How stressed do you feel?

Cortisol is the predominant hormone associated with stress, with detrimental effects on how the body maintains health and homeostasis. If you want to read more go here.

It's believed the average person has between 50 to 100 stress responses per day.

Our body is in self-repair mode all day and night, except when we are stressed. So if your cortisol levels are too high, your self healing mechanisms will be flipped off.

Do you “agree” or “disagree” with the following? Count the number you agree with.

1. I tend to suffer from tension/ migraine headaches
2. I find myself thinking about finances and making ends meet
3. I wish I could find more to laugh and smile about each day
4. More often than not, I skip breakfast or lunch to get things done
5. If I could change my job situation, I would
6. I wish I had personal more time for leisure pursuits
7. I have lost a good friend or family member recently
8. I am unhappy in my relationship or am recently divorced
9. I haven’t had a quality holiday in a long time
10. I wish that my life had a clear meaning and purpose
11. I tend to eat more than three meals a week outside the home
12. I tend to suffer from chronic pain
13. I don’t tend to have a strong group of friends to whom I can turn
14. I don’t exercise regularly (more than three times per week)
15. I am on prescribed medication for depression
16. My sex life is not very satisfying
17. My family relationships are less than desirable
18. Overall, my self esteem can be rather low
19. I spend no time each day dedicated to meditation or centering
20. I have a hard time falling asleep at night
21. I crave unhealthy foods
22. I gain weight esp around the abdomen, even though I eat well and exercise

Results:

Number of statements you “agree” with:

Less than 5 points: low level of stress and maintaining good coping skills

More than 5 points: You have moderate level of personal stress

More than 10 points: You have high levels of personal stress

More than 15 points: You have an exceptionally high level of stress

This list is by no means exhaustive, but highlights some of the main triggers to stress and cortisol. 

Share your comments and results below.