If you’re doing any of these, you’re sabotaging your shot at a stress-free life.

You might believe you’re a pretty laid-back person—someone who doesn’t let much get to them. But even the most chill people can slip into habits that quietly crank up their stress without even realizing it. Stress doesn’t always come in loud, dramatic moments; sometimes it creeps in through everyday behaviors that seem harmless on the surface.
If you truly want to protect your peace, it’s worth checking in with yourself and seeing if any of these subtle stress triggers are part of your daily routine. The carefree crowd isn’t just lucky—they’ve developed habits that support a more relaxed life. These 11 seemingly minor behaviors can pile on anxiety and slowly eat away at your inner calm without you noticing.