I always felt stressed and burnt out…until I adopted these 6 simple daily self-care habits

A few years ago, when I was deep in the grind of entrepreneurship, stress and burnout felt normal. Long hours, constant pressure, and the never-ending to-do list—I told myself it was just part of the game. 

Hustle culture glorified it, so I pushed through.

But over time, it started to take a toll. My energy was drained, my focus suffered, and no matter how much I worked, I never truly felt ahead. 

That’s when I realized something: burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a warning sign.

I knew something had to change. So, I started experimenting with small, intentional habits— self-care practices that helped me feel recharged rather than run-down. And let me tell you, the difference was huge.

Today, I’m sharing six of these daily self-care habits that transformed my life. If you’re constantly feeling stressed and burnt out, they just might do the same for you.

Let’s dive in.

1) Mindful mornings

I used to dread the mornings, hastily gulping down my coffee while my mind raced with the day’s tasks. This used to set the stage for a stressful day.

Then, I discovered the power of mindfulness and how it could reinvent my mornings.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, taking in your surroundings, thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s about starting your day on a calm, focused note.

You don’t need an elaborate meditation setup for this. Just five minutes of quiet time each morning, focusing on your breathing and setting a positive intention for the day.

Believe me, it works wonders. It’s like giving your mind a fresh start every morning, free from the clutter of yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s anxieties.

2) Moving my body

We all know the benefits of regular exercise, but when you’re caught in the whirlwind of running a business, it’s easy to let this slide.

I used to be in that club too, dismissing workouts as something I’d get to “when I had time”. The result? A constant feeling of fatigue and burnout.

Then, I decided to take charge. I started with just a 15-minute walk every day. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

To my surprise, this small habit had a profound impact. Not only did I feel more energetic, but my mind seemed clearer too. Solving problems became easier, and I felt less overwhelmed by stress.

Gradually, I increased my daily movement. Some days it’s a vigorous run; on others, it’s a calming yoga session. The form doesn’t matter as long as I’m moving.

This isn’t just about physical health. Exercise is a powerful stress-buster and mood-booster too. It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress levels.

Trust me, if you’re feeling constantly stressed or burnt out, try adding some movement into your day. Even a short walk can make a world of difference!

3) Unplugging 

In today’s fast-paced digital world, we’re constantly bombarded with information. Emails, social media updates, news alerts – it can all get overwhelming.

I realized that my constant screen time was contributing significantly to my stress levels. It felt like I was always ‘on’, unable to truly relax or switch off.

That’s when I decided to incorporate a daily digital detox into my routine. Setting aside specific times each day when I would completely disconnect from all digital devices.

The effect was almost immediate. I found myself feeling calmer, more focused, and less stressed. It was like I had regained control over my time and attention.

Try it for yourself. Start with just an hour of device-free time each day and gradually increase it. You’ll be amazed at the difference this small change can make in your stress levels and overall mental well-being.

4) Journaling

Journaling might seem like an old-fashioned idea in an era of digital everything. 

But, let me share a secret: it’s one of the most powerful self-care habits I’ve adopted.

I used to keep my thoughts and worries bottled up, thinking I could handle them all. But I think this only led to anxiety and sleepless nights.

Then, I started jotting down my thoughts every evening. Everything from my daily wins to the challenges I faced or even random thoughts. It was like having a conversation with myself, a moment of honesty and reflection.

Over time, this simple habit became my stress-release valve. It gave me clarity, helped me process my emotions, and most importantly, it allowed me to let go of the day’s stress.

If you’ve never tried journaling, give it a shot. It’s not about creating a literary masterpiece but about unburdening your mind. 

5) Quality sleep

Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice in the name of productivity, right?

However, as noted by the folks at Healthline, “During sleep, pathways form between nerve cells (neurons) in your brain that help you remember new information you’ve learned. Sleep deprivation leaves your brain exhausted, so it can’t perform its duties as well.”

I can attest to this. I used to be a serial night owl, working late into the night and then struggling to stay focused the next day. It was a vicious cycle that led to constant exhaustion and burnout.

That was until I decided to prioritize quality sleep. I set a strict bedtime and wake-up time and stuck to it, even on weekends. I also adopted a relaxing pre-bedtime routine – no screens, just some light reading or calming music.

The difference was remarkable. I woke up feeling refreshed and energized, ready to tackle the day’s challenges head-on.

Remember, sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Making quality sleep a non-negotiable part of your daily routine can drastically reduce stress levels and improve your overall health and well-being.

6) Self-compassion

In this journey of entrepreneurship, we often become our own toughest critics. And this constant self-criticism can lead to high stress levels and feelings of burnout.

The most crucial self-care habit I’ve adopted is practicing self-compassion. It’s about acknowledging that it’s okay to make mistakes, to have off days, to not have all the answers.

This simple shift in mindset can take the weight off your shoulders. It allows you to learn from your mistakes rather than beating yourself up over them.

You’re human, and it’s okay not to be perfect. Show yourself the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend. 

Final thoughts: It’s about balance

Burnout doesn’t have to be the price of success. These simple daily self-care habits helped me break free from the constant cycle of stress, and they can do the same for you.

Start small, be consistent, and remember—taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Your future, happier self will thank you.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

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Picture of Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling

Ethan Sterling has a background in entrepreneurship, having started and managed several small businesses. His journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship provides him with practical insights into personal resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of persistence. Ethan’s articles offer real-world advice for those looking to grow personally and professionally.

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