Free stress check-in: Stress signals

Stress doesn’t always announce itself. It can show up in your body, your mood or your habits well before you’d call it stress. This check-in helps you spot your early signals and choose a couple of practical next steps.

START THE CHECK-IN

HOW IT WORKS

01Tick the signals you’ve noticed over the past two weeks
02See where stress is showing up most for you
03Choose one or two practical steps for this week

Takes about 3 minutes. Private: nothing you enter is saved or sent.

This is not a diagnosis. It’s a quick way to notice patterns. If you’re having thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself, call or text 988 any time.

01 · In your body

What is your body telling you?

0 of 6 ticked

02 · In your mood and thinking

How have you been feeling?

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03 · In what you do

What’s changed in your habits?

Working longer, or can’t switch off More alcohol, caffeine or screens Pulling back from friends or family Snapping at those you care about Putting off things you’d usually manage Less exercise or time outdoors

0 of 6 ticked

04 · Your pattern

Where is stress showing up most?

0Body

0Mood & thinking

0Habits

Your signals are useful information, not a score. Many of them can ease with small, steady changes.

What I notice about my pattern

WHEN TO REACH OUT

If several signals have lasted more than a few weeks, they’re affecting your work, sleep or relationships, or you’re relying on alcohol or other substances to cope, it may be time to talk with someone.

05 · Next steps

Pick one or two, not all of them.

Protect sleep with a regular wind-down and wake time Move your body most days, even a short walk Take a few slow breaths with a longer exhale, a few times a day Cut back on alcohol and late-day caffeine Tell one person you trust how you’re really doing Say no to one thing this week See your doctor if physical symptoms continue

My one or two steps this week

Signals grouped into body, mood and thinking, and behaviour, in line with HealthLink BC’s guidance on signs of stress. This check-in is educational and not a substitute for professional care.

Please note: This resource is for education and self-reflection only. It is not a diagnostic tool and can’t tell you whether you have a mental health condition. It is not a substitute for assessment, therapy or other care from a qualified professional, and using it does not create a therapeutic relationship with Core Psychology. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.

You don’t have to carry it alone.

If stress has been building for a while, talking with a therapist can help you sort out what’s driving it and what to do about it. You’re welcome to bring this check-in to your first session.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION Men’s counselling in Calgary

Call or text 403.488.8912 · info@corepsychology.com
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm · Saturday, 9am to 3pm

If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.