Management

 

Stress Level Checklist

 

Change, even positive change, involves stress. Below is a checklist of just some of the things that can add — and compound — stress in your life.

Personal Changes

• Personal injury/illness/handicap
• Change in financial status
• Pregnancy (you or partner’s)
• Ending a relationship
• Quitting smoking or other substance use
• Life changes (such as a significant birthday or milestone)
• Dieting
• Values conflict

Family Changes

• Partner changing jobs
• Family member(s) leaving home
• Illness/healing of a family member
• Marriage, birth or death in the family
• Separation/divorce
• Trouble with in-laws or other family members

Work Changes

• Change in workload
• Team members starting or leaving
• Competitors entering or leaving the market
• Merger with or acquisition of another company
• Change in relationships at work

Environmental Changes

• Natural disaster (earthquake, fire, flood)
• Moving to a new climate
• Moving to new premises; or a new house
• Remodelling
• Crime in neighbourhood.

 

From this list, look at the ones that apply to you, adding other factors relevant to you. Add them up to give you a total picture of your current stress level and some of its sources. From here, you can select strategies that will help you manage your stress levels and keep them under control.