15 Every Day Things That Are Making You Stressed

We all feel anxious sometimes, but when anxiety and stress start to dominate our lives, we need to make some serious changes. The first thing you may want to do is look at these 15 common things that may be causing your stress. These actions and habits may seem like everyday things, but they may actually be the source of your anxiety. Stop doing these harmful things, and you may start to notice your stress melting away! This is a great place to start toward a happier, stress-free life.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Overloading Your Schedule

Are you always busy, rushing from one thing to the next? If so, you might be overloading your schedule. When your day is packed with too many tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might think you’re being productive, but you’re just adding stress to your life. It’s okay to slow down and take a break. Your mind needs time to relax and recharge. Remember, doing a few things well is better than doing everything poorly.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Let’s be honest: how often do you stay up late scrolling through your phone? When you’re tired, your brain doesn’t function as well, making it harder to handle stress. Getting caught up in late-night activities is easy, but your body needs rest to stay calm. Try going to bed earlier and see how much better you feel. A good sleep can make a big difference in your anxiety levels.

Skipping Meals

You might not think about it, but skipping meals can cause anxiety. When you don’t eat, your blood sugar drops, making you feel anxious and nervous. Your body needs regular fuel to keep going. If you’re too busy to eat, try having small snacks throughout the day. Keeping your energy levels steady can help keep your anxiety in check. Remember, food is fuel for your brain, too.

Constantly Checking Your Phone

Do you feel the urge to check your phone every few minutes? This habit can make you more anxious. The constant pressure to stay connected can be overwhelming. It’s okay to take a break from your phone and disconnect. Try setting specific times to check your messages instead of doing it all day. You might find that stepping away from your phone gives you a sense of relief.

Avoiding Difficult Conversations

Sometimes, it’s easier to avoid tough talks, but this can lead to more anxiety in the long run. When you don’t address issues, they can build up and cause stress. Feeling nervous about confronting someone is normal, but avoiding it doesn’t make the problem disappear. Instead, try to face the conversation with a calm and open mind. You’ll feel a lot better once the air is cleared. Plus, it might not be as bad as you think.

Saying Yes to Everything

Are you always saying “yes” even when already stretched thin? This habit can leave you feeling anxious. Setting boundaries and knowing when to say “no.” Taking on too much can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed out. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs sometimes. You’re taking care of yourself by saying “no” when necessary. Saying “yes” always will add to your stress.

Drinking Too Much Caffeine

We all love a good cup of coffee, but too much caffeine can make you feel anxious. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can make your heart race and your mind spin. If you’re already feeling stressed, caffeine can make it worse. Try cutting back on coffee, tea, and energy drinks to see if it helps. You don’t have to give up your favorite beverage entirely; you can enjoy it in moderation. Your body will thank you for it.

Not Getting Enough Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety, but it’s easy to skip it when you’re busy. When you don’t move your body, you miss out on exercise’s natural stress relief. Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Even a short walk can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety. Try to find time for regular exercise, even if it’s just a little bit each day.

Spending Too Much Time Alone

While having alone time is essential, too much isolation can make you anxious. Humans are social creatures, and we need connections to feel balanced. Spending too much time alone makes it easy to get stuck in your thoughts and worries. Make time for friends and family, even just a quick chat. Being around others can help take your mind off your anxieties and make you feel more grounded.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

It’s great to have goals, but setting unrealistic ones can lead to anxiety. When you aim too high, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing when you don’t meet your expectations. Instead, try setting smaller, more achievable goals. Celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You’re more likely to succeed when you set yourself up for success.

Comparing Yourself to Others

It’s easy to look at someone else’s life and feel you’re not measuring up. But constantly comparing yourself to others can make you feel anxious and unhappy. Everyone’s journey is different, and focusing on your path is essential. Remember that social media often shows only the highlights of someone’s life, not the whole picture. Instead of comparing, focus on what makes you happy and what you’ve achieved. You’re doing just fine, trust me.

Ignoring Your Emotions

Sometimes, we push our feelings aside because they’re too hard to deal with. But ignoring your emotions can make anxiety worse. When you bottle up your feelings, they can build up and come out in unhealthy ways. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared. Acknowledge your emotions and permit yourself to touch them. It’s a healthy part of processing what’s going on in your life. You’ll feel better when you let your emotions out instead of holding them in.

Too Much Indoor Time

How much time do you tend to spend indoors every day? Some people may spend weeks and weeks without going outside if not for necessary things, such as visiting the bank, going grocery shopping, or getting in their car to head to work. Spending time outdoors is highly beneficial as it will help you put things into perspective. Try your best to spend some time outside every single day!

Unresolved Trauma

Unresolved traumas may also be responsible for your anxiety. Unfortunately, these cannot be faced independently and require an expert therapist. If you’ve never tried therapy, this may be the time to do so. While some may consider this a waste of money, the benefit you can get from a few sessions often makes this investment worth it. Just try once and see how it goes.

Living in Clutter

Living in clutter can increase your stress and anxiety levels drastically. When there’s stuff everywhere, it feels like your mind is crowded, to making it hard to relax or focus. Clutter can also make everyday tasks a challenge as you are constantly digging through piles of stuff and searching for things you have misplaced. Seeing all that mess can make you feel overwhelmed and stressed as if you’ve got a million things to do and no place to start. Organization and cleanliness are the keys to solving the stress mess.

It is human to feel anxious sometimes. However, when our daily habits become the reason for this, it is time to change. In this article, we explain some everyday habits that might cause anxiety. Find out which of these habits are the major reason behind your anxiety. Changing just a few small habits might make you feel calmer. It’s all about being kind to yourself.