What is the normal range of psychological stress levels

The normal range of psychological stress values usually does not have a unified quantitative standard, but can be comprehensively evaluated through subjective feelings and physiological indicators. The stress response varies from person to person, and the level of stress in a healthy state should not affect daily functioning and there should be no sustained physical or mental discomfort.

Short term stress may manifest as physiological arousal such as increased heart rate and focused attention, which usually subsides on their own after the stressor disappears. Moderate pressure can help improve work efficiency, for example, the sense of urgency generated when facing deadlines can stimulate action. Most people can restore their balance after experiencing mild stress through sleep, social or leisure activities. If the duration of stress does not exceed several weeks and is not accompanied by insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, or emotional instability, it is usually within the adjustable range. When stress persists for more than a month and immune decline symptoms such as persistent fatigue, headache, muscle tension, or frequent colds occur, it may exceed the normal tolerance threshold. Under long-term stress, abnormally elevated cortisol levels may lead to memory loss, anxiety, and depression tendencies, requiring professional intervention. Special populations such as chronic disease patients or pregnant women are more sensitive to stress, and their tolerance threshold may be lower than that of healthy adults.

It is recommended to regularly manage stress through mindfulness breathing, regular exercise, and other methods. If you experience persistent palpitations, unexplained pain, or low mood for more than two weeks, you should seek psychological or psychiatric help in a timely manner. Daily stress diary can be recorded to identify triggering factors, and maintaining 7-9 hours of sleep per day can help maintain stress regulation ability.