In 1967, Dr. Thomas H. Holmes and Dr. Richard H. Rahe developed a do-it-yourself stress test called the "Social Readjustment Rating Scale."
Check the box next to every experience that you have had in the last 12 months and then at the bottom click the tab to total the points.
Holmes and Rahe consider a score of less than 150 to be minor stress. A score of score 150-199 indicates mild stress. A score of 200-299 indicates moderate stress. A score over 300 indicates major stress.
It is estimated that those with a score below 150 have a 35% greater chance of experiencing an illness or accident within the next two years. Those with a score between 150 and 300 have a 51% greater chance. Those with a score over 300 have an 80% greater chance of experiencing a significant illness or accident.
Although you might not have any control over the stressful events in your life, you do have control over your response to these events and the effect that they have on your life. The negative effects of stress can be reduced by such things as getting enough rest, exercise, meditation, proper nutrition, and spending time in nature.