< Back to Previous Page

QUIZ #1: Are You a Victim of Stress or Not?

At the high speed that the world is spinning today, it’s not rare for the hardworking citizen to feel guilty for getting a decent night’s sleep after a day in the grind. It is not uncommon for a person to forego rest in order to beat a deadline or make it in time for a meeting that stress has become a way of life. There’s the good kind of stress that motivates you and makes you perform at your best, but when it has become a constant in your life and frazzled becomes the first adjective that comes to a friend’s mind when describing you, then you’ve got a stress problem that needs to be addressed.

Long-term stress, whether caused by work, family, relationships, or traffic jams, can lead to more serious problems than you realize. Stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and premature aging. At times it can even affect your brain that you become more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

Wondering if you’re a victim of stress or not? Take this short quiz and find out whether your stress levels are off the charts.

1. Whenever I am pressured or overwhelmed, do I know how to soothe myself so that I feel better?

YES or NO

If you answered YES, give yourself a pat on the back for knowing how to listen to your body.

If you answered NO, it might be impossible to eliminate stress from your life completely, but it’s up to you how much of it gets to you. Yoga, deep breathing, and massages activate the body’s relaxation response. These activities reduce stress and increase feelings of joy and serenity.

2. Is it easy for me to turn to my loved ones when I need to be calmed and assured?

YES or NO

If you answered YES, you should be proud of yourself for knowing when to turn to others for support.

If you answered NO, surrounding yourself with friends and family that you can turn to when you need to unwind is your best protection against stress. Cultivate your social life as you would your work life so that life’s pressures won’t be as upsetting.

3. When I’m feeling low on energy, do I know how to perk myself up?

YES or NO

If you answered YES, you have the knack for keeping yourself in good shape physically, mentally and emotionally. Good for you!

If you answered NO, your emotional health is something you have to work on as you would your physical health. The more time you spend developing your emotional side, the tougher you will be and the more resilient you become. Look for ways to improve your overall emotional health, and stay positive in the bad times as well as the good.

4. Does my anger tend to control me?

YES or NO

If you answered YES, everybody gets angry sometimes, but you don’t have to carry the anger around everywhere you go. Managing stress is about taking charge of your emotions. If you can’t change a stressful situation, try to change your reaction to it. Do what it takes to help you relax.

If you answered NO, you should maintain that ability of not letting your emotions get the best of you.

5. Am I often distracted or moody?

YES or NO

If you answered YES, participate in activities that will take your mind off of the situation causing you stress and take time to relax. Stress management is all about taking control of your time, emotions, and your reactions to a difficult situation.

If you answered NO, you definitely know how to stay away from distractions and keep yourself in focus.