If you’re always feeling anxious and overwhelmed, it’s time to let go of these 7 habits

We all have our moments of anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. But if you find yourself consistently mired in these emotions, it might be time to reassess your habits.

Believe it or not, some everyday habits could be the culprits behind your chronic stress. They might seem harmless, but they can slowly chip away at your mental wellbeing, leaving you feeling constantly on edge.

Yes, changing habits is a challenge. But once you identify what’s holding you back, you’re halfway there.

So, ready to break free from the cycle of anxiety and overwhelm? Let’s dive into these 7 habits you need to say goodbye to. Trust me, your mind will thank you.

1) Overloading your schedule

We live in a world that glorifies busyness. The more we can squeeze into our day, the better we’re supposed to feel.

But is it really?

Jamming your schedule with tasks and appointments can lead to a feeling of constant overwhelm. You’re always rushing, always behind, always stressed. It’s like you’re on a treadmill that just won’t stop.

What’s worse, this over-scheduling habit can sneak up on you. You start by adding just one more thing to your to-do list, then another, and another. Before you know it, your day is packed from dawn till dusk.

And the result? Anxiety levels through the roof.

So, if you find yourself feeling anxious and overwhelmed on a regular basis, it might be time to reassess your scheduling habits. Try to prioritize tasks and let go of non-essential ones. Remember, it’s okay to say no sometimes.

A less cluttered schedule can often lead to a less cluttered mind. And that can make a world of difference in reducing anxiety and overwhelm.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ll be the first to admit, I used to be guilty of this one.

In my pursuit to get everything done, I would often put self-care on the back burner. I’d skip meals, skimp on sleep, and even miss out on social events just to tick off another task on my never-ending to-do list.

I thought I was being productive. But boy, was I wrong.

Before long, my health took a hit. I felt constantly drained and irritable. My anxiety levels spiked. I was overwhelmed all the time.

That’s when I realized: self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Now, I make sure to carve out time for myself every day – whether it’s for a quick workout, a leisurely meal, or simply to unwind with a good book.

And guess what? Not only do I feel less anxious and overwhelmed, but I also find myself being more productive and focused when I do work.

Take a look at your self-care routine – or lack thereof. Trust me, making time for yourself can make a huge difference.

3) Living on autopilot

We’ve all been there – going through our days on autopilot, not really present in the moment. This automatic living can often exacerbate feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, making us feel like we’re merely surviving instead of truly living.

That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Mindfulness is all about being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. And it can be a game changer when it comes to managing anxiety and overwhelm.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into how mindfulness can transform your relationship with stress and anxiety.

I share practical tips and exercises that can help you incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life, even amidst the chaos. From mindful breathing to mindful eating, you’ll discover how to tune into the present moment and reclaim your peace of mind.

So if you’re always feeling anxious and overwhelmed, consider stepping off the autopilot mode. Embrace mindfulness. It might just be the key to a calmer, more balanced life.

4) Comparing yourself to others

Ah, the comparison trap. It’s easy to fall into, especially in this age of social media where everyone’s life seems picture-perfect. You see your friends’ holiday photos, their job promotions, their happy families, and suddenly your own life seems lacking.

This constant comparison can fuel feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. You feel like you’re not doing enough, not achieving enough, not being enough.

But here’s the truth: what you see on social media is often a highlight reel. It doesn’t show the struggles, the setbacks, the mundane day-to-day moments. No one’s life is perfect, no matter how it appears on Instagram.

Besides, everyone’s journey is unique. We all have our own pace, our own path. What matters is not where you are compared to others, but whether you’re moving forward from where you were yesterday.

5) Seeking constant comfort

Now, this one might seem counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t comfort supposed to make us feel better, not worse?

Here’s the thing: While comfort can provide temporary relief, constantly seeking it can eventually lead to anxiety and overwhelm.

You see, life is full of challenges. And growth happens outside of our comfort zones. If we’re always seeking comfort, we’re avoiding these challenges. We’re not growing.

This avoidance can lead to a fear of discomfort, which in turn can create anxiety. What if we can’t handle the challenges? What if we fail? These worries can overwhelm us.

Instead, try embracing discomfort. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable. It’s okay to face challenges. It’s through these experiences that we learn, grow and become stronger.

A little discomfort now can lead to a lot less anxiety and overwhelm in the future.

6) Ignoring emotions

We all feel a wide range of emotions. Joy, sadness, anger, fear, excitement – they’re all part of the human experience. Yet, many of us have a habit of ignoring or suppressing our emotions, especially the negative ones.

We might think we’re keeping the peace or staying strong, but in reality, we’re doing more harm than good. Ignored emotions don’t just disappear. They build up over time, creating a constant sense of anxiety and overwhelm.

Instead of ignoring your emotions, try acknowledging them. Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judgment or guilt. Understand that it’s okay not to be okay all the time.

In fact, acknowledging your emotions can be a powerful first step towards managing them effectively. Instead of being overwhelmed by them, you can start to understand them and deal with them in a healthier way.

7) Failing to set boundaries

Finally, some real talk — the truth is, no matter how hard we try, we can’t do it all. And trying to can often lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

That’s why setting boundaries is so crucial.

Boundaries help us define what we will and won’t accept. They protect our time, our energy, and our mental health. They give us a sense of control over our own lives.

So whether it’s saying no to an extra project at work, turning off your phone notifications after a certain hour, or setting aside time for self-care – don’t be afraid to set boundaries.

Your mental health matters. You have the right to protect it. And setting boundaries is a powerful way to do just that.

Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness

Feeling constantly anxious and overwhelmed may be a signal from your body and mind, urging a reassessment of your daily routines and actions.

The key to making this reassessment is self-awareness. It’s about understanding how your habits affect your mental health, and taking deliberate steps to change what’s not working.

In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I explore the power of mindfulness in enhancing self-awareness. It provides practical strategies for tuning into your own needs and emotions, enabling you to identify habits that might be contributing to anxiety and overwhelm.

So as you reflect on these habits that we’ve discussed, consider this: Which ones resonate with you? Which ones are you willing to let go of? Your answers could be the first step towards a less anxious and more balanced life.