A hectic lifestyle keeps us thinking about whether anxiety and stress are the same entities. But, it’s worth noting that people under stress experience tremendous mental and physical symptoms, including irritability, muscle pain, digestive troubles, anger, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
On the other hand, anxiety refers to the persistent, excessive worries that an individual cannot keep away even in the absence of a stressor.
Stress and anxiety involve mostly identical symptoms. But, this article will give you a deeper insight into how anxiety and stress differ.
Common symptoms of anxiety and stress
- trouble sleeping
- digestive issues
- irritability or anger
- difficulty concentrating
- muscle tension
Difference between stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety differ in terms of the presence of a specific trigger. Stress has a close connection to a particular situation. When the problem resolves, the pressure reduces to a considerable extent. However, the focus isn’t always short-lived. It’s worth noting that chronic stress is attained after a period of long-lasting stress which occurs in response to ongoing pressure. Sometimes there are circumstances of feeling crushed due to professional or private life.
Anxiety usually doesn’t happen due to a specific stressor.
Similarities between the symptoms of stress and anxiety include faster heartbeat, anxious thoughts, faster breathing, moodiness, irritability, anger, unhappiness, loneliness, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
Anxiety usually results in feelings of nervousness, tenseness as well as restlessness.
Are You Experiencing Stress or Anxiety?
Experiencing a little bit of both is common, and there isn’t a need to feel too worried about it.
Stress is primarily external, and the common triggers include negative self-talk, pessimistic attitude, and feeling of lack of perfectionism. Feeling overburdened due to many responsibilities triggers a stress response. Anxiety is usually an inner feeling; in that case, you will need to note how to react to stressors. Anxiety turns out to be usually the excessive reaction to a given situation. Anxiety sometimes attains an unusual, extreme form and goes beyond your control.
Stressful situations are ultimately manageable. But, on the other hand, it’s worth noting that anxiety disorders can attain a level where you cannot manage everyday tasks.
Methods to manage anxiety and stress
- Practicing self-care
Practice self-care to reduce your stress levels. Some of the best ways to do so include going for a walk outside, lighting candles, exercising, getting a massage, practicing a hobby, and other practices.
- Spending time with friends and family
Friends and family help you overcome stressful times and cope with stress. Support from friends, family, as well as romantic partners helps a lot in dealing with loneliness and depressive symptoms. Joining a club or sports team is essential.
- Create boundaries
Ensure that you know when it’s time for you to say no. Keep in mind that not all stressors are within control. However, there are certain entities that you can control. When you put control over your personal life, there will be a possibility to reduce stress.
Final words
When you find that stress and anxiety are beyond control, you must look for ways to manage any underlying illnesses or complications. First, ensure that you have good knowledge of the valuable stress management strategies. With that, it will be easier for you to manage stress and anxiety.