiness. It shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to the abundance that’s already present.

Try to cultivate an attitude of gratitude each day:

• Start a gratitude journal
• Say thank you more often
• Take a moment each day to reflect on something you’re grateful for

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

At the end of the day, living a less stressful, calmer life is all about balance.

It’s about understanding your own habits and behaviors, and identifying which ones are serving you and which ones are holding you back.

By saying goodbye to these 8 behaviors, you’re giving yourself the space to breathe, think clearly, and experience life with more peace and clarity.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into how we can adopt Buddhist philosophies to find this balance in our life.

So as you step away from this article, take a moment to reflect. Which of these behaviors resonate with you? Which ones are you ready to say goodbye to?