Letting go of these stressors can be liberating, freeing up our minds to focus on what genuinely matters. And it’s not always easy, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort.

As someone who’s spent years exploring mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve come to realize that there are certain things we simply need to stop stressing about. They don’t matter in the long run.

This is Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an enthusiast of all things mindfulness and Buddhism, hoping to help take some of that unnecessary weight off your shoulders.

Here are eight things you might need to take off your worry list.

1) Past mistakes

We’ve all been there. That cringe-worthy memory from five years ago suddenly pops into your mind, and you’re hit with a wave of embarrassment and stress all over again.

Guess what? In the grand scheme of things, these past mistakes don’t matter as much as you think they do.

The beauty of being human is that we’re not perfect. We make mistakes, we learn, and we grow. It’s a natural part of life.

And when you look back at these past mistakes with a lens of mindfulness, you realize they were stepping stones to your growth.

Stressing about past mistakes doesn’t change what happened. It only robs you of your present peace.

So, take a deep breath, acknowledge the mistake, learn from it, and let it go. The past is a place of reference, not residence.

2) Other people’s opinions

You can’t please everyone. No matter what you do or say, there will always be someone who disagrees or disapproves. And that’s okay.

I’ve learned over the years that worrying about other people’s opinions is like carrying a heavy load that’s not even yours to bear. It’s taxing and, honestly, unnecessary.

Your actions should align with your values and beliefs, not someone else’s.

So, let go of the stress that comes with trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. You’ll find that it liberates you and allows you to live more authentically.

3) Future uncertainties

Life is unpredictable. That’s just a fact. We all have fears and uncertainties about what the future holds. But here’s the raw, honest truth: stressing about the unknown won’t change the outcome.

Buddhist wisdom teaches us about the concept of ‘Impermanence’ – the idea that all conditioned existence is transient, evanescent, and inconstant.

Everything we know, including ourselves, is in a constant state of change and nothing is permanent.

This wisdom may seem daunting but it’s actually liberating. It reminds us that stressing about future uncertainties is futile because change is inevitable.

Instead, embrace the unknown. Trust in your ability to adapt and grow regardless of what comes your way. Remember, it’s not about predicting the future but about being present in the now.

In the long run, focusing on what you can control and letting go of what you can’t is the key to peace of mind. 

4) Perfection

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of “perfect” lives, bodies, and careers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of striving for perfection. But here’s the raw, honest truth: perfection is an illusion.

Mindfulness teaches us to accept ourselves just as we are, flaws and all. It encourages us to experience each moment fully, without judgement or striving for some unreachable ideal.

Stressing about achieving perfection doesn’t make us better; it only makes us unhappy. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of never feeling good enough, and that’s no way to live.

In the long run, what matters is not perfection but progress. Embrace your imperfections. Celebrate your small victories. And most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.

5) Living up to societal standards

We live in a society that often dictates what success should look like, what path we should follow, and even how we should feel.

But trying to live up to these societal standards can lead to unnecessary stress.

In my personal journey, I’ve found that freedom lies in defining your own standards and creating your own path. It’s about living in alignment with your values, not someone else’s.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into how Buddhist teachings can help us to shed societal expectations and live a more authentic life.

In the long run, it’s not about fitting into someone else’s mold but about becoming the best version of yourself.

6) Unchangeable situations

Sometimes, life throws us curveballs that we simply can’t change. It’s in these moments that we often feel the most stress, but here’s the raw, honest truth: stressing about something you can’t change is like trying to sail against the wind.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the concept of acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or giving up, but rather acknowledging the reality of a situation and understanding that some things are beyond our control.

Similarly, mindfulness encourages us to stay present and not dwell on what we cannot change. It allows us to acknowledge our feelings without letting them control us.

In the long run, what matters is not the situation itself but how you respond to it. You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.

7) Material possessions

In our materialistic society, it’s easy to equate happiness with possessions. But here’s the raw, honest truth: things don’t bring lasting happiness.

Buddhist monk and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh, once said, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”

These words remind us of the fleeting nature of material possessions and the lasting value of experiences and relationships.

Stressing over acquiring more and more things won’t make you happier in the long run. In fact, it often leads to more stress as you constantly strive for the next best thing.

8) Always being busy

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, being busy is often worn as a badge of honor. But here’s a counterintuitive truth: always being busy doesn’t equate to being productive or fulfilled.

Mindfulness teaches us the importance of slowing down and being present. It encourages us to take time for ourselves, to breathe, and to truly connect with each moment.

Stressing about filling every minute with tasks and activities can lead to burnout and disconnect us from what truly matters.

Final thoughts

Stress is a part of life, but not all stress is necessary. By letting go of these eight things, we can reduce our stress levels and focus on what truly matters in life.

For more insights into living a stress-free life with a mindfulness and Buddhist perspective, you might find my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego” helpful.