While some chaos is inevitable in life, a lot of it comes from habits we don’t even realise are causing a whole lot of unnecessary drama.
Certain behaviours, when they’re continuous and unchecked, can spiral into full-blown stress, disorganisation, or emotional upset. If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to stay a complete mess, just keep doing these 14 things—and maybe, just maybe, consider changing them when you’re ready to get your life back on track.
1. Saying yes to everything
Overcommitting is a guaranteed way to run yourself ragged. Whether it’s work projects, social plans, or favours for other people, saying yes to everything leaves no room for rest. Your schedule gets packed, your energy drains, and suddenly, you’re overwhelmed. Learning to say no doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you sane.
2. Refusing to have tough conversations
Do you have a friend who’s been stepping on your toes or a coworker who’s driving you up the wall? Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. Instead, you’ll stew in resentment, and the tension will only grow. Addressing issues early, even if it’s uncomfortable, saves you a lot of unnecessary stress down the road.
3. Living in a constant state of comparison
Scrolling through social media and comparing yourself to everyone else is a great way to feel inadequate. Someone’s always going to have a better job, a nicer house, or a more exciting holiday. The truth is, their highlight reel doesn’t tell the whole story. Focus on your own journey—you’ll feel a lot lighter.
4. Putting off self-care because you’re “too busy”
Skipping meals, neglecting exercise, and skimping on sleep may seem like necessary sacrifices when you’re busy, but they’ll catch up with you. Taking care of your body and mind isn’t indulgent—it’s how you avoid becoming a total wreck. Start small: a 10-minute walk, a healthy snack, or an earlier bedtime can make a big difference.
5. Holding onto every grudge
If you love carrying the emotional weight of every slight and argument, holding grudges is the way to go. But let’s be honest: grudges only hurt you. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting—it just means letting go of the anger that’s taking up space in your head. Your mental health will thank you.
6. Avoiding any kind of organisation
Keeping track of deadlines in your head, leaving emails unanswered, and hoping you’ll remember that appointment is a recipe for disaster. Embrace a planner, use your phone’s calendar, or just make a simple to-do list. Organisation doesn’t make you boring—it makes life a lot less stressful.
7. Dwelling on what you can’t control
Worrying about things outside your control, like other people’s opinions or the weather, is a fast track to feeling powerless. Instead, focus on what you *can* do: your reactions, your choices, and your mindset. Letting go of the uncontrollable is liberating and leaves you with more energy for what matters.
8. Saying, “I’ll deal with that later”
Procrastination feels great in the moment, but future you is going to be furious. The pile of tasks only grows, and so does your stress. Start tackling things one step at a time—future you will be so grateful for the effort you put in today.
9. Surrounding yourself with negativity
If you’re constantly around people who complain, criticise, or bring down the mood, their energy will rub off on you. You don’t have to cut everyone out, but setting boundaries or spending more time with uplifting people can dramatically improve your outlook on life.
10. Ignoring your feelings
Burying emotions and pretending you’re fine might seem like the easiest option, but those feelings don’t just disappear—they build up. Journaling, talking to a friend, or even just acknowledging how you feel can help you process emotions and avoid an emotional blowout later.
11. Spending money without a plan
If you’re consistently wondering where all your money went, it might be time to take a closer look at your spending. Budgeting may not sound fun, but knowing where your money’s going gives you control and reduces financial stress. Plus, it frees up cash for the things you actually care about.
12. Multitasking everything
Trying to do five things at once may seem productive, but it usually means none of them get done well. Focusing on one task at a time boosts your efficiency and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check things off your list. Quality over quantity is the way to go.
13. Expecting perfection from yourself (and everyone else)
Holding yourself to impossibly high standards guarantees frustration. Nobody gets everything right, and that’s okay. Allow yourself (and other people) to make mistakes—they’re part of learning and growing. Progress beats perfection every time.
14. Forgetting to celebrate small wins
Waiting for something huge to happen before you feel good about yourself means you’re missing out on a lot of joy. Celebrate the little things—a productive day, sticking to a habit, or simply making it through a tough week. Recognising your progress keeps you motivated and happy.
