Is It Anxiety or Just Being Human?

It’s normal to feel nervous before a big meeting, replay a conversation in your head, or worry about something important. These moments are part of being human. Our brains are wired to notice potential problems and keep us safe.

However, when those worries start to take over, when you can’t turn your mind off, or your body always feels tense, then it might be more than just everyday stress.

Everyday Worry vs. Anxiety

Everyday worry tends to:

• Come and go depending on what’s happening

• Stay focused on a specific event or situation

• Ease once the issue is resolved or addressed

Anxiety, on the other hand, often feels like:

• A constant hum of “what if” thoughts, even when things are fine

• Physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, or a racing heart

• Trouble relaxing, sleeping, or concentrating

• A sense of dread you can’t quite explain

If your worry feels stuck “on” all the time, it may be your nervous system signaling that it’s overwhelmed. Not broken, just overworked.

Why It Can Be Hard to Tell the Difference

Anxiety can sneak up slowly, especially when you’ve been under stress for a long time. Many people describe feeling like they’re “just high-strung” or “bad at relaxing,” when really, their body has been living in a state of alert for years.

It’s also easy to dismiss symptoms when they’ve become your normal. You may not even realize how much energy you spend managing anxious thoughts until you begin to feel calm again.

How to Ground Yourself When You’re Unsure

When you’re caught between “is this anxiety or just stress?”, try these gentle steps:

1. Pause and notice your body.

   What sensations do you feel? Tightness, warmth, restlessness, a pit in your stomach? Your body often gives clues before your mind does.

2. Name what’s happening.

   Simply saying “I’m feeling anxious” can bring awareness and reduce intensity.

3. Engage your senses.

   Look around and name five things you see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste. This helps bring you back to the present moment.

4. Remind yourself: you’re safe right now.

   Anxiety tries to pull you into the future, but grounding helps remind your body that this moment is okay.

   
   

When to Reach Out for Support

If your anxiety feels constant, impacts your sleep, relationships, or ability to focus, therapy can help.Working with a therapist provides tools to calm your nervous system, challenge anxious thought patterns, and find relief that lasts, not just temporary distraction.

You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to reach out.

Therapy isn’t about labeling you as “anxious”; it’s about helping you feel more like yourself again.