How Stressed Are You?

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“Stress” is a word heard often, especially around a college campus. Common stressors include school, family, relationships, work, money…the list goes on. At times, because people may be too busy, or too stressed, they don’t even realize the extent of stress and anxiety on their overall mental health. Stress is on the rise, not only for college students but all Americas as well. According to an American Psychological Survey in 2008, 30% of Americans rated their average stress levels as “extreme” or having “a great deal of stress.” Furthermore, results from Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reported that 52.2% of Americans report their overall well-being as “struggling.” Because of the negative impacts and effects of stress on the body, these results can be frightening.

However, Mental Health America encourages individuals in their live your life well campaign, to evaluate stress levels and use coping measures.  The website offers a short 5 minute stress screener. The questions relate directly to eating, sleeping, and personal habits. Even though it was a short quiz, the screener helped me to actually stop for a moment and contemplate my stress levels and well-being. It made me think about how stress could possibly be affecting me and others.  Based on your results, or if you’re just looking for some new coping methods the website offers tools to enhance the way you live your life and strength your mental health. There are 10 great and easy tools which include:

  • Stay positive
  • Get physically active
  • Eat well
  • Create joy and satisfaction

So even though you may feel like you don’t have much time for anything, take a few minutes to evaluate your stress levels and find out ways to keep your mind healthy. 

Don't forget- Healthy UNH's Frazzle Free Finals events are coming up May 10th-12th!