Stress is the reaction of our emotions on our bodies.  In other words, it’s the “wear and tear” our bodies experience as we react to our ever-changing environment.  Stress can be both positive and negative.  Positive stress is the excitement you may feel at something new, a new challenge, perhaps a new perspective.  Negative stress, on the other hand, results in anxiety, depression, rejection or even anger. Emotions such as these can lead to health problems like headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.  With each day we are faced with new stresses; birth of a child, death of a loved one, a job promotion, loss of employment, argument with a loved one, or a new relationship.  In any case, as we adjust to our lives we must also learn to cope with the stresses that come with the changes and challenges we face on a daily basis.

 

The following quiz is designed to help you determine what kinds of things cause you stress and how you deal with it. There is no right or wrong answer.  This quiz does not pretend to diagnosis a problem but is solely designed to help you find a balance in your daily life.  You are advised to talk with your health care provider for more information on your stress levels and how they may impact your health.

 

Using the scale below rate your typical reaction to each of the following scenarios.

4= Always

3=Frequently

2=Sometimes

1=Never

 

When you are finished calculate your score and compare your rating with the given categories.

1. Do you try to do as much as possible in the least amount of time often taking on more than you can handle?

2. Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions?

3. Are you competitive and always have to win at games to enjoy yourself?

4. Do you find yourself speeding up the car so you won’t have to waste time sitting at the red light?
5. Are you unlikely to ask for or indicate you need help with a problem?
6. Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of others?
7. Do you find you are overly critical of how others perform their work?
8. Are you a watch/clock watcher?
9. Do you constantly strive to better your position and increase your achievements
10. Do you feel you spread yourself “too thin” with your time?
11. Do you have a habit of doing more than one thing at a time?
12. Do you frequently get angry or irritable?

13. Do you leave yourself little time for hobbies or time to yourself?

14. Do you have a tendency to talk to quickly or rush conversation?

15. Do you consider yourself hard-driven?

16. Would those close to you describe you as hard-driven?

17. Is your tendency to get involved in multiple  projects?

18. Are deadlines a normal part of your day?

19. Do feelings of guilty overwhelm you if you relax and do nothing for leisure?

20. Do you feel you take on too many responsibilities?