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You may not know what is causing your stress, exactly how your body responds to stress, or how you cope with stress. To find out, keep a record to track the times you feel stressed. Write down:
Here's a sample of what a stress record might look like.
Time
Stressful event
Reaction (symptoms, thoughts, behaviours)
Coping response
7:30
Kids not getting ready for school
Felt tightness in stomach, yelled at them
Had a doughnut when I got to work
9:30
Late for meeting with supervisor
Tight stomach, fear about performance review
Talked with Janet about it and felt better
11:00
Copier broke down again
Headache, snapped at Bill to call repair person
Not sure
3:15
Call from sister about her divorce interrupted my work
Headache got worse
Daydreamed about trip to Hawaii
5:30
Meeting ran overtime, couldn't leave at 5:00
Headache still there, neck begins to ache
Went out for a few drinks with co-workers
The more notes you write down, the more you can learn about your stress patterns. Tracking your stress for 1 to 2 weeks is best. But taking notes even for 1 or 2 days can be helpful. If you are seeing a doctor or a therapist to help manage your stress, consider sharing your record with him or her. It will give your doctor important information to help you manage your stress.
Current as of: October 20, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineDonald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineSteven Locke MD - PsychiatryChristine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Steven Locke MD - Psychiatry & Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health
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