Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. While both are emotional responses, stress is typically caused by an external trigger. Stress is the body’s reaction to a threat, and anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress.

More than three-quarters of adults report symptoms of stress, including headache, tiredness and depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Additionally, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reported that an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety.

Knowing the difference between stress and anxiety can help you better manage these common feelings. This article explains the similarities and differences between them.

Comparing Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can both impact your physical and mental health. Each can result in excessive worry, uneasiness, tension, headaches, body pain, high blood pressure, digestive issues, difficulty concentrating and loss of sleep. Although stress and anxiety may present themselves in similar ways, they have key differences.

Stress is typically a direct response to a specific external cause, such as an important work project or an argument with a partner, that often dissipates once the situation has been resolved. Stress can also have positive and negative results. It may inspire you to perform well at a meeting while causing you to lose sleep. Since it’s usually caused by a specific event or threat, stress is typically a short-term response; however, it can become a chronic condition.

On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of fear, tension or worry in response to a real or perceived threat. It can be accompanied by an increased heart rate, restlessness, sweating, feelings of dread and faster breathing. It is typically defined by constant and excessive worrying that doesn’t go away, even without an identifiable trigger. Anxiety typically lasts longer than stress because it isn’t linked to a specific situation. Some people only experience anxiety occasionally; for others, frequent anxiety can be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Similar strategies can be used to manage or reduce both stress and anxiety. Consider the following techniques to cope with these feelings:

• Keep a journal and write about your feelings in the moment.
• Practice positive self-talk.
• Use relaxation exercises, such as breathing techniques.
• Get regular quality sleep.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Reach out to friends and family and share how you’re feeling.
• Set aside time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy.

If stress or anxiety begins to impact your everyday life, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. A qualified health professional can help you identify potential triggers and create effective coping strategies to decrease their impact. They may also be able to recommend medications and types of therapies to help alleviate symptoms.

Summary

While stress is typically short-term and easily identifiable, and anxiety can be long-lasting with less clear triggers, they can both have negative impacts on your overall health. Consult a doctor or mental health professional for more guidance on these conditions.

When winter arrives—often bringing low temperatures and snowfall with it—the seasonal transition may require you to start periodically shoveling snow. Although this task is necessary to help clear pathways and prevent ice buildup, shoveling snow comes with serious safety risks.

After all, repeated shoveling requires significant physical exertion, which—when paired with the frigid outdoor elements—can take a dangerous toll on your body. That’s why it’s crucial to utilize proper precautions while you shovel snow.

Review the following guidance to learn more about the risks of shoveling snow and what you can do to protect yourself.  

The Risks of Shoveling Snow

The most prevalent risks associated with shoveling snow include:

• Sprains and strains—Because shoveling requires you to repeatedly move potentially heavy amounts of snow in an awkward position for an extended period, this task can easily cause sprains and strains if you aren’t careful. These injuries typically occur in your wrists, shoulders, back and ankles.
• Hypothermia—Working in cold weather can heighten your risk of experiencing hypothermia, which occurs when your body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, drowsiness, shallow breathing, confusion, slurred speech, loss of coordination and unconsciousness. Severe cases of hypothermia can be fatal.
• Frostbite—Working in chilly conditions can also increase your risk of developing frostbite, which entails a freezing of the skin and its underlying tissues. Frostbite can result in stinging, numbness and blistering in the affected areas (usually your fingers, toes or face). If left untreated, frostbite can cause permanent tissue damage.
• Heart complications—If you overexert yourself while shoveling snow, the cold weather could contribute to a sharp rise in your heart rate and blood pressure, thus decreasing your overall blood supply and potentially causing a heart attack—which could be fatal.

General Best Practices

Here are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind when shoveling snow:

• Avoid shoveling immediately after eating or while smoking.
• Take a few minutes to stretch before you begin shoveling to better prepare your body for the physical demands of the task.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift snow while shoveling, use a smaller shovel or only partially fill your shovel with snow to avoid lifting too much at a time. In addition, be sure to lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Don’t overexert yourself. Pay attention to how you feel while you shovel—never work to the point of exhaustion. If you begin to feel overly fatigued, stop shoveling and inform your supervisor.
• When handling large amounts of snow, consider utilizing a snow blower rather than a shovel to avoid the extra labor. However, make sure you are properly trained to do so. Always consult your supervisor before making any equipment changes.
• Make sure you know the key signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach). If you start to experience these symptoms, stop shoveling and call 911 (or ask someone to call for you, if necessary).

How to Prevent Hypothermia and Frostbite

Be sure to implement these additional safety measures to prevent hypothermia and frostbite:

• Always check the weather before working outdoors to properly prepare yourself. Try to limit your time shoveling if weather conditions are extremely cold, wet or windy.
• Make sure you dress appropriately for the task at hand. Wear several loose layers of clothing, a warm hat that fully covers your head and ears, mittens (rather than gloves) and thick socks that will keep your feet dry.

Safety First

Your safety is our first priority. Talk to your supervisor you have any further questions or concerns about shoveling snow.

Snow shoveling safety tips for a safer winter – From our friends at EMC Insurance