By Lauren Edwards
August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing healthy habits and finding ways to improve overall well-being. While many people associate stress with major life events, such as work pressures, financial challenges, or personal struggles, everyday habits can also quietly contribute to feelings of tension, exhaustion, and burnout.
The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By recognizing common behaviors that may be increasing stress levels, it becomes easier to replace them with healthier routines that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Here are 10 everyday habits that may be adding unnecessary stress to your life—and what you can do instead.
1. Using Alcohol to Relax After a Long Day
Many people enjoy a drink to unwind, but relying on alcohol as a primary way to cope with stress can sometimes create additional challenges. While alcohol may provide temporary relaxation, it can interfere with quality sleep, affect mood regulation, and contribute to feelings of anxiety or fatigue the following day.
Instead, consider creating a relaxing evening routine that helps your body and mind transition out of “stress mode.” Reading, stretching, taking a warm bath, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying a favorite nonalcoholic beverage can provide a healthier way to decompress.
2. Constantly Checking Your Phone
Smartphones make it easier than ever to stay connected, but nonstop notifications, social media updates, and news alerts can keep the brain in a constant state of stimulation. Frequently checking your device can make it harder to focus, relax, and be present in the moment.
Try setting boundaries with technology by turning off unnecessary notifications, creating screen-free times during the day, or keeping your phone away from your bedside at night. Even short breaks from screens can help reduce mental overload.
3. Saying Yes to Too Many Things
Taking on too many commitments can leave little time for rest, hobbies, or meaningful connections. Whether it is agreeing to extra responsibilities at work, overloading your calendar, or constantly trying to help others, overcommitting can quickly lead to burnout.
Before agreeing to something new, consider whether it aligns with your priorities and whether you realistically have the time and energy to take it on. Learning to set boundaries is an important part of wellness.
4. Sacrificing Sleep
Sleep is one of the most important foundations of good health, yet it is often one of the first things people sacrifice when life becomes busy. Poor sleep can make it more difficult to manage emotions, concentrate, and handle everyday stress.
Create a consistent bedtime routine by going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day, limiting screen use before bed, and creating a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation.
5. Living With Too Much Clutter
A cluttered home or workspace can contribute to feelings of stress and distraction. Constantly searching for misplaced items or feeling overwhelmed by unfinished organizing projects can add unnecessary mental strain.
Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, start small. Cleaning out one drawer, organizing one area, or creating simple systems for everyday items can help create a calmer environment.
6. Multitasking Constantly
Many people view multitasking as a way to accomplish more, but frequently switching between tasks can increase mental fatigue and make it harder to complete important responsibilities. Trying to focus on too many things at once can leave you feeling busy without feeling productive.
Instead, practice focusing on one task at a time whenever possible. Prioritizing your most important responsibilities and breaking larger projects into smaller steps can help reduce overwhelm.
7. Spending Too Much Time Indoors
Modern lifestyles often involve long hours inside, whether working at a desk, managing household responsibilities, or spending time on digital devices. A lack of fresh air, sunlight, and movement can negatively affect mood and energy levels.
Make time to step outdoors each day, even if it is only for a short walk around the neighborhood. Spending time in nature, getting natural light, and moving your body can support both physical and mental wellness.
8. Comparing Yourself to Others
Social media can make it easy to compare your life, appearance, achievements, or lifestyle to others. However, online content often represents only carefully selected moments, not the full reality of someone’s experiences.
Instead of focusing on comparisons, redirect your attention toward your own goals and progress. Limiting time on accounts that negatively affect your mood and practicing gratitude can help build a healthier mindset.
9. Avoiding Financial Stress
Money concerns are a common source of stress, but avoiding financial tasks can make anxiety grow over time. Ignoring bills, delaying budgeting, or avoiding conversations about money can create additional worry.
Taking small steps, such as reviewing expenses, creating a budget, or setting financial goals, can help create a greater sense of control and reduce stress.
10. Waiting Until Burnout to Practice Self-Care
Many people view self-care as something to do only after responsibilities are complete. However, waiting until you feel completely exhausted can make it harder to recover from stress.
Wellness works best when self-care becomes part of a regular routine. Whether it is exercising, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking quiet time to recharge, consistent self-care can help build resilience.
Small Changes Can Lead to Better Wellness!
National Wellness Month is a reminder that improving health does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Often, the biggest improvements come from recognizing small habits that may be increasing stress and replacing them with healthier alternatives. By becoming more intentional about daily choices, you can create routines that support a calmer, healthier, and more balanced life.
(Edwards is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers and works to raise awareness about substance use disorders and recovery resources.)
