by Monique Wooley
Most of us have heard the cliché used to give positive insight into external pressures that are now largely affecting society at an alarming rate.
“Don’t worry until there’s something to worry about.” or “Stressing, won’t change it.”
Stress and anxiety are two closely related, yet distinct emotional responses that can have significant impact on our overall health and well-being.
The Differences Between Stress and Anxiety:
STRESS is typically caused by an external trigger, such as a work deadline, a fight with a loved one, or a chronic illness. It can lead to mental and physical symptoms like irritability, anger, fatigue, muscle pain, digestive troubles, and difficulty sleeping.
ANXIETY on the other hand, is characterized by persistent, excessive worries that don’t go away even in the absence of a stressor. Anxiety can lead to a similar set of symptoms as stress, including insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability.
The Impact of Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can have serious consequences on our health, including:
Inducing, and promoting cancer development by activating the classic neuroendocrine system and the sympathetic nervous system.
It can also trigger and or worsen gastrointestinal pains and other symptoms such as changes in bowel habits.
Chronic stress can contribute to depression, a mood disorder that makes you feel sad and disinterested in things you usually enjoy.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to manage stress and anxiety, including:
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones. Even starting with short walks outside can make a difference.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help calm the mind and body.
Social Support: Connecting with friends, family, or a therapist can help you feel supported and reduce stress and anxiety.
Healthy Sleep Habits: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress and anxiety. It is important to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night with no electronic device interruptions. (Hit the shut-off button)
By understanding the difference between stress and anxiety and taking steps to manage them, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Here are more immediate tips on how you can manage stress if incorporated into your daily routine.
Focus on where you are now, eliminate toxicity, read books, drink herbal teas, play your favorite song, and spiritually energize yourself through prayer.
Deborah Serani, Psy.D., professor at Adelphi University and author of the award-winning book, “Living with Depression” suggested a method called:
Feed your senses and ground yourself by using the “5,4,3,2,1 Technique” to reduce anxiety so you can relax more readily. “Ask yourself to find 5 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, 4 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.”
