Stress is not necessarily a bad thing—it can be a stimulus for positive

change and growth. But excess stress can be detrimental. You can feel the

effects of stress from one single large event or as a series of small ones

accumulate. Even a small stressor in your life like a mild, but chronic

illness, a daily commute or ever-present background noise, if sustained or

combined with other stressors, can take its toll. Research shows that as

stress builds, you may become more susceptible to physical illness,

mental and emotional problems, and accidental injuries.

Awareness is the first step in coping with stress. Taking the following test

will give you a moment out of your busy life to tune in to your own stress

signals. Some of the following symptoms could indicate a medical

condition that warrants prompt attention, so if the symptoms persist or

worsen, see your physician. However, there’s a good chance they are

signs that too much stress may be affecting your health.

If your answers give you reason to suspect that stress may be taking a toll

on you, remember that regular massage can gradually counteract these

effects. Beyond that, you may want to see a physician or professional

counselor for specific advice to manage your stress.

1. Do you experience regular insomnia?

2. Have your eating habits changed? Do you want to eat more than

usual or have you lost your appetite?

3. Do you worry about bad things happening to your loved ones?

4. Do you have stomach aches or intestinal distress?

5. Do you have trouble concentrating?

6. Do you wake up in the middle of the night thinking about things you

have no control over?

7. Do you lack energy to do the things you enjoy at the end of the day

or on the weekend?

8. Do you feel listless or apathetic?

9. Are you tense or irritable at work or at home?

10. Have you lost your sense of humor?

11. Are you increasingly forgetful?

12. Do you feel you have lost control over your life?

13. Do your relationships or friendships feel unsatisfying?

14. Do you panic easily?

15. Are you often fatigued?

16. Do you get frequent colds or suffer from allergies?

17. Has your drinking or smoking increased?

18. Do you find it hard to relax or fall asleep at night?

19. Have you lost enthusiasm for your work?