Tools for Measuring Stress

In the 21st century working environment with its high-pressure demands and long work hours, stress is a common malady that can affect anyone. If you work in a potentially high-stress environment, it is important to recognize chronic stress by using one of several tools for measuring stress. If stress levels are high for a long period of time, you can then work to learn relaxation techniques and remove stressors to avoid medical problems and increase your quality of life.

Stress Assesment Tests

• Stress Assessment Tests are questionnaires that can be completed to give a general idea of a person's current level of stress, from low to moderate to high levels. Most questionnaires, such as the one from the Mayo Clinic (see Resources for a link), use a multiple-choice format and ask questions about the level of control that the person feels in her life and how often the person feels overwhelmed.

Biodots

• Biodots are plastic squares or circles that measure body temperature. People typically peel biodots off their paper and stick them to the skin between the thumb and forefinger. The biodot changes color depending on the person's estimated stress level, with a red color typically indicating high stress and green or blue indicating a relaxed state.

Stress Meters

• A stress meter is a glass tube stapled to a plastic card that measures the temperature of the user to determine the stress level. Stress meters can be taped to a finger or held underneath a finger to give a temperature reading and an estimated level of stress. A manual is usually included with a stress meter to help the user interpret the temperature readings.

Self-Examinations

• People can check themselves for physical symptoms of stress. Such symptoms of stress include a high pulse, sweating and rapid and shallow breathing. People who tend to be highly stressful can check to see if they are tensing up certain muscles, such as the shoulders or forehead, and then relax them to avoid tension soreness.