In this article, we will have a look at the physical symptoms of Stress and Anxiety. We also talk about some of the most effective treatments for stress and anxiety.
Stress is our body’s reaction to pressure. Stress may be caused by a variety of conditions or life events. It is frequently triggered when we encounter something novel, unexpected, or threatening to our sense of self, or when we believe we have little control over a situation.
When we are stressed, our bodies create stress hormones, which cause us to fight or flee and activate our immune system. This allows us to react rapidly in risky circumstances.
This stress reaction can be beneficial at times. However, excessive stress might have detrimental consequences.
Types of Stress

- Acute Stress:- This is a temporary tension that will pass. When you slam on the brakes, quarrel with your spouse, or ski down a steep hill, you feel it. It assists you in dealing with potentially harmful circumstances. It can also happen when you accomplish something novel or intriguing. Everyone experiences intense stress at some point in their lives. (Source)
- Chronic Stress:- This type of stress lasts for a longer amount of time. If you have money troubles, an unpleasant marriage, or problems at work, you may be suffering from chronic stress. Chronic stress is defined as any sort of stress that lasts for weeks or months. Chronic stress might become so habitual that you don’t recognize it’s an issue. Stress can cause health problems if you don’t learn how to control it. (Source)
Anxiety
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear, dread, and unease. It may cause you to sweat, feel agitated and anxious, and have a racing heart. It might be a natural stress reaction. You may have anxiety when confronted with a challenging situation at work, before taking a test, or before making an important choice.
Difference between Stress and Anxiety
Stress is a reaction to an external source, such as a tight deadline at work or a fight with a friend, and it goes away after the problem is settled. Because stress is generated by outside circumstances, confronting them might be beneficial. If you have long-term, chronic stress, there are numerous techniques to manage and lessen your symptoms, such as physical activity, breathing exercises, proper sleep, and making time to interact with people.
Anxiety is a person’s individual reaction to stress; it has an internal source. Anxiety is defined as a “continuous sensation of anxiety or dread” in situations that are not genuinely dangerous. Anxiety, unlike stress, continues long after a concern has passed. In more severe situations, anxiety can progress to anxiety disorder, the most frequent mental health problem in the United States. Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are all types of anxiety disorders (PTSD).
Download this free guidebook to effectively control stress.
Physical Symptoms of Stress:
- Jaw clenching or muscle tightness.
- Stomach or intestinal issues.
- Pains and achesHaving sex is difficult.
- Immune system weakness.
- Chest discomfort or the sensation that your heart is beating.
- Exhaustion or difficulty sleeping.
- Headaches, dizziness, or trembling.
- High Blood Pressure.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
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Strategies to Manage Physical Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety
It’s normal to feel stressed and anxious from time to time, and there are measures you may take to make them less severe.
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. These strategies can be used in conjunction with medication anxiety therapies.
Techniques to reduce stress and anxiety include:
- meditating.
- exercising on a regular basis.
- reducing coffee and alcohol intake.
- obtaining adequate sleep by confiding in close ones about your feelings.
- making time for hobbies and activities that offer you joy.
- maintaining a record of your emotions and the things that make you stressed.
- doing breathing exercises.