Stress and anxiety are two very different things, but both affect people in the same way. Anxiety is typically triggered by specific situations or events, which can lead to stress. Stress is typically caused by a person’s reaction to events that they cannot control, such as conflicts with family members or deadlines at work.
The effects on our health can be far-reaching and permanent: chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes; while long-term anxiety is associated with depression and suicide risk. Also, it is said that stress and anxiety can cause other problems like acid reflux (heartburn), including LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux).
1. What is stress and what are the symptoms of it?
Stress is the physical and emotional tension we feel when we face a challenging situation. Everyone experiences stress at times and it’s normal to have some anxiety, but the body’s response to it is what varies.
Stress can trigger a number of physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and stomach problems. Uncontrolled stress may also lead you to start smoking or drinking more than usual. When your body feels stressed out it’ll crave things that calm you down like chocolate or alcohol. All these things will temporarily relieve your stress, but the effects aren’t long-term.
It’s important to learn how to identify stress symptoms and get a good grasp on what triggers them for you. Noticing the warning signs early on can help you manage physical and emotional reactions better before they become more serious problems.
2. How anxiety can affect your health
Anxiety is the body’s response to stress. When faced with something potentially scary or stressful, your body releases chemicals called neurotransmitters which prepare you to fight-or-flight. Once the threat has passed, these chemicals should leave your system and you go back to normal. If this process occurs too often or lasts too long, it can lead to several serious conditions.
People who suffer from chronic anxiety may experience physical symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are also in correlation with some lesser know conditions like Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), a condition where acid from your stomach backs up into your throat or voice box. LPR symptoms and causes are hoarseness, cough, sore throat, bad taste in your mouth, and postnasal drip. It’s no wonder that it has such a strong bond with anxiety.
3. Tips for reducing anxiety or managing a stressful situation
When it comes to managing stress and anxiety, first things first: take a few deep breaths. Focusing on your breathing can help you slow down and take control of your body’s physical response to stress. It’s also good to take some time for yourself every day. Whether that means taking the dog out for an extra walk or learning how to cook your favorite meal. Whatever it is that relaxes you, give yourself enough time to do this every day.
You could also try some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Not only are these great ways to relax, but they can also help you learn some skills for coping with stress. You can do yoga poses or meditate anywhere you are so you might want to try out in nature. Nature can be relaxing as well as energizing.
Also, it is said that doing your favorite activities can help you reduce stress and anxiety. So try to do something that makes you feel better! Try any activity of your interest whether it’s hiking or watching TV shows. It’s all up to you what you want to do!
4. Know when you should see a doctor
It’s not always easy to make the distinction between stress, depression, and anxiety. Having stress in everyday life is completely normal and fine if you can manage it. However, if you can not handle stress and anxiety alone or feel overwhelmed, it can be helpful to think about whether your symptoms are interfering with your daily life. If the stress is causing you some unpleasant side effects like sleep problems, frequent headaches, digestive issues, substance use, and self-destructive behavior, consider meeting with a doctor. After all, your health is the most important thing you have. Your doctor will identify your symptoms, diagnose the problem, and decide on the proper course of treatment.
The effects of stress and anxiety are short-term if you take the time to learn how your body reacts. By noticing the warning signs early on, you can manage physical and emotional reactions better before they become more serious problems. It’s important that you know when to seek help from a doctor because stress can become unmanageable in some cases. If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, it may be time to think about whether stress is getting out of hand.
