Keep Calm and Carry On: 10 Habits of People Who Never Get Stressed

Life today often feels like a pressure cooker. Between managing a career, relationships, finances, health issues and every other obligation that crops up, there's no shortage of potential stressors.

While a little anxiety now and then is normal, some people seem almost superhuman in their ability to roll with the punches and withstand nonstop demands. Do they just have really chill DNA or what?

After paying close attention to some of the most perpetually peaceful people in my life, I've uncovered that their unflappable poise isn't by chance. They've intentionally cultivated habits and mindsets that buffer against burnout and anxiety.

Even when facing objectively high-pressure scenarios, they simply don't believe in being stressed. Their physiology stays relaxed and their moods upbeat. They go with the flow.

If you're longing to ditch daily chaos and finally find some inner calm, implementing even a few of the following 10 habits could work wonders. They're how the most balanced folks I know gracefully navigate everything life throws at them:

Habit 1: They Start Each Day with Gratitude

One foundational practice of the consistently serene is taking time first thing in the morning to cultivate gratitude, whether through writing, meditation or prayer.

Simply reflecting on a few things they're thankful for before even getting out of bed allows them to start the day centered on the good. It sets a tone of appreciation that carries through any future challenges that come their way.

Studies show that focusing on what you're grateful for releases dopamine and serotonin. It's nature's own anti-anxiety medication delivered straight to your brain!

While listing gratitudes isn't revolutionary advice, the key is making it part of your non-negotiable morning routine. When it becomes a habit, the benefits really stack up day after day.

Habit 2: They Know How to Unplug and Recharge

In today's hyper-connected world, we're conditioned to constantly multi-task and keep our brains buzzing 24/7. For the ultra-stress resistant folks out there, part of their secret is recognizing the importance of stepping away to fully rest and recharge.

They religiously take periodic breaks from digital devices, often completely unplugging for set periods like an "email-free Sunday." They sometimes turn off all notifications on their smartphones to avoid being in react mode all day.

Finding pockets of time to unwind allows their sympathetic nervous system to switch out of fight-or-flight mode and tap back into the refreshing parasympathetic state. This takes the edge off mental chatter.

Just like avoiding burnout in other areas of health, they know how to stop overworking their minds. That might mean going for a long hike in nature, losing themselves in an engrossing novel, enjoying calm connection with a loved one, or simply sitting in silence. Deep rest balances deep work.

Habit 3: They Have Strong Time Management Skills

On a practical level, the people with endless inner stillness have usually mastered personal time management strategies. They adopt tactics that help them methodically work through tasks and obligations without last-minute chaos throwing them off track.

They plan out their weeks and months proactively. They aren't leaving everything until the night before. They take time to thoughtfully organize systems whether digitally or on paper that allow them to process responsibilities.

And by tackling things in a structured manner, they don't allow backlogs or clutter to build up and suddenly seem overwhelming. They also aren't afraid to delegate or outsource tasks that aren't the best use of their time and energy. Streamlining is everything.

Having effective frameworks prevents them from feeling like they're constantly putting out fires in reactive mode. When obligations are well-managed, there's no reason for excess worrying or stressing. They simply trust in their system.

Habit 4: They Set Healthy Boundaries

Hand in hand with strong time management is the ability to set firm boundaries and not tolerate activities that deplete their sense of wellbeing. People lacking in stress have well-tuned radars for when to say no.

They aren't afraid to speak up when they feel overcommitted or face requests that don't serve them. Protecting their precious time, mindspace and energy is non-negotiable.

That might mean passing on extra responsibilities at work that don't align with their goals or core strengths. It might mean discontinuing volunteer projects that are taxing more than enriching. Or eliminating social commitments that no longer bring joy.

They know everyone and everything vying for their time still won't satisfy them if they aren't taking care of their needs first. Setting honest boundaries allows them to show up as their best selves to the people and passions that matter most.

Habit 5: They Make Sleep a Top Priority

You simply can't be a chilled-out, low-stress person if you're running on fumes every day. While we all have the occasional sleepless night, those who radiate calm make getting adequate rest over the long haul a top priority.

They aim for 7-9 hours per night whenever possible, which has been proven in studies to be the sweet spot for most adults’ mental and physical wellbeing. They don't compromise on their sleep needs.

This gives their minds the reset they require to stay rational and focused once they wake up. No amount of caffeine can replace solid sleep when it comes to managing daily stressors.

Try your best to maintain a regular sleep schedule, limit electronics before bed, avoid too many stimulating foods and drinks in the evening, and engage in calming pre-bedtime rituals. Over time, these healthy sleep habits will work wonders!

Habit 6: They Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness – the simple act of bringing full awareness to the present moment without judgment – is another keystone habit of the perpetually peaceful.

Whether they carve out time for seated meditation daily or just pause frequently throughout the day to take some deep centering breaths, they've made mindfulness part of their routine.

Staying grounded in the here and now helps prevent them from fretting about the past or future. Their mental energy stays focused on calmly handling whatever's directly before them rather than getting swept up in endlessly spinning thoughts.

Even just taking 60 seconds at intervals in your workday to become aware of bodily sensations or sights/sounds around you can reset a sense of calm. It chips away at stress and anxiety through the power of presence.

Habit 7: They Eat a Nourishing Diet

Hippocrates famously stated, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Those highly attuned to stress management intuitively understand that what they put into their bodies directly affects every other aspect of life.

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber and anti-inflammatory foods provides lasting energy. It helps the mind feel focused, upbeat and resilient when confronting daily obstacles. It wards off the spikes and crashes of sugary, processed foods.

Meanwhile, they limit or avoid habits that deplete the body and brain over time like excess alcohol. Treating their body as a temple boosts their ability to manage external pressures with Zen-like equanimity.

Habit 8: They Stay Physically Active

Along with nourishing their minds through proper nutrition, the habitually happy-go-lucky among us know that regular physical activity is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and worry.

They build movement into their routines not just for the physical benefits but because nothing seems to bust stress as reliably as breaking a sweat! Whether it's brisk walking, swimming, cycling, strength training or yoga, they find types of exercise they actually enjoy.

A review of multiple studies on exercise and stress found 20-30 minutes of activity multiple times per week reduced key markers like perceived tension. Even light walking significantly lowered anxiety scores.

Don't underestimate moving your body when aiming for long-term calmness. It truly works on a physiological level to regulate adrenaline and cortisol.

Habit 9: They Have Supportive Relationships

Human beings are wired to connect. But those who stay chill under pressure are intentional about surrounding themselves with people who uplift them (and avoiding those who don't!)

They have a tribe of friends, family members, mentors or coworkers they feel safe opening up to about the ups and downs of life. They don't bottle up feelings until they explode. Just being able to voice challenges out loud to sympathetic ears makes it less intimidating.

Even when they may not be able to find immediate solutions, they feel replenished by the reminder they aren't alone. Social support works wonders!

On the flip side, they limit time with relationships that leave them feeling drained or insecure. They realize, as the saying goes, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Habit 10: They Find Humor in the Daily Ups and Downs

Last but certainly not least, the carefree folks of the world have mastered finding the humor even in unpleasant situations. They don't take everything quite so seriously.

Laughter releases feel-good endorphins that relieve stress almost instantly. Even just cracking a joke or two through challenges can put them in perspective.

Those immune to anxiety realize that perfection is an illusion. Life is messy. They let go of ultimate control and accept that hiccups will happen. Being able to smile and sometimes laugh at their own mistakes or misfortunes keeps the engine running on inner calm.

Next Steps to Cultivate Unshakeable Calm

There you have it – 10 lifestyle habits and mindset shifts to usher in that elusive tranquility we all desire. The path to sustainable inner peace isn't quick or linear, but adopting even portions of these practices can guide you there.

If certain habits resonated with you, consider starting small. Try one or two, like a 10 minute morning gratitude practice and taking daily screen breaks. Build upward from there.

Momentum takes time but it does build with consistency. Be patient and celebrate little wins. You've got this! Here's to living with joy, purpose and equanimity in the days ahead.