Am I Anxious or Stressed?
Understanding the difference between everyday stress and the anxiety 'alarm system'.
We often use 'stress' and 'anxiety' interchangeably, but knowing the difference is key to feeling better. Stress is typically a response to an external cause, like a deadline or argument, and subsides once the situation is resolved. Anxiety, however, is an internal reaction—your body's 'fight or flight' system getting stuck in the 'ON' position, often persisting even when there is no immediate threat.
How it works:
When anxiety takes over, it's not just 'in your head'—it's physiological. You might feel palpitations, dizziness, or a knot in your stomach. Recognizing these physical signs is the first step. By using somatic tools like the '5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique', you can signal safety to your brain and dampen the adrenaline response.
Other Info:
Learn to distinguish between situational stress and chronic anxiety.
Identify physical symptoms like racing heart or muscle tension.
Use grounding tools to regain calm in the moment.
