How to Check Stress Level?
Checking your stress level can involve several methods, ranging from self-assessment questionnaires to physiological measurements. There's no single perfect way, but a combination of approaches often provides the clearest picture.
Several online quizzes and questionnaires can help gauge your perceived stress level. These tools, like the ones found on Be Mindful Online which uses the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), offer a quick way to assess your subjective experience of stress. Remember, these are self-reports and may not capture the full physiological aspect of stress. Other online resources, such as those offered by Psych Central and Health Central, provide similar self-assessment tools.
Physiological Measurement Methods
More objective measures involve monitoring your body's responses to stress:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Your heart rate doesn't stay perfectly consistent; the variation between heartbeats is HRV. Lower HRV is often associated with higher stress. Devices like the Garmin watches (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/garmin-technology/health-science/stress-tracking/) and apps like StressScan (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stressscan-check-your-stress/id673503525) utilize this measurement.
- Cortisol Levels: This hormone increases during stress. A cortisol test (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cortisol-test/) measures cortisol in blood, urine, or saliva to determine if levels are within a normal range. As noted in a recent article (Medical News Today, August 30, 2023), cortisol levels are one biomarker among others that can help assess stress.
- Brainwave Tests (EEG): Electroencephalography (EEG) measures brainwave activity. Research suggests that specific brainwave patterns are associated with stress responses. (Healthline, December 12, 2022)
Important Note: While biomarkers like HRV and cortisol levels offer valuable physiological data, they shouldn't be considered definitive stress indicators on their own. They provide insights into your body's response but don't fully capture the subjective experience of stress.
Seeking Professional Help
For a comprehensive assessment and personalized management plan, consulting a healthcare or mental health professional is highly recommended. They can provide a thorough evaluation, taking into account both your self-reported experiences and physiological indicators.
