What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is generally a response to an identifiable external demand and typically subsides when the demand does — a deadline, an exam, a difficult period. Anxiety tends to persist beyond the trigger, often attaches to anticipated rather than present threats, and can appear without an obvious cause. Stress is not inherently harmful; short-term stress with recovery periods is normal and can improve performance. The problems arise when it is chronic and without recovery. Practically, if the feeling does not resolve when circumstances improve, that is the point at which it is worth exploring further.