If you want to become a calmer and less-stressed person in the next 60 days, start practicing these 7 daily habits

Life moves fast. Deadlines pile up, notifications never stop, and stress levels creep higher with every passing day.

But what if you could hit the brakes and find a way to feel calmer, more in control, and less stressed in just two months?

It’s not about making massive lifestyle changes or dropping everything to meditate in a remote monastery. Small, intentional habits can have a huge impact on your stress levels and overall peace of mind.

Here are seven such habits that, if practiced consistently, can transform the way you handle stress and help you feel more at ease in just 60 days.

1. Practice mindfulness daily

Let’s start with the big one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, mindfulness might be the reset button you need.

There was a time when my mind felt like a browser with 50 tabs open—constantly shifting between past regrets, future worries, and random distractions. Then I discovered mindfulness.

And science backs this up. As noted by the American Psychological Association, research suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress and emotional reactivity.

So, how do you start? Simple. Spend five minutes each day focusing on your breath, observing your surroundings, or paying attention to how your body feels. Use an app like Headspace or just sit quietly and observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them.

Trust me, with time, you’ll feel more present, grounded, and in control of your emotions.

2. Move your body—every single day

I used to think that working out was something you did to look good. But over the years, I’ve realized it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

And I’m not alone in this. As Mayo Clinic notes, “Almost any form of exercise or movement can increase your fitness level while decreasing your stress.”

You don’t have to train for a marathon. A daily walk, a quick stretch, or even dancing in your living room can make a difference. The key is consistency.

3. Limit your screen time (especially at night)

We live in a hyper-connected world, and while tech has its benefits, it’s also a major stress trigger.

Endless doom-scrolling, responding to work emails at 10 PM, or waking up and diving straight into social media—it’s all draining.

The solution?

Set some digital boundaries. Try keeping your phone out of the bedroom, limiting social media to specific times, or implementing a “no screens an hour before bed” rule.

You’ll sleep better, feel more present, and regain control over your attention.

4. Get serious about sleep

This is one I was all too guilty of when I was starting this site!

I used to wear my lack of sleep like a badge of honor. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” I’d joke. But running on fumes doesn’t make you more productive—it makes you more stressed, irritable, and unfocused.

Good sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Stick to a bedtime routine, avoid caffeine late in the day, and make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest. Aim for at least seven hours a night, and you’ll feel the difference almost immediately.

5. Practice gratitude

It’s easy to dwell on the negative, but as the writer Melody Beattie said, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.”

Start by jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day. They don’t have to be huge—maybe it’s a great cup of coffee, a funny meme, or a kind gesture from a friend. 

Over time, this simple habit rewires your brain to notice the good in everyday life.

6. Set boundaries and learn to say no

If you’re constantly overcommitted and stretched thin, stress is inevitable.

One of the best things I’ve ever done for my mental well-being was learning to say no. Not every event, meeting, or favor needs your attention. Protect your time like you protect your phone battery—prioritize what truly matters and don’t be afraid to decline what doesn’t.

This doesn’t mean being rude; it means respecting your own limits. When you stop overextending yourself, you free up energy for what actually fulfills you.

7. Do one thing that brings you joy every day

Last but not least, if there is one thing I can tell you from my experience, it’s that stress builds when life feels like an endless list of obligations. That’s why making time for things that genuinely make you happy is non-negotiable.

It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Read a book, listen to your favorite music, go for a walk, or catch up with a friend. The point is to inject small moments of joy into your day, every single day.

Over time, these small acts of self-care add up, making you feel lighter, happier, and less weighed down by stress.

Final words

You don’t need a total life overhaul to become calmer and less stressed. Small, intentional daily habits can make a world of difference.

Try these habits for the next 60 days and see how they impact your stress levels. You might be surprised at how much lighter and more in control you feel.

And if you’re interested in diving deeper into mindfulness and how Eastern philosophy can help you live with more clarity, I explore this in detail in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. Check it out here.