Stress and Anxiety: Breaking Down the Differences in Simple Words

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Today’s world is moving towards digitalization. People want a better career opportunity, financial stability, children’s requirement and education, Health related problem etc. In all these people are involved too much that they forget to care themselves as a result most of the people are suffering from stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are used both interchangeably. But both words have few different meaning and symptoms.

 

Stress and Anxiety

- Stress: Stress is a physiological phenomenon, simultaneously stimulated via pressure. Pressure tiggers the stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

- Anxiety:  chronically excessive feeling of apprehension disproportionate to the actual threat, worry, afraid. Anxiety mostly occurs as generalized anxiety, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, or phobias.

Differences Between Stress and Anxiety

1. Duration: Stress is mainly short-term, whereas anxiety can have for long-term leading to chronic situation.

2. Intensity: Stress can be from mild to severe, but anxiety is often deeper and more overwhelming.

3. Focus: Stress mainly occur during particular situations, while anxiety affects various aspects of life.

4. Physical Symptoms: Both stress and anxiety cause physical hormonal changes, but anxiety disorders include more severe symptoms like panic attacks (sudden excessive fear or worry about any particular situation) and alimentary risk.

5. Impact on Daily Life: Stress impacts on everyday life, but anxiety disorders significantly try to destroy relationships, and overall well-being.

 

Interplay Between Stress and Anxiety

If stress lasts for longer period it contributes to anxiety disorder. And on regular basis anxiety triggers stress hormones. To get out of anxiety first you have to get out of stress by self-care, stress management, and trying to be happy all the time.

 

Recognizing Stress and Anxiety Symptoms

1. Physical Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.

2. Emotional Symptoms: Persistent worry, fear, irritability, restlessness, and concentration difficulties.

3. Behavioural Symptoms: Avoidance behaviours, compulsive behaviours, substance abuse, and social withdrawal.

 

Managing Stress and Anxiety

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1. Self-Care: Practice some relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. And also try to self-care yourself by giving massage to your body, spa and whatever you like try to include some fun in it and enjoy yourself.

2. Stress Management: Don’t make any timetable which can’t be achieved, set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and take regular breaks and take some fresh air.

3. Seek Professional Help: If you are going through chronical stress then please consult mental health professionals for guidance and support.

4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with positive and supportive family and friends with whom you can share your feeling and spend some quality time with them.

 

Conclusion

Stress and anxiety are 2 similar but different in few symptoms. Its very important to under the difference between them to stay happy, healthy and fit all life. In today’s world stress can’t be kept at bay for longer period but it can be managed and prevented from becoming chronic. Please apply the above steps in your life and enjoy your life with friends, families and colleagues.