Life on earth isn't easy for anyone and going through stress from time to time is truly inevitable. We usually experience stress in our finances, work, education, or family, and it's not always a bad thing. Stress can actually be good for you at times. There are times you will need stress in order to be more productive. 

Stress that isn't too intense or long-lasting will actually make you more resilient and better at problem-solving. Anxiety on the other hand, as mentioned in Proverbs 12:25, will weigh you down. So what is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress vs. anxiety: How to Tell the Difference

The terms stress and anxiety are sometimes used interchangeably. In fact one of the reason that the two terms often get the confused is that both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body by causing the below symptoms:

• Excessive worry

• Uneasiness

• Tension

• Headaches or body pain

• High blood pressure

• Loss of sleep

• Anxiety disorders

While both stress or anxiety there are several important distinctions between stress and anxiety.

Stress

Stress is usually caused by current external pressures in our lives. Things like a deadline at work, an exam at school, planning a wedding, or preparing to preach can all cause stress.

These are things that cannot be avoided but can be managed. Stress as a result of pressure can be good.  For example, stress can trigger resilience, problem solving, and adaptation to everyday challenges. Most athletes will tell you they perform their best when the pressure (i.e., stress is on). However, when stress  goes unmanaged for too long, it can be devastating.

According to some studies, unresolved stress or chronic stress is responsible for up to 80% of all disease and mental illness. It can raise the risk of developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, alcohol abuse, depression and anxiety in the long run.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

-Psalm 55:22

Like this content on FacebookAnxiety 

After learning about stress, people often ask what the difference between stress and anxiety.  Anxiety is actually a result of stress. Stress that is left unresolved for a long time can cause anxiety and anxiety disorders. Just like how experiencing the good type of stress makes you a resilient problem solver, experiencing the bad type makes you feel the complete opposite.

Anxiety is feeling fearful of what could happen next. You do not feel resilient nor do you feel like you can solve the problems that may lie ahead. You usually assume the worst, and it causes symptoms like dizziness, panic attacks, sweaty palms, and shortness of breath.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:34

Key Difference between Anxiety and Stress

In short, the easiest way to tell stress and anxiety apart is this: Stress is triggered by what's happening now, externally, such as a deadline you have to meet. If you meet the deadline it will turn out to be positive stress, but if you miss it could lead to those negative effects. You might become anxious about the next deadline and that's where anxiety comes in.

Anxiety, unlike stress, remains even after the fact, for example, you might still feel anxious after meeting the next deadline. Anxiety is also usually an internal response to something that will happen in the future. Left untreated, anxiety symptoms can develop in to an anxiety disorder  (i.e., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, acute stress disorder).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7

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How To Manage Your Stress or Anxiety 

Managing your stress and anxiety might require a bit of trial and error. Everyone is different, so exercises that work for others won't necessarily work for you. That's why it's important to keep working on it until you find what works for you. Here are a few things you can try:

Meditate on God's Word and Pray 

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13

The above verses reminds of God's promises to us.  When you are feelings stress or anxious, meditation and pray God's Word can bring relief.  You can pray these 10 scriptures to pray back to God when you are stress or these 10 scriptures pray back to God when you are anxious. 

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is one thing that helps most people. Everybody can do it, at any time to help them manage stress and anxiety. 

You should learn how to do this exercise when you’re calm so that you know how to use it when you’re stressing. 

Inhale and count to four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, now exhale for four seconds. Repeat.  Be sure to read more about the power of deep breathing.  

Honor the Message 

We experience all of our feelings for a purpose.  Believe it or not, there are benefits to feeling anxious and stress.  When you begin to feel strong emotions as yourself the following questions: 1) What are some positive aspects, advantages, or benefits of me feeling this way right now?  2)What is this feeling attempting to bring my attention to?  How do I respond in a way that honors this feeling and God.  

Exercise

Not many people enjoy daily exercise but the people who do have definitely seen the benefits of it. Exercising every day can reduce stress and help you feel more energetic throughout the day.

Journal

It's normal to experience good things and bad things on any given day. Journaling will help you focus on what's good while working on what's not. It's a great way to de-stress and feel more in control of things. Check out the additional benefits of journaling in this post.

Remember, stress when managed can push you forward but anxiety will weigh you down. So do all you can to manage your stress before it triggers anxiety. Cast your burdens on the one who cares for you, and all will be well. 

Finial Thoughts on Stress and Anxiety 

Whether your problems are caused by stress, anxiety, or both, it is critical to know when to seek professional assistance. Treatment can assist you in managing your emotions and reactions, thereby decreasing stress and anxiety in your life and help prevent mental illness. You can find a Christian therapist or Christian life coach near you by searching our database here: Local Christian therapists and Life Coaches

If you need additional ideas on how to manager stress/anxiety, check out this article where Christian therapist share additional recommendations for managing stress.

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About the Author: 

Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting  www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams.  In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merch that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subjects in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at  www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2

Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing

Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here:  Christians Therapist Near Me