Episode II of The Stress Series: The Somatic Stress Scale Explained - How to Identify and Manage Your Stress 

Hello, everyone! It's fantastic to be back this week as we dive into the next part of our series on stress. In our first episode, we explored the physiological response to stress and discussed how stress itself isn't inherently bad. However, too much stress can lead to negative physiological responses. Today, we're going to delve deeper into managing stress by introducing a powerful tool: the stress scale.

In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky, obesity medicine expert and exercise guru, guides listeners through the concept of the stress scale, a tool inspired by Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This episode explores how this scale can help identify and manage stress levels effectively. With the stress scale, it's not just about numbers; it’s about recognizing the unique symptoms experienced at various stress levels and using that awareness to improve interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

To illustrate the impact of stress on daily life, Dr. Novitsky shares a personal story about her dog, whose schedule gets thrown off after boarding. This leads to early morning wake-ups and disrupted sleep, contributing to increased stress levels for Dr. Novitsky herself. This relatable story highlights how seemingly small, everyday events can impact our stress scale and overall state of well-being.

The stress scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest level of stress and 10 the highest. Here’s a quick look at each level:

• 1: Complete relaxation, like a sun-induced daze on a beach.


• 2: Rested state with mild thoughts and feelings, without significant decisions.


• 3: Awareness and light social interaction, maybe a casual conversation.


• 4: Decision-making and more body movement, actively engaged.


• 5: Potential conflict with noticeable fidgeting and body movements.


• 6: Sarcasm, signaling a desire to disengage socially.


• 7: Physiological symptoms like a higher heart rate and faster breathing.


• 8: Reactivity with out-of-proportion responses to minor triggers.


• 9: Isolation and complete avoidance of social interactions.


• 10: Extreme stress, leading to yelling and strong emotional expression.

Creating a personalized somatic stress scale requires time and mindfulness. Dr. Novitsky recommends using a piece of paper labeled 1 through 10 and noting specific symptoms at each level. Involving a partner can make this process even more insightful, as they can observe and help identify behaviors that may go unnoticed.

Understanding your stress scale helps manage stress effectively:

• 7 or above: Use distraction techniques to lower stress levels.


• 4 to 6: Employ daily emotional regulation tools to stay productive.


• 4 or below: Focus on rest and recovery to recharge.

Resources:

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*Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*