There's A Healthy Difference Between Stress And Anxiety
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

There's A Healthy Difference Between Stress And Anxiety

Blessed to be stressed

2402
There's A Healthy Difference Between Stress And Anxiety
Instagram // Meredith Scroggin

A few things about anxiety and stress...


I’ve learned to not use the phrase “I’m anxious” so lightly because there are so many situations that don’t cause anxiety. They cause stress. And the two things, though frequently used interchangeably, are not the same thing.

Stress, by definition, is something our body uses to motivate us to get something done. A high-stress situation can be one with a long to-do list of errands, or a high-stress situation can be one in the midst of danger. It causes adrenaline to motivate us to do better so we get things done.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is not the same thing. It is crippling. It prevents anything, even the smallest of tasks, to get done. It takes over your whole mind, whole body. It tells you that though you have one large stressful situation, nothing even little can be taken care of. It makes your cheeks warm, your hands fidgety, your stomach uneasy, and your mind all over the place.

There is a difference. You can feel yourself studying for a test and you feel calm. There is no need to throw up and you can think clearly. The web of fear and thoughts that used to be impossible to peer through to is gone and you can take things step by step. You don’t tense up at an email that comes your way. The prospect of having to write a paper doesn’t make you sweat and tremble. It merely provides stress that lets you be your best self and pushes you to get your stuff done. You can finish an assignment and feel good about it without worrying that every single thing must be fixed.

Anxiety feeds into your veins and cripples your whole body. Having a wash over of anxiety makes you throw up before tests, unable to think through any situation, and have an overall feeling of dread about your day and about your life.

So when people ask me how I’m doing and how my school work is going, I don’t say “I’m anxious” anymore because I know the difference. I am not too blessed to be stressed, I am blessed to be stressed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55345
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35668
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957708
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

185479
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments