In this high-speed world, stress is no longer a stranger. From deadlines and relationships to finances and social expectations—our minds and bodies are constantly under siege. So, how do we know if and when stress has begun impairing our health? More importantly, how do we learn to get to know it and take charge? The solution starts with awareness and appropriate testing.
Stress isn't an attitude or a state of mind—it's a biological response. When we sense that we're in danger or confronting a challenge, our body enters a state of "fight or flight," releasing chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol. This can be useful in the short term. Chronic stress, however, interferes with nearly all the body's systems, causing issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
The connection between stress and health is so immense that the World Health Organization has labelled stress as the "health epidemic of the 21st century." The initial step in addressing the issue is to realize how stress connects with health.
Most often, we overlook the signals of stress, confusing them as mere fatigue, bad mood, or sleeplessness. But extended exposure to stress can also present itself emotionally and physically. Some of the most frequent stress symptoms are:
Chronic fatigue or insomnia
Mood swings or irritability
Gastrointestinal problems
Headaches or muscle tension on a frequent basis
Palpitations or chest pain
Low libido
Inability to focus
Emotionally, stress may also lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and detachment. If you’re experiencing several of these stress symptoms, it may be time to explore deeper causes.
Everyone’s causes of stress are different. What stresses out one person may be a mild inconvenience to another. That said, some common stress triggers include:
Work pressure or job insecurity
Relationship conflicts
Financial problems
Major life changes (e.g., marriage, move, loss of loved one)
Chronic illness or injury
Social isolation or lack of social support
Inadequate time management or burnout
Knowing your own stressors is important to taking effective steps toward change.
You don't necessarily have to use guesswork or symptoms alone to determine whether stress is affecting your health. There are various medical tests that assess how your body is handling stress and allow physicians to make tailored suggestions. Two of the strongest are the stress test and the cortisol test.
1. The Stress Test
A stress test—is also called an exercise stress test or a treadmill test—is used to see how your heart handles work. It is often used to test cardiovascular health and to find out if there are heart issues that could be made worse by stress.
During a stress test, you’ll walk or run on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored. If your heart isn’t pumping as effectively as it should under stress, this test can reveal it. It’s particularly recommended for people who experience chest pain or breathlessness under strain, or who have a family history of heart disease.
2. The Cortisol Test
Cortisol is sometimes referred to as the "stress hormone" because levels rise in response to stress. A cortisol test detects the level of cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva. High levels that are not normal may mean chronic stress, adrenal gland problems, or underlying illness such as Cushing's syndrome.
The test for cortisol is an effective tool in determining how your endocrine system is reacting to chronic stress. It can give a better indication of your hormonal health, if done along with a medical check-up, and inform treatment strategies.
Most established diagnostic centre in Mumbai provide these tests coupled with expert consultations, making it possible for city residents to acquire timely tests.
If you feel that stress is affecting your health, don't wait to get a professional checkup. A properly equipped diagnostic centre in Mumbai will assist you in getting the right testing and specialist attention for ways to relieve stress. Look for a centre that has:
Experienced cardiologists and endocrinologists
Extensive testing facilities such as stress test and cortisol test
Clear costs and simple appointment making
Tailored follow-ups and care plans
Taking care of your health is the greatest gift you can bequeath to yourself, particularly in a stressful setting.
Although testing may determine the cause, stress management takes constant effort. Here are a few tried-and-tested methods to eliminate stress:
Exercise on a regular basis: Physical exercise releases endorphins that enhance your mood and energy levels. A mere 30-minute walk can be beneficial.
Practice meditation and mindfulness: These practices train your mind to remain in the present moment, lessening anxiety and panic.
Sleep well: Try to get a minimum of 7–8 quality hours of sleep to allow your body to recover.
Eat well: A balanced diet can level your mood and energy levels.
Socialize: Conversing with friends or family members helps ease your mental burden.
To address stress at its roots, you’ll need to build habits that support long-term well-being. Some deeper ways to reduce stress include:
Time management: Prioritize tasks and set realistic goals to prevent burnout.
Therapy or counseling: Professional mental health support can help process underlying emotional issues.
Saying “no” when needed: Learn to set boundaries to protect your peace.
Engaging in hobbies: Creative or relaxing activities provide a break from routine stressors.
Reducing screen time: Spending too much time on social media or smartphones may lead to mental exhaustion.
Regularly following these stress-reducing methods can have a dramatic impact on your physical and emotional well-being.
Stress is not only a mental weight—it's a message from your body that a thing needs to be looked at. It won't disappear if you ignore it; on the contrary, it can develop more serious health issues in the long term. Identifying the symptoms of stress, the reasons why you stress, and performing credible tests such as the stress test and the cortisol test, you are taking the reins of your health.
Whether one takes the check-up at a trusted diagnostic centre in Mumbai or adopts everyday measures to loosen up, the secret lies in the doing. Your own well-being is your most precious asset—guard it consciously, and provide yourself with the care that you deserve.
