women biting a pencil looking at a computer

Stress and Anxiety

Various stress levels drift in and out of our lives daily, and as we mature, we learn to deal with it. But when stress leads to anxiety, it can become chronic, and prevent us from living a productive, healthy life. Unfortunately, our brains have tricked us into thinking that anxiety is necessary to get things done and perform well. When in fact, just the opposite is true. Left untreated chronic anxiety can lead to serious health issues in your physical, mental, or emotional life. 

What is it?

What do I need to know about stress?

Stress can be such a constant presence in our lives that sometimes we simply give up and give in to it. Quite often stress hides in plain sight. We don’t know exactly what it looks like, or what causes it, but we just know that it’s constantly there, because we feel it. Also, we don’t understand why stress always seems to find us, even when we do our best to avoid it. If you’d like to learn more about stress, what causes it, and how stress affects your health, then the Awareness path is where to start. 

The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook By Davis, Eshelman, McKay, & Fanning

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the go-to source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the busiest lives.

Ted Talks - Playlist to Manage Stress By TedTalks

If you are looking to manage stress in your life, there is no shortage of valuable resources. Of course, if you are stressed, it might be impossible to navigate the resources without sending yourself into overwhelm. This curated list of TedTalks will help you manage stress and get you started in a positive direction.

Tools for Managing Stress & Anxiety from Huberman Lab By Huberman Lab Podcast

This episode explains what stress is, and how it recruits our brain and body to react in specific ways. I describe the three main types of stress, and how two of them actually enhance the function of our immune system making us less vulnerable to infections. I review tools that allow us to control our stress in real-time, as well as tools to prevent long-term stress, burnout, and stress-induced illness and anxiety. As always, we cover behavioral tools and supplements that can assist or hinder stress control.

How big an issue is this for me?

How can I find out if I suffer from stress-related anxiety?

Left untreated, chronic stress can lead to anxiety. And then how does that affect the rest of your health? Studies have shown that stress can lead to physical ailments, as well as emotional concerns, such as mood swings, depression, and anger issues. Determining if you have stress (or stress-related anxiety) in your life may not be clear if you don’t know the definition and foundations of stress to begin with. If you’d like to learn more about stress, what causes it, and how stress affects your health, then the Assessment path is the right place for you. 

Stressproof by Susan Choi By Susan Choi

Hold on to your brain because High-Performance Stress Management Coach Susan Choi is going to blow you away with how to regain control over your mind when it comes to STRESS. You’ll learn directly from Susan to help you better understand why a smart person like you is struggling with stress, worry, and anxiety. If you’re starting to play small in order to avoid feeling bad, then this podcast is for you. Don’t let stress be the ultimate blocker to your success. Let’s get back to living an optimal life.

Mental Health Screening Tools By Mental Health America

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

What solutions are available to me?

How can I reduce the stress in my life?

Once it’s clear that you suffer from stress, or stress-related anxiety, then you’ll want to reduce, or eliminate, it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, stress is not one of those health issues that have a singular cause and treatment. Choosing a course of action depends on your situation, and your ability to address it; sometimes you can do it alone, but quite often you’ll need help. In this case, the Solutions section helps you explore various ways to not only relieve stress and anxiety but keep them at bay, as well.

myStrength app

Elevate your emotional well-being effortlessly with the myStrength app. Wherever and whenever you require support, you'll find a tailored path designed to meet your preferences, providing access to proven tools for managing stress, depression, sleep, and more. Engage with a vast array of activities, articles, and videos to expand your knowledge, while honing techniques that foster tranquility, inspiration, and a renewed sense of hope.

Apps to Reduce Stress By Multiple

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life. Mindfulness training teaches you how to take a step back from both stress and anxiety, so you’re better prepared to respond to stressful thoughts and situations.

NAMI - National Association on Mental Illness By NAMI

During difficult times, the NAMI HelpLine is here for you. HelpLine volunteers are working to answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. The resources on this page provide information to address many needs and concerns. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or helpline@nami.org.

Phone Number
Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind By Dr. Jud Brewer

This easy-to-use self-administered patient questionnaire is used as a screening tool and severity measure for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).