Understanding Anxiety and Stress

Two related but different experiences

Stress is typically a response to an external pressure — a deadline, a conflict, a big change. Anxiety can occur even without a clear external trigger, and often involves persistent worry about what might happen.

How they show up in the body

Both stress and anxiety can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response: a faster heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating.

What tends to help

• Regular physical movement
• Consistent sleep routines
• Breathing and grounding techniques
• Limiting stimulants like caffeine when anxious
• Professional support for persistent symptoms

If anxiety is frequent, intense, or affecting daily functioning, a licensed clinician can help identify the best path forward.