Stress vs Anxiety: What’s the Difference & How to Manage Them

Stress and anxiety are words we use all the time: you might say you’re “stressed” about a deadline or “anxious” about a relationship. While these feelings can overlap, they’re not exactly the same thing. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between stress and anxiety, and provide helpful tips so you can respond to each more effectively and take better care of yourself.

Stress and Anxiety Are Not the Same Thing

Stress is usually your body’s response to an external situation. It’s what you feel when you’re juggling responsibilities, meeting deadlines, or dealing with conflict. Once the stressful situation passes, those feelings usually fade.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is more persistent and can happen even when there’s no clear trigger. It’s characterized by ongoing worry and fear that doesn’t easily go away, and can feel like it’s always “on.”

How Stress Shows Up

Stress can be helpful in small doses, motivating you to take action, meet goals, and solve problems. When stress sticks around too long, it can manifest as physical health symptoms. Common signs of stress include:

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Upset stomach

• Trouble focusing

• Sleep disruptions

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Irritablility

• Increased heart rate

Your nervous system is trying to protect you by staying alert, therefore you may notice stress in your body before you notice it in your mind.

Signs of Anxiety That Go Beyond Stress

Anxiety involves constant worry or fear that’s hard to control. Instead of going away when a stressful situation ends, anxiety can linger and snowball. Along with some of the symptoms stress can cause, anxiety often brings:

• Constant worry

• Fear that feels disproportionate to the situation

• Restlessness

• Trembling or nausea

• Avoidance of triggers that cause worry

One of the biggest differences is that stress tends to be tied to something specific, while anxiety can feel like a.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Knowing whether you’re dealing with stress or anxiety helps you choose the right coping strategies. Stress might be best handled with organization, time management, or lifestyle changes. Anxiety, especially when it interferes with daily life, often benefits from professional support like therapy and medication.

Both stress and anxiety can affect your physical and emotional health if they go unaddressed. Chronic stress can turn into anxiety over time, and anxiety can sometimes lead to exhaustion, withdrawal, or even depression if left untreated.

Practical Ways to Manage Stress

Here are some everyday tools that can make a big difference:

• Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals

• Take short breaks to recharge

• Move your body in ways you enjoy

• Practice deep breathing or meditation

• Get sleep

• Talk with a trusted friend about what’s on your mind

These practices help your nervous system relax and teach your body that it’s safe, even during challenging times.

Strategies to Calm Anxiety

If your anxiety feels overwhelming, these approaches can help ground you:

• Slow breathing exercises that focus on your breath

• Mindfulness to bring attention back to the present

• Structured therapy approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy

• Regular physical activity to reduce tension

• Healthy routines that support sleep and digestion

When anxiety starts interfering with your daily life, it’s okay to seek help.

You Deserve Support and Understanding

Stress and anxiety are both responses to life’s challenges, but they affect us in different ways. Recognizing what you’re experiencing is a powerful step toward managing it. Whether you’re learning to handle stress or anxiety, small changes can make a big impact. Be kind to yourself and remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Mae Mental Wellness Can Help

If you’re ready to take the next step in treating your stress or anxiety, Mae Mental Wellness is here to help. We offer completely virtual and secure telepsychiatry, medication management, and psychotherapy all from the comfort of your home - or anywhere else. You can book an appointment by filling out our online form or calling (561) 231-0233. Learn more about our services and accepted insurance plans.

Cover image courtesy of Pixabay.com.