Measuring Stress – Existing Tools

You can measure a lot of things, but stress may not have an accurate tool. However, there are several ways on how you can gauge the level of your stress. You can also check out the categories to find out if you are at risk for developing further problems like depression or developing illness from the stress. It is important that you discover the problems early so that you can find the right means to reducing it before things get worse. Here are tips.

The Stress Assessment

Stress assessment tests are described as questionnaires that can be filled up to provide a full idea of the individuals present stress level. The stress level may be categorized anywhere between low and high. A number of questionnaires are made by top agencies and well-known health institutions. These may be available in a multiple choice format, essay format or yes or no format, depending on the case and the source. Questions are asked covering the person’s feelings, current condition and other symptoms and factors.

Stress Meters

There are actually stress meters available which are described as a glass tube that is linked to a plastic card. This measures the temperature of the individual to know the current stress level. Stress meters may be held just below the finger or taped to it to provide the right temperature reading and the probable stress level. There is a manual provided with the stress meter to guide the person how to interpret the readings show on the device.

Using Biodots

Biodots are described as plastic squares or circles that can accurately measure the temperature inside the body. People usually peel off the biodots from the paper then stick these to the skin just between the thumb and the forefinger. The biodot will change colors based on the current level of stress that the person is going through. Red color usually shows high stress level, while blue or green usually presents a relaxed condition.

Stress Exams

Individuals can also check themselves independently to know the mental and physical symptoms of stress. A number of symptoms that may be displayed include high pulse, shallow breathing, profuse sweating and fast heartbeats. Individuals who go through a lot of stress can check if they are tensed in some muscles like the forehead and shoulders, then relax these accordingly to get rid of tension soreness.

Individuals who are going through a lot of stress might also present symptoms and conditions like having a fever, feeling tired or drowsy all the time, not showing interest in activities and work, not focusing or concentrating well, having a hard time remembering things or getting irritable or angry easily.

The Pros

Some professionals are also well-trained to measure the symptoms of the person and indicate if they need help and which type. Mild stress can easily be treated with exercise, sleep and good nutrition, moderate stress will require social interaction and other de-stressing methods, while severe stress will need medications or psychotherapy, depending on the case and the response of the individual to treatment.