Stress Assessment

There will always be stressors; people, events and situations in our lives that upset our lives. The best we can do is learn how to manage ourselves in our stress response to ensure the best quality of life for ourselves and for our loved ones.

It’s important not to let your stress get out of control because it can lead to both physical and mental health issues, work-related stress and relationship problems.

Below are two lists to help you assess if you are stressed. It's impossible to complete these two lists, simply because stress behaviours and signs and symptoms of stress are so diverse; we are all so different, one size will never fit all.

Doing some stress management workshops or stress and burnout coaching and counselling will help you manage your stress and burnout better, improve the quality of your relationships and your life in general.

Some signs and symptoms of stress

Headaches, jaw clenching, grinding teeth.

Tight or tense muscles/ stiff body.

Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms.

Ringing, buzzing or popping sounds.

Blushing. Cold or sweaty hands and feet.

Dry mouth, problems swallowing.

Rashes, itching, hives.

Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea.

Constipation and/or diarrhoea.

Panic attacks.

High heart rate.

High blood pressure.

Irregular eating habits; increased or decreased appetite, weight gain or loss.

Diminished sexual desire or performance.

Excessive anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness.

Trouble learning new information. Forgetfulness, disorganisation, confusion.

Difficulty making decisions.

Loss of control.

Little interest in appearance and punctuality.

Nervous habits; fidgeting, feet tapping.

Reduced work efficiency or productivity.

Lies or excuses to cover up poor work.

Rapid or mumbled speech.

Problems in communication and sharing.

Social withdrawal and isolation.

Constant tiredness, weakness and fatigue.

Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs.

Burnout

Some stress behaviours

Are you emotionally eating and/or binge eating during the night? Are you putting on weight?

Are you constantly on the defense and suspicious?

Are you having trouble managing your daily responsibilities and relationships?

Are you unable to focus on the important things and people in your life?

Are you having trouble with motivation, concentration, focusing, listening and reacting?

Are your negative thoughts and behaviours overwhelming you?

Are your important relationships difficult to cope with?

Are you just not interested anymore?

Is a good nights sleep eluding you? 7-8 hours a night.

Do you regularly feel you are walking on eggshells?

Have you increased smoking, your alcohol intake and/ or your drug use?

Are your negative and stressful thoughts upsetting you?

Do you know which is more stressful for you, your work-life or your home life?

Do you experience physical aches and pains which you cannot explain and your doctor cannot help you with?

Are your signs and symptoms of stress getting out of hand?

Are you feeling stressed at home and at work?

Are you regularly impatient or in a constant hurry?

Do you often feel restless and tense?

Are you anxious, even when there is no reason to be?

Are you gambling excessively or impulse buying?

Are people avoiding you?

Are you constantly irritable and/ or frustrated?

Do you just want to be left alone and in peace, with no one disturbing you, most of the time?

If you recognise a lot of the signs and symptoms of stress above and have answered the majority of questions under stress behaviours with yes, you most likely are suffering from too much stress. Don't wait too long to talk to someone or get help. The journey back from chronic stress and burnout can be a long and difficult one, avoid it while you can by finding a qualified stress and burnout coach/counsellor.

We are always available for a chat. Give us a call at (0031) 0652898604 or click this button to email us.