What is the Difference between Stress and Anxiety?

Signs of anxiety and stress can be very similar. You may feel irritable, angry, tired or you may have trouble concentrating, sleeping, eating…

How do you know what the difference is? Knowing the difference may help you to find the right coping strategies.

We feel stress or pressure when we can identify what happened that made us feel this way. It is usually something specific, like an event or situation.

But if you still feel discomfort long after the stressful event has passed, you tend to focus on “what if” events that haven’t happened yet, or you can't identify the source, you may be feeling anxious.

Stress that persists, can lead to anxiety. How can we address feelings of anxiety so we can reduce worry?

Tip 1: Box Breathing

This strategy will help your brain and body calm down. Take a few deep breaths following these steps:

Breathe out slowly, releasing all the air from your lungs. Breathe in through your nose while you count to four in your head. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale for another count of four. Hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat for three to four rounds.

Tip 2: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This strategy may help you those nights when you are having trouble sleeping. Start by tensing your toes for a count of ten and then releasing for another count of ten. Move up your body and repeat with every muscle group: legs, arms, glutes, shoulders, stomach, neck, face, and eyes.

Tip 3: The 3-3-3 Rule

This is a simple grounding technique that can help anchor you in the present moment and reduce anxiety. Look around and name three things you see. Then, name three sounds you hear, and finally, move three parts of your body. This technique brings awareness to the present moment and may provide some relief from thoughts of worry.

If your stress or anxiety is affecting your daily life or mood, consider speaking to a mental health professional. Our therapists are available to listen. Tell us how we can best help.

Resources

What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?

https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference#:~:text=People%20under%20stress%20experience%20mental,the%20absence%20of%20a%20stressor.

11 tips for coping with an anxiety disorder

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/11-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder

Grounding Exercise for Anxiety #7: Creating a Safe Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isw37iCwMCg