You know that feeling when life just seems too heavy?

Like you’re carrying around a backpack full of rocks? We’ve all been there. And let’s face it – it’s exhausting.

Here’s the kicker.

Sometimes, without even knowing it, we’re the ones adding rocks to our own backpacks through certain behaviors that we’ve adopted over time.

Behaviors that weigh us down and make life seem harder than it has to be.

So, if you’re thinking “How can I make my life feel lighter and less stressful?” – you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll be discussing seven of those weighty behaviors that might be making your life more stressful.

The good news is, by recognizing and saying goodbye to these habits, you can start to shed unnecessary weight from your life.

And trust me, once you start letting go, you’ll be surprised at how much lighter and less stressful life can feel.

Stick around and let’s explore this together!

1) Worrying about what others think

Ever find yourself laying awake at night, fretting over what someone said about you?

Or perhaps, constantly seeking approval from others?

Here’s the thing.

Spending time worrying about what others think is a stress-inducing habit that weighs heavily on your mind and can truly drain your energy.

It’s like adding a big, hefty rock to your backpack.

The reality is, you can’t control other people’s opinions or perceptions. And more importantly, their thoughts about you don’t define your worth.

Letting go of this habit might not be easy – I get it. But it’s a sure step towards making your life feel lighter and less stressful. 

2) Trying to control everything

I used to be a bit of a control freak. I’d plan everything down to the smallest detail, leaving no room for spontaneity or unexpected events.

Guess what happened?

Every time things didn’t go exactly as planned (which, let’s be honest, was pretty often), my stress levels would skyrocket.

It was like I was carrying around a giant boulder in my backpack.

Then one day, it hit me.

By trying to control everything, I was actually making my life more stressful.

So, I decided to loosen my grip and allow life to unfold naturally.

Sure, it was scary at first. But over time, I realized that not only was my life less stressful, it also became more exciting and fulfilling.

3) Holding onto grudges

There’s a common misconception that holding onto a grudge is a form of justice, as if releasing it would mean excusing the wrongdoing.

However, over time, it becomes clear that grudges often harm the person holding them more than the one who caused the hurt.

Consider this: who is truly affected by a grudge?

Is it the person who wronged you, or is it the one reliving those negative emotions day after day, feeling unable to move forward?

Every grudge is like adding another weight to a growing load, making life feel heavier and harder to carry.

Choosing to let go isn’t about condoning the hurtful actions; it’s about choosing not to carry that burden anymore.

And the relief that follows can be transformative.

The reality is, grudges are heavy. If you’re seeking a lighter, less stressful life, it may be time to consider letting them go.

4) Neglecting self-care

Many people struggle with self-care, often pushing themselves to the limit, skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, and putting their own needs on hold for the sake of others.

Sound familiar?

What’s often overlooked is that neglecting self-care is a fast track to burnout and chronic stress—like cramming more weight into an already overloaded backpack.

Reaching a breaking point can serve as a powerful reminder: taking care of oneself isn’t optional if the goal is to live a balanced, fulfilling life.

By prioritizing regular breaks, nourishing meals, restful sleep, and activities that spark joy, life can feel much lighter and more manageable.

5) Dwelling on past mistakes

Did you know that the human brain has a natural tendency to focus on negative experiences over positive ones?

It’s a survival mechanism called negativity bias.

This bias often leads people to replay past mistakes repeatedly, each misstep feeling like another heavy stone in an already full backpack.

But there’s an empowering realization to be made: mistakes belong to the past and can’t be changed.

Dwelling on them only adds unnecessary weight to the present.

Choosing instead to learn from these experiences without allowing them to define or burden us can be remarkably freeing.

If you find yourself caught up in past mistakes, consider shifting your focus.

After all, making mistakes is a universal part of the human journey, and moving forward lighter is always an option.

6) Being too hard on yourself

Once upon a time, I was my own worst critic.

Nothing I did was ever good enough in my eyes, and I’d beat myself up over the smallest things.

Sound familiar?

Here’s what I learned.

This kind of self-criticism isn’t just harsh – it’s heavy. It’s like strapping a lead weight to your back and wondering why you feel so weighed down.

Then one day, I had a heart-to-heart with a dear friend who told me something that really stuck: “You deserve the same kindness you give to others.”

So, I started practicing self-compassion.

I began treating myself with the same kindness and understanding that I’d extend to a friend. And guess what? My load instantly felt lighter.

So, why not try being a little kinder to yourself? You might be surprised at how much lighter your life can feel.

7) Living in the future

I used to spend so much time worrying about the future – what could go wrong, what might happen, all the ‘what ifs’.

It was like lugging around a giant boulder of uncertainty.

But here’s the truth.

No amount of worry can change the future. All it does is steal your joy in the present.

It took me some time to understand this, but once I did, it was a game-changer.

Now, I try to live more in the present moment, appreciating what’s right in front of me instead of constantly looking ahead.

And you know what? This shift has made my life feel significantly lighter and less stressful.

The present moment is all we truly have. Embrace it, enjoy it. It’s the best gift you can give to yourself.

The takeaway

If you see yourself in these behaviors, know this – you’re not alone. Many of us carry around these self-imposed burdens.

But here’s the silver lining – recognizing these behaviors is the first step to shedding them.

It starts with awareness. Then comes the choice. Do you keep carrying these heavy rocks, or do you start to let them go?

Keep in mind, it’s a process. Old habits don’t change overnight.

It takes time and patience with oneself. But every small step towards letting go is a step towards a lighter, less stressful life.

So as you go forward, remember this: Life isn’t meant to be a heavy burden.

You have the power to make it lighter. It’s all about choosing which behaviors to hold onto and which ones to let go.

In the words of Lao Tzu, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

Maybe it’s time for you to discover what you might be without these heavy rocks in your backpack.