Simple Daily Habits That Helped Me Reduce Stress

For years, I thought stress was just part of running a business. Hustling, grinding, working around the clock—I wore it like a badge of honor. But here’s the truth: that kind of stress isn’t just bad for business; it’s bad for you.

When two of my clients recently told me their doctors literally ordered them to reduce stress, I had a moment. Because honestly? That could have been me. For 15 years, I lived on stress. I barely slept, my mind was always racing, and my "downtime" was checking emails at midnight.

But during the last three years of owning my retail boutique, I made small, sustainable changes that transformed the way I dealt with stress—without overhauling my entire life. If you’ve ever felt like stress is running the show, these simple daily habits might help.

1. Quick Meditations That Don’t Feel Like Meditations

I used to roll my eyes at meditation. I thought my brain was too busy to slow down. But then I found simple, five-minute meditations that helped me focus on gratitude, clear my mind, and just be—and it changed everything.

I still meditate every morning after I wake up (instead of jumping straight into my emails, which used to send me into a cortisol spin). At first, it felt impossible to sit still. But I started small, with just two minutes, and slowly built up. Now, it’s a non-negotiable part of my morning routine.

💡 Studies show that just five minutes of meditation can lower cortisol levels by 20% and improve focus throughout the day.

Here’s a great one to start with: [Click Here For Meditation]

Try This: Set a timer for 2-3 minutes, close your eyes, and just focus on your breathing. That’s it. No need to clear your mind or become a meditation guru—just give yourself space to breathe.

2. Not Working During My Workouts

For years, I convinced myself that multitasking was the key to productivity. I’d check emails between sets, brainstorm content ideas while doing cardio, and never truly disconnected. Turns out, that was only adding to my stress.

I remember one specific morning when I was replying to emails in between sets—I was so distracted, I didn't even finish my workout before I had to leave. That was the wake-up call I needed. Now? My workouts are sacred. Whether I’m lifting weights, walking outside, or stretching, I give myself permission to be fully present—no emails, no Slack messages, no business thoughts.

💡 Exercise is proven to reduce stress by increasing endorphins, lowering cortisol, and improving sleep.

Try This: Next time you work out, leave your phone on Do Not Disturb (unless you’re using it for music). Focus on moving, breathing, and being in the moment. Your business will still be there when you’re done.

3. Breathing Techniques That Actually Work

When stress hits, my first instinct used to be powering through—but that only made things worse. Now, I use simple breathing techniques to shift my nervous system out of stress mode in under 60 seconds.

The first time I tried breath work, I felt ridiculous. But after just a few rounds, I noticed my heart rate slowed, and I felt a little more in control. Now, I use this technique all the time—I am now able to recognize when my body and mind need it and it actually works.

💡 Deep breathing can reduce stress in as little as 30 seconds by lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.

Try This: Next time you feel overwhelmed, inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for six seconds. Repeat a few times. It’s science-backed, easy, and it works.

4. Starting Every Morning With Gratitude (Instead of Anxiety)

I used to wake up and immediately dive into my inbox, reacting to everyone else’s priorities. Now, I stay away from my phone and start my day with a gratitude journal, writing down five things I’m grateful for. It shifts my focus away from stress and onto what’s good in my life—and there is so much to be thankful for.

At first, I thought this was pointless. But I kept at it, and after a few weeks, I noticed a shift—I was less reactive, less anxious, and more focused on what was going right instead of what was going wrong.

💡 Research shows that practicing gratitude daily can increase happiness by 25% and lower stress levels.

Try This: Keep a notebook next to your bed. Every morning, write down at least three things you’re grateful for. They can be small (hot coffee, good hair day, slept 8 hours) or big (landed a dream client, healthy family, amazing team). Over time, this retrains your brain to notice more of the good.

5. Finding Like-Minded Business Owners to Talk To

One of the most stressful parts of running a business? Feeling like no one else understands what you’re going through.

I didn’t realize how much I needed a community until I found one. Once I started surrounding myself with other like-minded entrepreneurs, things changed. I felt seen, understood, and supported by people who "got me."

💡 Business owners who have a support network report lower stress levels and higher resilience when facing challenges.

If you’re tired of doing this alone, come join my [Craving Connection Facebook group]—a space for business owners who get it. We talk about the highs, the struggles, and real strategies for creating a business (and life) that actually works for us.

📌 Come be part of the conversation → [Click Here To Join "Craving Connection"]

Final Thoughts: Stress Doesn’t Have to Be Your Normal

For years, I thought stress was just the price of success. 

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I hope these simple shifts help. Start small. Pick one habit and try it this week. Your future self will thank you.

📢 Which one of these habits do you want to try first? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!