Stress Test

To get your score on this test, add up the figures you have given. First, you can obtain a general indication of how much your lifestyle is making you vulnerable to distress, according to this scale:

Less than 50: Low vulnerability

50 - 70: Vulnerable to distress

70 - 95: Seriously vulnerable

More than 95: Extremely vulnerable

To reverse the stress cycle, an activity such as TAI CHI can be a way to take control and place limits on the way the body deals with the pressures of your lifestyle. Having learnt a basic Tai Chi form, the practice of it produces a meditation state, this disciplined physical and mental activity results in physical fitness as well as a greater tolerance to stress.

The following list has been collected to detail the positive effects of Tai Chi:

• Boosting of the immune systems of the body
• Lowering of blood lactate levels in the body. These chemicals when present can contribute to anxiety attacks.
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Greater creative capacity and mental energy
• Improved muscle efficiency, body tone and body posture
• Maintained reflexes and neuronal efficiency (these decline with disuse)
• Greater self esteem, and generosity as a personality trait
• Greater production of anti stress hormones (ACTH)
• Increased endorphin production (the make you feel good chemical)
• Increased sense of calmness
• Sense of belongingness (group membership)
• Improved bodily functions
• Improved mental alertness and concentration
• Endocrine hormonal balance, limiting cardiac and hypertension consequences Regular practice of TAI CHI has an enduring benefit to both the physical and psychological tolerance of stress.