Quiz: Are Your Stress Levels Off the Charts?

Stress can come in many faces and forms. To some, it’s an illness in the family, unpaid bills, or feeling overburdened at work. To others, it’s a throbbing zit, shrunken laundry, or missing food orders. These are all valid reasons for anyone’s stress levels to spike. As Harvard Health notes, experiencing stress is a good thing because it’s supposed to protect you from threats or injury.

However, the site also warns that poor stress management can lead to a compromised immune system, high blood pressure, cognitive issues, and heart disease. Take this quiz to discover if your stress levels are healthy or off the charts. Note that this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect that your stress levels are becoming unhealthy, seek professional help immediately.

Someone drops the ball at work and now you have to do some damage control. You feel...

A. Fairly annoyed but confident that you can handle it

B. Irritable and frazzled — you need a moment to compose yourself

C. Aggressive, overburdened, and like you might snap at any moment

Your throat starts to itch, and you start feeling a little more tired than usual. You...

A. Make yourself some tea and sleep it off

B. Worry a little bit, call your mom, and take some meds

C. Google all your symptoms and lay awake at night thinking about your health

Life has been rough lately. Many things haven’t been going your way and you can’t seem to catch a break. You cope by...

A. Taking a one-day break to spend by yourself, watching your favorite TV shows, and relaxing

B. Powering through even if you’re exhausted and anxious because you have responsibilities

C. You find yourself checking out sometimes, feeling deeply uninterested and disconnected

Something unexpected comes up and it completely disrupts your plans. You...

A. Rant a little bit and deal with it

B. Feel confused and at a standstill and it takes you a while to decide what to do next

C. Are overcome by a sense of dread like everything else will go wrong

You’re having a bad day. Your Grab driver canceled, your pipes are leaking, your dog needs to go to the vet, and your boss just told you to re-do that presentation that you’ve worked hard on. You physically feel...

A. Tired, annoyed, but still on top of things

B. Tense — you’re grinding your teeth, your muscles are tight, and you have a headache

C. Unable to fall asleep and stay asleep. Plus, your heart is racing all the time like you’re having a panic attack

Being under a lot of pressure, experiencing massive life changes, and having too many responsibilities but not much control can lead to extreme stress. Some level of stress is essential to keep you going. It temporarily boosts immunity, increases brainpower and the ability to focus, and motivates you to succeed. So, do you have just enough stress or too much stress? If you answered:

Mostly As: You’re navigating stressful situations with a clear head and your ability to focus and get things done keeps you from worrying too much about the situation.

Mostly Bs: A break would do you good. Maybe you’re experiencing too much pressure in your life that you’re a bit tired of it. Your reactions are normal. However, without rest, you could soon feel overwhelmed.

Mostly Cs: It looks like your stress levels are peaking. Unforeseen events or inconveniences easily cause you to unnecessarily spiral into a panic attack or extreme anxiety.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends time management as a stress management tool. Prioritizing your time and activities can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Scheduling some personal time — and sticking to this schedule — also helps minimize feelings of stress.

Taking care of your physical health is also a factor. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising consistently can improve your condition and quality of life. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, practicing a regular personal care routine also contributes to well-being.

Try using refreshing and invigorating products in the shower, such as Sunsilk Anti-Dandruff Healthy Strong Shampoo for your hair to get rid of stress flakes, and Dove Relaxing Lavender Body Wash, which has a fresh scent that can leave a positive effect on the senses.

For your pearly whites, try closeup All Around Fresh Soothing Menthol Toothpaste, a soothing gel toothpaste that keeps your mouth and teeth healthy while giving you fresh breath. These basic personal care practices can give you much comfort in stressful times and protects your physical health. 

Watching your stress levels may be a challenge in these difficult times. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a mental health professional immediately. You can also confide in a trusted friend or family member who may give you the support you need.

(This quiz is based on the signs of stress listed on the National Institutes of Mental Health.)