Your kids are back in school. Summer schedules are gone, and work is back to being busy. There is so much to do: lunches to make, appointments to remember, emails to answer and somehow never enough hours in the day.
It’s actually pretty normal to feel stressed at this time of year.
But what happens if your worry doesn’t stop? What if you’re lying in bed thinking about everything that could go wrong tomorrow, next week or next month?
You’re not alone; it happens to more people than you think!
Stress and anxiety can feel very similar, but they’re not the same.
Let’s take a closer look at some differences between the two and decide whether you might need a little help from BounceBack® Ontario.
1. Stress usually has a specific reason
Stress is often connected to something happening in your life – right now. When a stressor occurs, your body responds by shifting into emergency mode.
Maybe you’ve got a big deadline at work. Or you’re just making payments on time. Or the new fall routine is hard to manage. If you’re thinking, “I have way too much to deal with right now,” then that’s your stress responding to a specific situation. And when that situation improves, your stress may improve at the same time.
2. Anxiety can make you feel like something bad is going to happen
Anxiety is a little different. You might have a big project coming up or your child is moving away for school, and your brain is telling you all the things that could go wrong. And then it might turn to the next potential or future problem.
- “What if I make a mistake?”
- “What if I can’t handle it?”
- “What if I forgot something?”
That constant worry that something could go wrong or the worst-case scenario could happen can be a sign that anxiety is no longer helpful – it may in fact be harmful.
3. Pay attention to what your body is telling you
Sometimes your body notices stress and anxiety before you do.
You might experience:
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Sleeping problems
- Mood differences
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss or gain of appetite
- Feeling keyed up or on edge
- Becoming tired easily
- Digestive problems
This basic list of symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have anxiety or that something is wrong.
They’re simply signs that your brain and/or body may be under pressure.
4. Get specific about what’s bothering you
Try breaking things down. Are you having difficulties with a friend? Financial troubles? A presentation at work coming up? A recent move? Or maybe it’s a laundry list of worries.
Once you identify what’s actually bothering you, you might be able to change one small thing. Consider what’s in your control and break down the steps you might need to take to make it happen.
Maybe you need to ask for help. Maybe you need to remove something from your schedule. Maybe practice that work presentation with a trusted colleague first. Maybe you need to give yourself permission to leave the clothes in the laundry basket for a while and call a friend instead.
You don’t have to fix everything. Just take things one step at a time.
5. Give your brain a break
When you’re stressed or anxious, it’s easy to spend the entire day thinking about the problem.
Sometimes you need a break from thinking about it. Here are some ideas:
- Put your phone down.
- Go for a walk.
- Sit outside.
- Listen to music.
- Take a shower.
- Take three deep breaths.
- Talk to someone who gets you.
And you don’t have to finish everything on your to-do list before you’re allowed to take a break. If you wait for that day, you may be waiting a really long time.
These activities won’t necessarily solve the problem, but they may just start the process of stemming the tide of stress or anxiety.
Back-to-school stress isn’t just for kids
Everyone experiences stress and worry: kids, teens, and adults. They’re both part of being human. But you don’t have to wait until things become really bad before doing something.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Think about what’s bothering you. Focus on what you can control, and take care of your basic needs.
And if stress or anxiety is starting to interfere with your everyday life, consider reaching out to BounceBack® Ontario for support. We’re here 24/7 to help!
You don’t have to wait until things get really bad before you ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stress and Anxiety in Ontario
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is usually connected to a specific situation or challenge; anxiety is related to fear of future harm or problems.
What are signs of stress and anxiety?
Both can cause symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, headaches, restlessness and changes in appetite.
When should I get help for anxiety?
Think about getting support if anxiety is interfering with your sleep, work, relationships or everyday activities, or if your worrying feels difficult to control.
Is it normal to feel more stressed after school starts?
Yes. Back-to-school season can bring major changes to routines and responsibilities for parents, students and school staff. Give yourself time to adjust, and keep your new routines manageable.
