U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Stress Test

Below are some questions that have been adapted from a test developed for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.  By taking the test, you can learn more about your own stress level.  You may be very surprised at your results.

 ______If you feel you have a supportive family, give yourself ten points.

______If you have a hobby you enjoy, give yourself ten points.

______If you belong to a social group (other than family), that meets at least once a month, give          yourself ten points.

______If you are within five pounds of your ideal weight, give yourself fifteen points.

______If you practice some form of deep relaxation technique at least three times a week (e.g.,           meditation, yoga, etc.), give yourself ten points.

______For each day during the course of an average week that you get at least thirty minutes of  brisk exercise, give yourself five points.

______For each nutritionally balanced, wholesome meal that you eat during an average day,  give        yourself five points.

______If during the course of an average week, you plan and do something you really enjoy (just for    you!), give yourself five points.

______If there's somewhere in your home you can go to for relaxation and to be by yourself,  give       yourself  ten points.

______If you practice "time management" skills in your daily life, give yourself ten points.

______Subtract five points for each pack of cigarettes you smoke in an average day.

______Subtract ten points for each time during the day of an average week that you use alcohol or      other drugs to help you relax.

______Subtract five points for each evening during an average week that you use alcohol or other        drugs to help you relax.

______Subtract five points for each evening during an average week that you bring office work home.

 What's your score?  An "average" score is about fifty-sixty points, and a "perfect" score is one hundred-twenty points (120).  The higher your score, the greater the chance is that you cope well with the stress in your life.  But if your score is really low, you may need to consider including some stress-relieving activities in your life.