Stress Management Techniques: Distinguishing Stress from Anxiety

Stress management techniques are true lifesavers. This is especially true when it comes to both stress and anxiety. Stress is a ‘popular’ condition that can easily lead to anxiety. Oftentimes, many people confuse stress with anxiety, treating them as equals. But, stress and anxiety are two separate health issues. Although these manifest with similar symptoms, they affect the body in different ways. Regardless, stress management techniques are able to help in both cases. What you need to know before you start treatment, is how to tell the difference between the two.

Background

Typically, stress happens instantly. In fact, you might experience it at home, at work, or anywhere else. Usually, the issue happens on its own. The problem with stress is that anxiety occurs as a direct result of it. Out of the two, stress is less aggressive but still very serious. For that, stress management can help you define the problem and later solve it.

Common Causes

Stress is instant. It erupts out of nowhere, and it continues to thrive. Usually, what defines it are frustration, anger, uncertainty, and nervousness. Also, you may sometimes feel afraid or threatened. Therefore, stress can increase adrenaline production, and lead to hypertension and muscle contractions. Because of these, applying stress management techniques is essential.

From Stress to Anxiety

Feeling overwhelmed is sudden, yet impactful. If you have experienced stress, you will likely experience anxiety as well. Anxiety represents a more serious form of the disease. It also introduces many threatening symptoms. Anxiety is one of the most common diseases today, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety happens if stress is not resolved in time. We can tell the difference between stress and anxiety through many symptoms. In cases of anxiety, the symptoms are shortness of breath, social uneasiness, worry, and exhaustion. Other anxiety indications include body aches, dizziness, and panic attacks. Anxiety is not a condition to ignore. Actually, it requires medical attention at once. That said, stress management techniques can be very successful in preventing anxiety ahead of time.

Making a Difference 

Stress is a more basic version of anxiety. Actually, stress is the leading cause of anxiety. By ignoring stress, you might complicate your condition and suffer anxiety and panic attacks. In many cases, experts use stress management to prevent anxiety altogether. Of course, you may already be suffering from it. In that case, certain techniques can help you treat it effectively.

Stress Management Techniques for Anxiety

Even though anxiety is far more complex than stress, some tools can manage it successfully. Anxiety characterizes both physically and emotionally. Accordingly, it can cause mouth dryness, diarrhea, insomnia and lack of focus. To manage both conditions, experts suggest stress management as a treatment. Still, the approach in both cases is very different.

How to Implement Stress Management and Treat Stress?

As we said, you first have to know what condition you are dealing with. If stress alone is the diagnosis, there are several techniques to help you manage it. A proper nutrition, a good night sleep, and hydration can contribute to eliminating it completely. Also, leading an active lifestyle can help you dispose of the condition.

How to Apply Stress Management and Treat Anxiety?

Stress management works differently with anxiety. First of all, it is good to know that meds can easily lead to anxiety. Surely, this causes a major red flag for your health. Second of all, consuming caffeinated drinks or alcohol can also turn stress into anxiety. Other factors that also affect the condition include decongestants, asthma medications, antidepressants, drugs and even diet pills.

Common Ground

Both stress and anxiety can happen due to numerous other factors. These include a Vitamin B12 deficiency, PTSD, and adrenal gland problems. The best way to treat both is through a medical diagnosis. Thence, a doctor’s appointment will help you implement stress management techniques correctly. Consequently, you will be able to eliminate both conditions in no time.