Four "Healthy" Habits That Might Be Adding to Your Stress

You're doing your best to look after yourself. You move, you watch what you eat, you push through when you're tired. So why do you still feel so run down?

Sometimes the habits we think are helping are quietly adding to the load. Not because they're bad habits, but because on a hard week, a tired body needs support rather than more pressure.

Here are four worth a second look.

1. Skipping meals to "stay on track"

It's easy to get to 2pm and realise you haven't eaten, and it can even feel like a small win. But running on empty usually catches up with you: shaky, short-tempered and standing at the pantry by mid-afternoon.

Gentle swap: eat regularly, even if it's simple. Aim for some protein, some fresh veggies and some carbs on your plate. It will keep you going for longer and help keep sugar cravings away.

2. Training harder when you're already drained

Moving your body is wonderful. I try to run twice a week and lift weights twice a week, but I've learnt not to push myself to the edge. I used to, and I'd suffer for it: I'd hurt more, take longer to recover and not want to go back. So now, when I'm exhausted, rather than demanding more of my body, I swap my workout for a care session: a gentle walk, a bounce on my rebounder, and some time on my acupressure mat or with my massage gun. I'm still moving, but I'm also caring for my body and my nervous system, which helps them feel safe.

Gentle swap: check in before you train. On a good day, go for it. On a flat day, walk, stretch, or have a few easy minutes on the rebounder. Both count.

3. Coffee before anything else

Coffee on an empty stomach, with the to-do list already running, can leave you wired by 10am and flat by 3pm. Some days I wake up at full speed and want to have a coffee and start working straight away. When I do that, I feel shaky and foggy, and I wear out early. So now I start my day with protein and water first, then ease in and give my brain a calm start instead of smashing it first thing. I also give myself two achievable things to do each day, rather than a to-do list that never ends. It keeps my mind so much calmer.

Gentle swap: have some protein and a glass of water first, then enjoy your coffee.

4. Pushing through instead of pausing

Working through lunch, staying up to finish one more thing, saying "I'm fine" when you're not. Pushing through can feel like strength, but often it's just ignoring what your body is trying to tell you. I've learnt to stop pushing through. Working full time and running a small business with four kids is busy. So now I tell myself: I'll do what I can today with the time I have. I focus on one or two things in each area of my life, home, work and the business, and I don't overload my brain.

Gentle swap: build in small pauses. Ten minutes outside at lunch. A few deep breaths before the next message. A few minutes lying down when you need it, without the guilt.

None of these are bad

Eating well, training and enjoying your coffee are all good things. This isn't about rules or getting it perfect. It's about noticing what your body is feeling and responding with love. On a calm week, push a little. On a hard week, gentle beats harder.

Try one this week

Pick just one:

• Eat lunch, even something small and simple
• Swap one hard session for a walk and a lie-down
• Have protein and hydration before your first coffee
• Take one proper pause in the middle of your day and ask yourself how you're feeling

Then notice how you feel. Small changes, done often, are what really add up.

You're doing so much for everyone else. Your body deserves some of that care and love too.

You're doing great. Keep going.

With love, Odette 🤍
Founder, Restore Co

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This article shares general wellbeing information only. It isn't medical advice. If you're feeling exhausted for weeks at a time, please speak to your GP.