WO2012151607A1

WO2012151607A1 - Monitoring stress levels

Info

Publication number: WO2012151607A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen R. D. ADDIS; Claude SOLITARIO
Original assignee: Invatec Health Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-06
Filing date: 2012-04-26
Publication date: 2012-11-15

Abstract

A device (10) for monitoring stress levels in accordance with the invention comprises a portable stress monitor (12) for monitoring the level of stress experienced by a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored. The device further comprises one or more electrodes (16) adapted to be secured to the body of the user for detecting the level of stress of the user, the electrodes (16) being electrically connectable to the stress monitor (12). The device further comprises means (20) for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device which is connectable to the internet. In use, data stored in the stress monitor (12) can be uploaded to a proprietary website for subsequent analysis to provide the user with an indication of the level of stress experienced during the monitored period.

Description

"MONITORING STRESS LEVELS"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for monitoring stress levels and relates more particularly, though not exclusively, to an online method and system of stress management which employs the device for collecting and storing biological data from a user.

Background to the Invention

Stress and stress-related problems have become the number one health issue of our time. The increased levels of physical and psychological pressure associated with living in our fast-paced world have created an environment where all of us feel the effects of stress. Whilst a certain level of stress is normal and associated with peak performance, excess or prolonged levels of stress can be energy-draining and lead to depression, psycho- somatic illness, suppressed immune response and other associated health problems. Whilst a trained health care professional can usually detect the typical symptoms of stress-related problems, they often go undetected to the person themselves. They typically experience a general feeling of un- wellness which is difficult to identify and even more difficult to overcome whilst the sources of the stress go unrecognised. There does not currently exist a reliable and convenient way for a person to monitor their own level of stress and thereby to be able to modify their lifestyle to reduce the levels of stress they are experiencing. What is needed is a system that provides feedback to a user concerning the level of stress they are experiencing, so that they can see for themselves the effects of any changes to their lifestyle on their level of stress, both good and bad.

The present invention was developed with a view to providing a simple and effective method and system of stress management, and a device that permits a user to monitor their own level of stress, and that provides feedback to the user permitting them to make any necessary lifestyle changes to better manage stress.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for monitoring stress levels, the device comprising: a portable stress monitor for monitoring the level of stress experienced by a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored, the stress monitor including storage means for storing data relating to the level of stress during the monitored period; one or more electrodes adapted to be secured to the body of the user for detecting a biological parameter of the user, the electrode(s) being electrically connectable to the stress monitor; and, means for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device which is connectable to the internet whereby, in use, data stored in the storage means can be uploaded from the stress monitor to a proprietary website for subsequent analysis to provide the user with an indication of the level of stress experienced during the monitored period.

Preferably the stress monitor comprises a heart rate monitor for monitoring the heart rate of the user, and the storage means stores data relating to the heart rate of the user. Preferably the stress monitor also includes means for monitoring the level of physical activity engaged in by the user during the monitored period, the storage means including storage capacity for storing data relating to the level of activity of the user during the monitored period. Preferably the period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored is during the night time hours when the user is typically asleep. Preferably the stress monitor further comprises a data processing means for controlling the operation of the stress monitor, as well as controlling data communications with the electronic device during data download from the stress monitor.

Advantageously the stress monitor includes an indicator for indicating to the user when it is operative for collecting and storing data relating to the level of stress of the user during the monitored period. Typically the indicator comprises a visual indicator in the form of an LED which periodically flashes ON and OFF while the stress monitor is operative.

Preferably the device is provided in kit form, the kit including the stress monitor, a plurality of the electrodes, a battery for powering the stress monitor, and software for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device and for downloading the data stored in the storage means to the proprietary website. Advantageously the kit is provided in its own carry case, and the software is provided on a DVD or CDROM.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an online method of stress management, the method comprising: monitoring the level of stress of a user and storing data relating to the user's level of stress during the monitored period; uploading the stored data online from the user, relating to the level of stress during the monitored period; processing the data according to a predetermined algorithm; and, generating a stress analysis report which is accessible online to the user, the report including a stress index indicator, which indicates the level of stress the user experienced during the monitored period based on the data uploaded from the user. Typically the data uploaded from the user includes data relating to the heart rate of the user during the monitored period, and the stress analysis report also includes a graphical representation of the variation in the user's heart beat over the monitored period. Preferably the data uploaded from the user also includes data relating to the level of physical activity engaged in by the user during the monitored period, and wherein the stress analysis report includes an activity index indicator, which indicates the level of activity the user has engaged in based on the data uploaded from the user. Typically the stress analysis report also includes a graphical representation of the variation in the user's level of activity over the monitored period. Preferably the period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored is during the night time hours when the user is typically asleep. Advantageously if the monitoring period also includes daytime hours, the predetermined algorithm gives a different weighting to the night time heart rate data, since this reflects a state when the user's heart rate is mainly affected by the emotional state of. the user, rather than by physical activity.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an online system of stress management, the system comprising: providing a user with a portable stress monitor for monitoring the level of stress of a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored, the stress monitor including storage means for storing data relating to the level of stress experienced by the user during the monitored period; an electronic device which is connected to the internet and to which the user connects the stress monitor whereby, in use, data stored in the stress monitor is uploaded to a proprietary website; means for processing the data according to a predetermined algorithm; and, means for generating a stress analysis report which is accessible online to the user, the report including a stress index indicator, which indicates the level of stress the user experienced during the monitored period based on the data uploaded from the user.

Preferably the system also comprises means for providing the user with access to stress management tools and techniques, including stress reduction videos, to help the user make real and effective lifestyle changes. Preferably the user is provided with a kit, the kit including the stress monitor, a plurality of the electrodes, a battery for powering the stress monitor, and software for connecting the stress monitor to the electronic device and for downloading the data stored in the storage means to the proprietary website.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a device for monitoring stress levels and of a preferred online method and system of stress management, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a device for monitoring stress levels in accordance with the present invention in its carry case;

Figure 2 illustrates the carry case in which the device of Figure 1 is preferably provided to an end user in its closed condition;

Figure 3 is a functional circuit diagram for the device for monitoring stress levels of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of an online method of stress management according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of an online system of stress management according to the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates a screen shot of a typical stress analysis report provided to a user online; and,

Figure 7 illustrates a screen shot of a typical test history provided to a user online.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A preferred embodiment of a device 10 for monitoring stress levels in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 3 comprises a portable stress monitor 12 for monitoring the level of stress experienced by a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored.

The stress monitor 12 includes storage means 14 (see Figure 3) for storing data relating to the level of stress of the user during the monitored period.

The storage means typically comprises a flash memory device 14 capable of storing several gigabytes of data, similar to the memory devices employed in commercially available portable 'thumb drives' and 'memory sticks.'

The device further comprises one or more electrodes 16 adapted to be secured to the body of the user for detecting the level of stress of the user, the electrodes 16 being electrically connectable to the stress monitor 12. In use, two of the electrodes 16 are typically attached to the chest of the user and two cables 18 from the stress monitor 12 are connected to the respective electrodes 16. The stress monitor 12 is sufficiently lightweight that it can easily be worn under the clothes of the user, tucked into the pants or skirt at the waste. The device further comprises means 20 for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device (see Figure 3) which is connectable to the internet. Typically the electronic device is a personal computer (PC) that is connected via a broadband cable connection to the internet. However other electronic devices may also be employed, for example, a PDA with mobile broadband connectivity may also be used. In use, data stored in the flash memory device 14 can be uploaded from the stress monitor 12 to a proprietary website for subsequent analysis to provide the user with an indication of the level of stress experienced during the monitored period. In the illustrated embodiment the means 20 for connecting the stress monitor 12 to a suitable electronic device is a USB controller 20, which enables the device to be plugged into a PC. A USB cable 21 is provided for this purpose, having a standard USB connector at one end for connecting to a PC, and a mini-USB connector at the other end for connecting to the stress monitor 12. However the means 20 for connecting the stress monitor 12 to a suitable electronic device may also be a wireless means such as, for example, a wireless Bluetooth chip.

Preferably the device 10 is sold in kit form as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The kit 10 includes the stress monitor 12, a plurality of the electrodes 16, a battery 22 for powering the stress monitor 12, and software for connecting the stress monitor 12 to an electronic device and for uploading the data stored in the storage means to the proprietary website. Advantageously the kit 10 is provided in its own carry case 24, and the software is provided on a DVD or CD-ROM 26. Preferably the stress monitor 12 comprises a heart rate monitor 34 for monitoring the heart rate of the user, as shown in Figure 3. The flash memory device 14 stores data relating to the heart rate of the user. Preferably the stress monitor 12 also includes means 28 for monitoring the level of physical activity engaged in by the user during the monitored period. This may take the form of an accelerbmeter 28 which generates an electrical signal proportional to the acceleration in the X, Y and Z axes experienced by the device, and thus indirectly provides a measure of the level of physical activity. The flash memory device 14 includes storage capacity for storing data relating to the level of activity of the user during the monitored period. This data is also uploaded from the stress monitor 12 to a proprietary website, and combined with the level of stress data for subsequent analysis to provide the user with an indication of the level of stress experienced during the monitored period.

Advantageously the stress monitor 12 includes an indicator 30 for indicating to the user when it is operative for collecting and storing data relating to the level of stress of the user during the monitored period. Typically the indicator comprises a visual indicator in the form of an LED 30 (not visible) which periodically flashes ON and OFF while the stress monitor is operative. Preferably the indicator 30 also includes an audible indicator or buzzer (not visible). The stress monitor 12 also includes a control button 32 for switching the monitor ON and OFF.

The operation of the stress monitor 12 is controlled by a data processing means, which in the illustrated embodiment takes the form of a microcontroller 36. Microcontroller 36 controls all the components of the stress monitor 12, as well as data communications with the PC during data download from the monitor 12. Heart rate monitor 34 is connected to the electrodes 16 via cables 18. Microcontroller 36 includes a 16-bit analog-to- digital converter (ADC) for converting the analog heart beat signal into a digital format suitable for processing in microcontroller 36 and storage in the flash memory device 14. A preferred online method and system of stress management which employs the device 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7. As illustrated in Figure 5, the system comprises a website hosted on a server 40, which includes proprietary software for analysing the data uploaded from the device 10. The website can be accessed online by users via the internet 42 from their desktop or laptop computer (PC) 44 (or other mobile electronic device). A potential user can access the website and subscribe to the online service via the internet 42. If a potential user decides to subscribe, he or she purchases an initial one month subscription which entitles him or her to:

• Receive a Stress Test Kit 10, which comes in a hard plastic case and includes: ⁰ The stress monitor 12;

⁰ Ten electrodes 16 (only two are used at a time);

0 Two batteries 22;

° The CD-ROM 26 to load related drivers and software;

° A hard copy of the Set-Up Guide; and

° A mini USB cable 20

• Unlimited access to virtual reality relaxation therapy videos;

• Unlimited access to many more stress management and reduction tools and techniques which may help the subscriber make the long- term changes needed to better manage the stress.

When the subscriber receives the Stress Test Kit 10, he/she must first follow the Set-Up Guide in order to activate the stress monitor 12. The stress monitor 12 is removed from the case 24 and opened by releasing the clips on the side. The batteries 22 are inserted into the back of the monitor 12, and it is closed by snapping the clips back in place. The stress monitor 12 is then connected to a computer 44 using the USB cable 21 provided. There is an LED 30 positioned inside the plastic housing of the monitor 12. At certain times the LED will flash red through the translucent housing of the monitor 12. For example, whenever the monitor 12 is connected to a computer with the USB cable 21 , it will flash and beep six times to indicate that the monitor 12 and computer 44 have connected correctly.

With the monitor 12 connected to the computer 44, the CD-ROM 26 is inserted into the computer disc drive. When the software on the CD-ROM 26 opens it will _, take the user through a step-by-step installation guide. This process is only required to be performed once, the first time the user sets up the stress monitor 12. To start the online access program, the user clicks on the icon on the PC desktop, and a Log-in screen will appear in which the user is required to enter their Username and password (these will be supplied with the purchase of the product). With the computer 44 connected to the internet 42, the user clicks on the Log-in button and Log-in page on the proprietary website will open. Typically three options will be presented on the Log-in page: a Find Device button (which establishes communications between the stress monitor 12 and the website); a Data Transfer button (which downloads data from the stress monitor 12 to the computer 44, and uploads the data to the website); and, a Sync Device button (which synchronises the current date and time between the computer 44 and the stress monitor 12.

During set-up, the user clicks the Find Device button first. If successful, "Device Found" will be shown in the dialogue box in the Log-in screen. Then the user clicks on the Sync Device button. If successful, "Device is ready to use" will appear in the dialogue box. The stress monitor 12 is now ready to use. The user disconnects the USB cable 20 from the stress monitor 12.

In order to attach the stress monitor 12 to their body, the user attaches two of the 3M Red Dot ECG electrodes 16 to their chest. For male users the electrodes 16 are attached directly below the arm pits; for female users the electrodes 16 are placed about two finger widths below the collarbone, directly above the breasts. The green snap connector provided on one of the cables 18 is attached to the electrode on the left side of the body, and the white snap connector is attached to the right side of the body. To start the stress test the control button 32 on the monitor 12 is pressed. The indicator LED 30 will flash and beep twice to indicate that the stress monitor 12 has started to record the user's level of stress. The red LED 30 will continue to flash every 10 seconds while it is recording to indicate that the monitor 12 is still operating.

As noted above, typically the stress monitor 12 will monitor both heart rate and the level of physical activity. Data relating to both heart rate and the level of physical activity is recorded in the flash memory device 14 in the monitor 12. This stage in the preferred method of stress management is shown as monitoring step 100 in Figure 4. The microcontroller 36 will interrupt the monitoring step at any stage during the monitoring period if the stress monitor 12 is connected via the USB cable 21 to a PC 44. At the end of the monitoring period the indicator 30 in the monitor 12 may flash and beep rapidly for about 10 seconds. The stress monitor 12 can now be connected to the computer 44 with USB cable 21 for downloading the data, shown as data download step 102 in Figure 4. The stress monitor 12 will flash and beep six times to indicate that a connection has been made. It takes about one minute for the computer 44 to recognise the monitor 12.

Any suitable length of time, typically for up to 24 hours, may be selected as the monitoring period depending on the application. Advantageously it has been found that an 8 hour monitoring period during the night time hours, whilst the user is typically asleep, provides best results. A night time monitoring period has been found to be particularly advantageous in view of the fact that there are less significant interferences from environmental factors during the night time compared to the daytime. In addition, it is more convenient for the user to wear the stress monitor for a shorter period at night as it is less likely to interfere with normal daytime activities. The user simply attaches the electrodes 16 whilst changing into bedclothes and prior to retiring for the night.

Night time monitoring has been found to provide a more reliable indication of stress levels as the body's stress response is more easily detected during the night time hours when there is less likelihood of interruption or background "noise," due to unusually stressful or unexpected events or activities, which may skew the results. There are typically no external stimuli while the user is asleep and therefore the night time period is a better indication of the user's internal stress response. The user's heart rate is therefore more likely to reflect the user's stress response to internal factors rather than spurious external factors.

The online access program on the computer 44 is opened by clicking on the appropriate icon, and the user logs-in as described above. With the computer 44 connected to the internet 42, the Log-in page on the website will appear, with the same three options described above. The user clicks on Find Device button to establish communications between the monitor 12 and the website. If successful, "Device Found" will appear in the dialogue box. Then the user clicks on the Data Transfer button to transfer data from the monitor 12 via the computer 44 to the website. This data transfer stage is shown as the data upload step 104 in Figure 3. If successful, "Data transfer successful" will appear in the dialogue box. If the data transfer is unsuccessful, the Data Transfer button may need to be pressed a second time. Once the data has been successfully uploaded, the Log-in page can be closed, and the monitor 12 disconnected from the computer 44. The stress monitor 12 is now ready to be used for another 8 hour measurement cycle.

Meanwhile the data is automatically processed by proprietary software connected to the website, using a predetermined algorithm that analyses the data relating to heart rate and physical activity. The data processing stage is shown as data analysis step 106 in Figure 4. If the monitoring period also includes daytime hours, the algorithm gives a different weighting to the night time heart rate data, since this reflects a state when the user's heart rate is mainly affected by the emotional state of the user, rather than by physical activity. The relationship between heart rate and the level of stress being experienced by a person has been well documented in the literature.

In general terms the collected heart rate data is processed using algorithms that are based on the principal of regarding human heart rate as a 24 hour functional time series, and that there are predictable and measurable population norms that allow for standardisation and comparison of an individual set of data against such population norms. The human heart rate has a 'phase specific', predictable 24 hour pattern. The algorithms incorporate phase specific information from the heart rate time series and use standard statistical parameters to compare individuals against normal population values.

The algorithms incorporate this knowledge and apply it to the data to generate a stress analysis report 50. This stage in the method is shown as report generating step 108 in Figure 4. The stress analysis report 50 is then uploaded to the subscriber's personal webpage, which is accessible online by the user. This reporting stage is shown as report posting step 110 in Figure 4.

The stress analysis report 50 preferably includes a stress index indicator, which indicates the level of stress the user is experiencing based on the data uploaded from the user. Figure 6 is a screen shot of a typical stress analysis report 50 provided on the user's personal webpage. The report 50 will typically be provided within minutes. The subscriber can log onto their secure personal webpage and view the stress analysis report 50, which preferably includes: ° A stress index 52 - a personal assessment of the user's level of stress. This is provided in a numerical format as a stress index score, as well in a graphical format as a horizontal bar graph with a scale of minimal to extreme;

° An activity index 54 - a personal assessment of how active the user has been during the monitored period. This is only provided in a numerical format as an activity index score;

° A graphical representation 56 of the user's heart rate pattern during the monitored period;

° A graphical representation 58 of the user's pattern of physical activity during the monitored period.

The profile provided in the stress analysis report 50 is unique to the subscriber and based upon scientific analysis of his or her own biological data. The subscriber may use the information provided in the report 50 to assist him or her in self-managing his or her stress levels. The secure webpage will keep a historical record 60 of every test result, so that the subscriber can monitor their improvement from one period to the next, depending on how often the subscriber chooses to monitor their stress levels. Figure 7 is a screen shot of a typical history record 60 provided on the user's personal webpage. By regularly repeating the stress test, the subscriber can accumulate a history of stress tests and will be able to observe whether the stress management techniques and lifestyle changes they are adopting are working to reduce the stress levels. As can be seen in Figure 7, the history record 60 includes the stress analysis data in both numerical and graphical formats.

During the subscription period the user may perform the stress test (such as over an 8 hour, 12 hour or 24 hour monitoring period) as often as he or she likes. At the conclusion of the initial subscription period, the user may choose to renew the subscription at a fraction of the cost of the initial subscription, as the renewal fees do not include the cost of the Stress Test Kit 10.

Now that preferred embodiments of the device for monitoring stress levels and the online method and system of stress management have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

(i) The stress monitor allows a person to monitor their own level of stress in a reliable and convenient manner; (ii) The online analysis of the data collected by a subscriber permits the rapid generation of a confidential stress analysis report;

(iii) By providing a history of the results of multiple stress tests the preferred method of the invention provides a user with feedback that enables them observe variations in the level of stress they are experiencing and thereby be able to modify their lifestyle accordingly;

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, although in the preferred embodiment heart rate is monitored to provide a measure of the level of stress, any other suitable biological parameter may be monitored to achieve the same result. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring stress levels, the device comprising: a portable stress monitor for monitoring the level of stress experienced by a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored, the stress monitor including storage means for storing data relating to the level of stress during the monitored period; one or more electrodes adapted to be secured to the body of the user for detecting a biological parameter of the user, the electrode(s) being electrically connectable to the stress monitor; and, means for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device which is connectable to the internet whereby, in use, data stored in the storage means can be uploaded from the stress monitor to a proprietary website for subsequent analysis to provide the user with an indication of the level of stress experienced during the monitored period.

2. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in claim 1 , wherein the portable stress monitor comprises a heart rate monitor for monitoring the heart rate of the user, and the storage means stores data relating to the heart rate of the user.

3. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in claim 2, wherein the stress monitor also includes means for monitoring the level of physical activity engaged in by the user during the monitored period, the storage means including storage capacity for storing data relating to the level of activity of the user during the monitored period.

4. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored is during the night time hours when the user is usually asleep.

5. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in claim 3, wherein the stress monitor further comprises a data processing means for controlling the operation of the stress monitor, as well as controlling data communications with the electronic device during data download from the stress monitor.

6. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stress monitor includes an indicator for indicating to the user when it is operative for collecting and storing data relating to the level of stress of the user during the monitored period.

7. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in claim 5, wherein the indicator comprises a visual indicator in the form of an LED which periodically flashes ON and OFF while the stress monitor is operative.

8. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is provided in kit form, the kit including the stress monitor, a plurality of the electrodes, a battery for powering the stress monitor, and software for connecting the stress monitor to an electronic device and for downloading the data stored in the storage means to the proprietary website.

9. A device for monitoring stress levels as defined in claim 8, wherein the kit is provided in its own carry case, and the software is provided on a DVD or CDROM.

10. An online method of stress management, the method comprising: monitoring the level of stress of a user and storing data relating to the user's level of stress during the monitored period; uploading the stored data online from the user, relating to the level of stress during the monitored period; processing the data according to a predetermined algorithm; and, generating a stress analysis report which is accessible online to the user, the report including a stress index indicator, which indicates the level of stress the user experienced during the monitored period based on the data uploaded from the user.

1 1. An online method of stress management as defined in claim 10, wherein the data uploaded from the user includes data relating to the heart rate of the user during the monitored period, and the stress analysis report also includes a graphical representation of the variation in the user's heart beat over the monitored period.

12. An online method of stress management as defined in claim 1 1 , wherein the data uploaded from the user also includes data relating to the level of physical activity engaged in by the user during the monitored period, and wherein the stress analysis report includes an activity index indicator, which indicates the level of activity the user has engaged in based on the data uploaded from the user.

13. An online method of stress management as defined in claim 12, wherein the stress analysis report also includes a graphical representation of the variation in the user's level of activity over the monitored period.

14. An online method of stress management as defined in claim 10, wherein the period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored includes the night time hours when the user is usually asleep.

15. An online method of stress management as defined in claim 14, wherein if the monitoring period also includes daytime hours, the predetermined algorithm gives a different weighting to the night time heart rate data, since this reflects a state when the user's heart rate is mainly affected by the emotional state of the user, rather than by physical activity.

16. An online system of stress management, the system comprising: providing a user with a portable stress monitor for monitoring the level of stress of a user for a period of time during which stress levels are to be monitored, the stress monitor including storage means for storing data relating to the level of stress experienced by the user during the monitored period; an electronic device which is connected to the internet and to which the user connects the stress monitor whereby, in use, data stored in the stress monitor is uploaded to a proprietary website; means for processing the data according to a predetermined algorithm; and, means for generating a stress analysis report which is accessible online to the user, the report including a stress index indicator, which indicates the level of stress the user experienced during the monitored period based on the data uploaded from the user.

17. An online system of stress management as defined in claim 16, wherein the system also comprises means for providing the user with access to stress management tools and techniques, including stress reduction videos, to help the user make real and effective lifestyle changes.

18. An online system of stress management as defined in claim 16, wherein the user is provided with a kit, the kit including the stress monitor, a plurality of the electrodes, a battery for powering the stress monitor, and software for connecting the stress monitor to the electronic device and for downloading the data stored in the storage means to the proprietary website.