Ever feel like stress just sneaks up on you more as the years go by?
You’re not alone. As a psychologist, I see it all the time—people wanting to feel more at peace as they age but unknowingly holding on to small habits that keep their stress levels high.
The truth is, calmness isn’t just about meditation or deep breathing (though those help!). It’s also about letting go of subtle daily patterns that quietly fuel anxiety and overwhelm.
In this article, we’ll go through seven tiny but surprisingly impactful habits that might be standing between you and a more peaceful, stress-free life.
Let’s get into it.
1. Striving for perfection
Does your day ever feel like one giant to-do list that never ends, no matter how hard you try?
I’ve been there.
Early in my career, I believed every paper, every client interaction, every home-cooked meal had to be flawless—or I’d failed.
But perfectionism is not all it’s cracked up to be. As noted by the team at The Anxiety Center, “Numerous studies have shown a direct association between perfectionist tendencies and anxiety disorders.”
In my experience, aiming for “good enough” is often the best way to keep anxiety from creeping in. Letting go of perfection frees up mental space for growth, creativity, and self-compassion.
2. Constantly comparing yourself to others
Comparing ourselves to others is one of the biggest traps we fall into, often without even realizing it.
We scroll through social media, seeing highlight reels of friends who seem to have the perfect life. We watch colleagues excel in their careers, wondering why we aren’t further along.
Even within our own families, we might feel like we’re falling short compared to a sibling or relative who appears to have it all figured out.
But here’s the thing—comparison is rarely fair or accurate. We’re measuring our behind-the-scenes struggles against someone else’s best moments. As Dr. Jordan Peterson wisely advised, “Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”
By shifting your perspective in this way, you turn comparison into a tool for self-improvement rather than self-criticism. Instead of feeling inadequate, you can focus on your personal growth and celebrate your own progress—no matter how small.
3. Neglecting self-care
Ever find yourself running on fumes? Maybe you skip lunch breaks, or can’t recall the last time you took a day off just to recharge?
It’s easy to assume self-care is “extra,” but ignoring it has real consequences. As noted by the folks at Psych Central, the effects of a lack of self-care “can include low energy, feeling hopeless, and even worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Trust me on this one. I’ve seen clients bounce back from serious burnout simply by scheduling tiny acts of self-care—like a walk in nature, a relaxing bath, or ten minutes of journaling—to replenish their emotional fuel tanks.
4. Overlooking the power of exercise
There was a time when I believed regular exercise was only for people who wanted to lose weight or run marathons. Turns out, it’s much bigger than that.
As noted by the team at Mayo Clinic, “Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever.”
Whether it’s yoga, swimming, or just dancing in your living room, movement helps clear mental clutter, boosts mood, and provides a healthy outlet for pent-up stress. It doesn’t have to be intense or complicated—a brisk walk can do wonders.
5. Overcommitting your schedule
If your calendar looks like a game of Tetris, you’re not alone.
Many of us juggle work, family, errands, and an ever-growing list of social obligations, leaving little room to breathe. While it might feel productive to fill every slot in your schedule, the reality is that overcommitting often leads to stress, exhaustion, and the constant feeling of being behind.
I know this firsthand. I used to say yes to everything—work projects, coffee meetups, last-minute favors—until I realized that my packed schedule was costing me my peace of mind.
So, I made a small but powerful shift: instead of cramming my day with endless tasks, I started setting just one or two clear priorities.
At first, it was difficult. My inner people-pleaser resisted, worried about disappointing others. But as I protected small pockets of free time, I felt noticeably calmer, more present, and even more productive.
Sometimes, the key to a less stressful life isn’t doing more—it’s allowing yourself to do less.
6. Endless scrolling and digital overload
Are you ever guilty of picking up your phone “just for a minute” and realizing an hour has disappeared?
We’ve all stayed up way too late, scrolling mindlessly through social media, only to wake up the next day feeling drained and overwhelmed. Doomscrolling, checking notifications the second they pop up—these small habits fuel stress and anxiety.
If going cold turkey on your phone feels impossible, try baby steps: turn off non-essential notifications, or set an alarm to remind you to unplug after 9 p.m. You’ll be amazed at how this digital detox can calm your mind.
7. Bottling up your emotions
Finally, the more we bury our worries or frustrations, the more they bubble under the surface.
I’ve worked with clients who felt that sharing negative emotions was a sign of weakness. In reality, opening up—whether to a friend, a counselor, or through journaling—helps you process stress before it morphs into anxiety.
Bottling things up might seem like an easy solution, but it often leads to stress-related issues like tension headaches, restless sleep, and a short fuse. Speaking up, even if it feels uncomfortable, is an investment in your mental well-being.
The bottom line
Small habits can have a surprisingly big impact on our stress levels.
When we make a conscious effort to replace perfectionism with self-compassion, comparison with self-reflection, and endless busyness with rest, our minds and bodies thank us.
Here at Blog Herald, we’re big believers in taking incremental steps that lead to lasting change.
Try letting go of one of these habits this week and see what happens.
If you need support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out—to a mental health professional or a trusted friend.
A calmer, less-stressed version of yourself is waiting.
