Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably and share some common symptoms.
Here are just a few of the common symptoms
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilating
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Irritability
- Digestive problems like constipation, bloating and or diarrhoea.
So are you suffering from stress, anxiety or a mixture of both?
The root cause of stress and anxiety tend to be different but there are overlaps in the symptoms which can make it difficult to decide which is affecting you. Of course it could be a mixture of both stress and anxiety feeding each other. You are stressed so you are anxious – you are anxious so you are stressed!
Stress is a normal response to a situation or event that feels challenging.
Some examples of stressful situation could be:
- A demanding job,
- Relationship problems
- Money worries.
Anxiety comes from excessive fear and worry, even when there is no apparent treat. Which can be triggered by stressful or traumatic events in early childhood or adulthood or a current stressful situation.
Stress can be useful in short bursts to help inspire you or motivate you and focuses your energies. But long-term stress is not a good thing and needs addressing.
Sadly, almost ¾ of the UK population have suffer from stress or anxiety at some point in the past year that has left them feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. (Mentalhealthorg)

Reflexology can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
It is especially beneficial when used alongside other natural remedies such as eating a healthier diet, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine consumption, getting better sleep, and taking regular exercise.
Reflexology can also be used together with conventional treatments such as CBT and antidepressants.
Reflexology works by applying gentle pressure to reflex areas in the feet which correspond to different parts of the body.
The special massage used by reflexologists unblocks nerve endings in the feet, rebalances the lymphatic and endocrine system and boosts the circulation.
In this way, reflexology induces a state of calm throughout your body and mind, leaving you feeling less stressed and anxious.
For more information on how reflexology may be able to help you please give me a call on 07835 340940 or visit my reflexology page on this website.