Stress vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference 

Stress and anxiety can both cause some major health issues both physically, and mentally. Both stress and anxiety are normal responses and emotions, however, sometimes they can become so unmanageable that they may require some professional support. Knowing the difference between the two can be beneficial.

Stress is a normal response in the body caused by the brain and the nervous system. Stress is usually triggered by an event or a situation. Anxiety is a psychological disorder that can develop when the stress response occurs often. Both stress and anxiety occur normally in humans but can become difficult for some people to manage. Research has shown that stress is likely to turn into anxiety when the situation is unpredictable, triggering, and not in a person's control.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural response to feeling overwhelmed, but it can also be a response to positive changes. Stress usually triggers the fight-or-flight response. 

Symptoms of stress 

• Tense muscles 
• Heightened senses 
• Tightness or pain in the neck and shoulders 
• Nausea, or upset stomach 
• Sweating, hot, or cold chills

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come. It is different from fear, which is the body's natural response to immediate danger. Anxiety is part of the body's natural reaction to stress. When feelings of fear or excessive nervousness start to interfere with your daily life, an anxiety disorder may be present.

Symptoms of anxiety 

• Difficulty focusing or concentrating 
• Worst-case scenario & “what if” thinking 
• Insomnia or feeling unrested after sleeping 
• Feeling jumpy or on-edge 
• Feelings of dread or panic 

What causes stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety can have similar causes. If a person is exposed to repeated stressors, they may be susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder.

Triggers of stress 

• Getting a new job or losing a job 
• Moving 
• Traumatic events 
• Dealing with a disability 
• Starting or ending a relationship 

Triggers of anxiety

• Meeting new people 
• Public speaking 
• Social situations 
• The thought of being judged by others 
• A phobia such as spiders, blood, heights, etc.

How can I manage stress and anxiety?

Because stress and anxiety can be so similar, the same coping skills can be beneficial in reducing both. Because people may experience stress and anxiety differently, what may work for one may not work for another. You can read our blog post on “Managing your stress levels” here.  In this blog post, we provide tips to learn how to reduce stress including:

• Improving your quality of sleep 
• Eating a balanced diet
• Being active 
• Meditating 

How Sol Nutrition can help 

No matter how severe your stress or anxiety is, Sol Nutrition can help you regain control over your well-being. Relax Me is a doctor-formulated herbal blend that helps calm you mentally and physically without feelings of drowsiness. Relax Me allows you to unwind without fatigue, provides mood support, and helps you cope with stress, anxiety, irritability, and tension. Calm Focus is another best-seller among those working long hours at a time. Calm Focus helps naturally lower anxiety while helping you stay on task. This formula promotes mental sharpness while relieving irritability, anxiety, and impulsiveness, and promoting a calm body and mind. In addition, to Relax Me & Calm Focus, Happy Day is another personal favorite herbal supplement that may help you cope with stress and anxiety. This dietary supplement helps you maintain a healthy, elevated mood, with balanced energy throughout the day. This supplement is beneficial for those who struggle with mild to moderate depression, promoting happiness, supporting brain function, and providing an uplifted mood and boost of motivation.