Stress buster or builder?

Stress-relief habits that seem helpful but are actually backfiring

- Soumya Prabhu

When people feel stressed, they naturally reach for whatever brings quick comfort.

Everyone wants relief. Some habits do help for a moment: a distraction, a small escape, or a calming routine. But a few common stress-relief behaviours can slowly add more pressure rather than reducing it. They may feel soothing today but create bigger emotional weight tomorrow. Here are six habits many people rely on, why they seem helpful at first, how they can backfire, and what healthier coping options might look like instead.

Overthinking every detail

Someone under stress may believe that thinking harder will bring clarity. They replay conversations, imagine outcomes, and try to predict what might go wrong. It feels like preparing or problem-solving. But, overthinking often leads to mental exhaustion. Instead of answers, the person ends up with worry loops. The problem doesn't get solved, it just feels heavier.

Alternative: Writing the situation down and choosing one small step usually does better than thinking in circles. Another idea is to give the mind a limit - for example, allow ten minutes to think or journal, then move on to another activity.

"Excessive thinking combined with lack of sleep is one such example - it may feel comforting, but it increases anxiety, reduces motivation, and delays problem-solving. The same applies to procrastination, wandering aimlessly, card games or mild gambling, and even avoiding work as these distractions only allow stress to multiply quietly," explains Dr. Harish Shetty, Psychiatrist, Dr. L. H Hiranandani Hospital.

Eating for comfort