If you have a low tolerance for stress and worry, say goodbye to these 8 habits

Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed by stress and worry, leaving you constantly feeling on edge?

If so, you’ve likely already noticed the negative effects it is having on you.

Being under constant stress and anxiety can impact every aspect of your life, from your health to your relationships.

Along with seriously compromising your well-being, it can erode your ability to enjoy life.

Freeing yourself from worry may feel overwhelming when you have a low tolerance for stress, but it doesn’t have to be.

In fact, you can pacify these feelings by simply letting go off a few unhealthy habits.

Let’s take a look at 8 habits you should say goodbye to if you want to build resilience and reduce stress.

1) Overthinking

We’ve all been there.

Your mind goes into overdrive, replaying scenarios over and over again. You start to obsess over minute details, imagining the worst-case scenarios.

That’s overthinking for you.

But here’s something you need to realize: Overthinking doesn’t solve problems, it only amplifies your stress and worry.

When you’re already low on tolerance for these emotions, overthinking is like adding fuel to a raging fire.

It’s time to say goodbye to this habit.

Instead, focus on what’s within your control and let go of what’s not.

It might be difficult at first, but with practice, you’ll find that it makes a world of difference.

2) Trying to please everyone

I remember a time when I would bend over backwards just to make everyone around me happy. It was exhausting.

I would:

• Take on extra work
• Agree to plans I didn’t really want to be part of
• Suppress my own needs and desires for the sake of others

The stress and worry this habit caused were through the roof.

But here’s the thing: It’s impossible to please everyone.

And when I finally realized that, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Saying no, setting boundaries, and prioritizing myself didn’t make me selfish – it made me healthier and happier.

So, if you’re like how I used to be, it’s time to let this habit go.

You’ll be surprised at how much your stress and worry levels drop once you start living for yourself.

3) Lack of physical activity

Imagine a lion in a cage, pacing back and forth. It’s restless, agitated, on edge.

That’s what happens to your body when you don’t get enough physical activity.

Our bodies are designed to move. In fact, physical activity is known to release endorphins, chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Yet, many of us are trapped in sedentary lifestyles, sitting for hours on end at our desks, in our cars, or on our couches.

This lack of movement can increase feelings of stress and worry.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious and lead a sedentary lifestyle, it’s time to change that.

Don’t worry;  you don’t have to run a marathon – even a short walk around the block can make a big difference.

4) Neglecting self-care

You’re on a plane, and the flight attendant is going through the safety procedures.

They get to the part about the oxygen masks, and what do they say? “Put on your own mask before helping others.”

Why?

Because you can’t help anyone if you’re struggling to breathe.

The same goes for life. If you’re constantly stressed and worried, it’s a sign that you’re neglecting your own needs.

Regular self-care is necessary for ALL of us.

We all need to take time to recharge and tend to our needs – be it physical, emotional, or mental.

If we don’t, our tolerance for stress decreases, leading to chronic stress and burnout.

To avoid this, start by taking a few minutes each day to do something that makes you feel good.

You’ll soon notice a decrease in your stress levels.

5) Skipping meals

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this.

In the rush of daily life, it’s so easy to skip meals. You convince yourself you’re too busy, that you can eat later, but here’s the truth: Your body needs fuel.

When I would skip meals, I’d find my mood dipping.

I’d feel irritable, anxious, and my stress levels would skyrocket.

It turns out, there’s a scientific reason for this. When we don’t eat regularly, our blood sugar levels drop, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability and fatigue.

If you’re in the habit of skipping meals like I used to be, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit.

Make time for balanced meals throughout the day – your body (and your mind) will thank you for it.

6) Seeking perfection

Perfection – it sounds like a noble pursuit. But in reality, it’s often just a fancy disguise for stress and worry.

You see, perfection is an illusion. It’s unattainable.

Yet, many of us spend countless hours trying to reach this elusive standard, only to end up feeling inadequate when we inevitably fall short.

This constant striving for perfection can quickly spiral into stress and anxiety.

So instead, aim for progress. Accept that mistakes are part of the journey.

They’re not failures, but opportunities to learn and grow.

Embrace your flaws and celebrate your victories – however small they may seem.

It’s a much less stressful way to live, trust me.

7) Ignoring your emotions

Do you bottle up your feelings? Push them away, hoping they’ll disappear?

I’ve got news for you: Emotions are like a beach ball being held underwater.

The more you try to hold it down, the more it fights to come back up.

Ignoring your emotions doesn’t make them go away; it only intensifies them, leading to increased stress and worry.

Instead, acknowledge your feelings. Allow yourself to feel them without judgment.

It’s okay to be sad, angry, or anxious. These feelings are part of being human.

8) Lack of sleep

Sleep – it’s as essential as the air we breathe, yet so many of us deprive ourselves of it.

Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make you feel tired; it significantly contributes to stress and worry.

It affects your mood, your cognition, and overall health.

If you’re not getting enough restful sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a stressful existence.

Stop burning the candle at both ends and establish a healthier sleep routine.

Prioritize those precious hours of rest – they’re more important than you realize.

Final thoughts

We can’t always control the stressors in our lives, but we can control how we respond to them.

By recognizing and letting go of the habits that fuel your stress and anxiety, you can take proactive steps toward a more balanced and peaceful existence.

It’s not about eliminating stress entirely—because that’s often impossible—but about managing it more effectively and fostering a healthier mindset.

Take a moment to reflect on which of these habits resonate with you.

Start by reducing one unhealthy habit at a time while incorporating stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness into your daily routine.