7 Habits of Less Stressed People
- Leslie Speas
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Do you ever wake up already feeling exhausted? Before you even step out of bed, your phone buzzes with emails, notifications, and urgent requests. You rush through your morning, balancing work, family, and an ever-growing to-do list. By noon, your shoulders are tight, your mind is racing, and a tension headache starts creeping in. By the end of the day, you’re drained, frustrated, and wondering—how am I going to do this all again tomorrow?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show:
77% of workers report experiencing work-related stress in the past month.
57% feel burned out due to work-related stress.
43% say their workplace negatively affects their mental health.
25% have considered leaving their jobs due to excessive stress.
The good news? You have more control over stress than you think. Managing stress isn’t about eliminating it altogether—it’s about handling it in a way that allows you to thrive rather than merely survive.
Here are seven habits of people who manage stress well.
1. Identify and Avoid Stress Triggers
Not all stress is avoidable, but many of our daily stressors are predictable. Start by keeping a stress journal. Identify recurring stress triggers—whether it’s a chaotic morning routine, back-to-back meetings, or unrealistic deadlines.
Pro Tips:
✔️ Tackle the biggest stressors first.
✔️ Plan your days to minimize unnecessary pressure.
✔️ Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
2. Take Your MEDS (Move, Exercise, Diet, Sleep)
Your physical health plays a major role in how you handle stress. The acronym MEDS reminds us of four key areas to focus on:
Move
Sitting all day increases stress and tension.
✔️ Take a short walk during breaks.
✔️ Use a standing desk.
✔️ Stretch at your desk.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress.
✔️Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days.
✔️ Find something you enjoy—dancing, hiking, or yoga!
✔️ Make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule.
Diet
Nutrition impacts mood and energy levels.
✔️ Eat whole foods with less than five ingredients.
✔️ Have healthy snacks on hand.
✔️ Watch sugar intake to avoid energy crashes.
Sleep
Poor sleep increases stress and reduces productivity.
✔️ Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
✔️ Avoid screens 30-60 minutes before bed.
✔️ Create a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment.
3. Work on Your Thoughts and Emotions
How you think about stress impacts how you experience it. Negative thoughts can magnify stress, while a positive mindset builds resilience.
Pro Tips:
✔️ Challenge negative thoughts: Ask yourself, “Is this really true?”
✔️ Reframe problems: Instead of “I have to do this,” shift to “I get to do this.”
✔️ Use positive affirmations: “I am capable and strong.”
4. Unbusy Yourself
Being "busy" doesn’t always mean being productive. Overloading your schedule increases stress and exhaustion.
Ways to Unbusy Yourself:
✔️ Get clear on your priorities—say “no” to non-essential tasks.
✔️ Outsource what you can (groceries, housework, etc.).
✔️ Bundle tasks—run errands in one trip instead of multiple.
✔️ Set boundaries—block time for rest and recharge.
5. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness means being fully present in the moment—without judgment or criticism. It helps break the cycle of stress by calming the nervous system.
Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness:
✔️ Take deep breaths when stress spikes.
✔️ Meditate for just 5 minutes a day.
✔️ Go for a tech-free walk in nature.
✔️ Try yoga or tai chi to reconnect with your body.
6. Build and Use a Support Network
Having a strong support system is one of the best ways to manage stress. Leaning on others can help lighten your load.
Pro Tips:
✔️ Identify different types of support you need—emotional, social, practical.
✔️ Communicate your needs clearly to friends, family, and colleagues.
✔️ Seek professional support when needed.
7. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on the positives, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. This simple habit can improve mood and reduce stress.
Ways to Cultivate Gratitude:
✔️ Keep a gratitude journal—write down three things you’re thankful for daily.
✔️ Shift your focus to what’s going well, even in tough times.
✔️ Express appreciation—thank someone today!
Where to Start?
Feeling overwhelmed? Pick just ONE habit to focus on this week. Small changes can lead to big results.
🌟 Which habit will you start practicing today?
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