04/22/2025
Happy Earth day everyone! Just git back from Mauii and still enjoying the powerful medicine that comes from the island that is nature đș
This year felt like it took a little longer to unwind from stress than normal. After a few days when I felt more chill it got me thinking about the difference between stress and anxiety. And being aware of what is happening for you is key to feeling better. Knowing if itâs stress or anxiety when you are feeling tense. Here is the difference:
Stress
âą Cause: Typically linked to a specific, external situation (e.g. a deadline, argument, money trouble).
âą Duration: Usually temporaryâgoes away once the stressor is resolved.
âą Feelings: Overwhelmed, irritable, tense, frustrated.
âą Body: Muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, trouble sleeping.
âą Mind: Racing thoughts about the specific situation; motivation might increase (in small doses).
Anxiety
âą Cause: Often internal, persistent, and not always tied to a clear or immediate trigger.
âą Duration: Longer-lastingâcan persist even after the âstressorâ is gone.
âą Feelings: Constant worry, dread, uneasiness, fear.
âą Body: Similar to stressâplus restlessness, nausea, heart palpitations.
âą Mind: âWhat if?â thinking, catastrophizing, hard to calm down or feel safe even when things seem okay.
One way to differentiate:
Ask yourself, âIs there a specific thing Iâm reacting to, and will it likely go away soon?â If yes, itâs probably stress. If the worry feels generalized or sticks around no matter what, it leans more toward anxiety.
