Stress

Are pressure and stress the same?

We’ve all had those days where everything feels like a lot, juggling work, family, finances, and still trying to find time for ourselves. You might describe it as being under pressure, or say you’re feeling stressed. But are pressure and stress actually the same thing?

What is pressure?

Pressure is the demand or expectation placed on us, at work, at home, or in our personal lives. It could be a deadline to meet, a target to hit, or simply getting everyone out the door on time in the morning.

The amount of pressure we’re under can change from day to day, and most of the time it’s manageable. In fact, a certain amount of pressure is healthy, it keeps us focused, energised, and motivated to do our best.

Think of it like a tyre:

• With the right amount of pressure, it runs smoothly and efficiently.
• With too little, it runs flat and performance drops.

We all need a bit of pressure to stay engaged and productive. The key is finding the right balance.

What is stress?

Stress happens when the pressure becomes too much, when the demands on us exceed what we feel able to cope with. This could be one big event, like an unexpected bill or a family emergency, or it could be a build-up of smaller pressures over time.

Using the tyre analogy again:

• Add too much pressure, and things start to strain.
• Keep adding more, and eventually, it bursts.

That’s what stress feels like, a sense that we’re no longer in control, and that our usual ways of coping aren’t working as well as they used to.

The key difference

Pressure can be positive - it helps us rise to challenges, learn, and achieve.Stress is negative - it happens when that pressure becomes overwhelming or unrelenting.

Situation	Pressure	Stress
A project deadline at work	Motivates you to plan and focus	Keeps you awake worrying about it
Getting children ready for school	A busy but manageable routine	Feeling constantly rushed and irritable
Financial planning	Encourages budgeting and discipline	Feeling panicked or hopeless about money

Everyone’s tipping point is different, but recognising when pressure starts to turn into stress is the first step to managing it.

Signs pressure might be turning into stress

You might notice:

• Feeling anxious, tense or irritable
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue
• Withdrawing from others

If this sounds familiar, it may be time to take a step back and look for ways to bring things back into balance.

Top tips to manage pressure before it becomes stress

• Prioritise what matters most. Focus on what truly needs to be done today, and let go of what can wait.
• Take short breaks. Even a few minutes away from your workspace can help you reset and recharge.
• Talk it out. Sharing how you feel with someone you trust, a friend, colleague, or manager, can lighten the load.
• Look for small wins. Breaking big tasks into smaller steps helps make things feel more manageable.
• Notice the signs early. If you’re losing sleep, snapping at others, or feeling constantly on edge, it might be time to slow down.
• Reach out for support. Whether it’s through your employer, GP, or Ben’s free and confidential support services, help is available. You don’t have to face it alone.

Finding Balance

A little pressure can help us perform at our best, but too much can tip us into stress. By understanding the difference, and taking steps to manage pressure before it builds, we can protect our wellbeing and stay in control, both at work and at home.

If you’re struggling with stress or finding it hard to cope, Ben is here to help.