Your stress profile
Stress can affect your health in significant ways. While this test is not meant to replace an assessment from your doctor, it can give you an idea of whether your level of stress may be impacting your health, and to what degree. More importantly, after completing this quick 5-question self test, you'll find information explaining how stress affects health, and important resources for creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
| 1. |
How would you rate your current level of stress?
| |||||||||
| 2. |
Do you have an effective, positive way of dealing with stress?
| |||||||||
| 3. |
In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?
| |||||||||
| 4. |
Do you exercise 20 -30 minutes at least three times a week?
| |||||||||
| 5. |
During the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?
| |||||||||
YOUR STRESS LEVEL IS LOW (score 0-5)
Low stress is associated with a healthier life, less fatigue and more peace of mind. So, you'll want to maintain this level. Keep practicing the stress management strategies that are working for you. But watch for any signs and symptoms of increasing stress, including headache, indigestion, mood swings or increased anger. If you find yourself feeling more stressed, you have two options.
You can start by identifying sources of stress that you can eliminate. Consider internal stressors, such as fears or unrealistic expectations, as well as external stressors, such as family or work demands. Or you can seek out new strategies for coping, including exercise, painting, humour or simply saying no.
YOUR STRESS LEVEL IS MODERATE (score 6-10)
Over time, even moderate levels of stress can have serious health consequences. So, it's important to address stress now. Stress is what you experience when the level of your stressors exceeds your ability to cope. To lower your stress level, you have two options.
You can start by identifying sources of stress that you can eliminate. Consider internal stressors, such as fears or unrealistic expectations, as well as external stressors, such as family or work demands. Next, seek out effective strategies for coping with stress, including exercise, painting, and humour or simply saying no.
YOUR STRESS LEVEL IS HIGH (score 11-15)
A high level of stress puts you at increased risk of serious health consequences, including obesity, heart disease and depression. Take steps to lower your level now.
Stress is what you experience when the level of your stressors exceeds your ability to cope. To lower your stress level, you have two options.
You can start by identifying sources of stress that you can eliminate. Consider internal stressors, such as fears or unrealistic expectations, as well as external stressors, such as family or work demands. Next, seek out effective strategies for coping with stress, including exercise, painting, and humour or simply saying no. If you need help identifying stress management strategies, talk to your health care provider.
Written and Endorsed by Ronald Abvajee – MYPERSONALTRAINER
The information contained on this page expresses the views of the author and may not necessarily represent the views of Pfizer
