How Stressed Are You?
Stressed?
Let’s face it. We are all stressed. We are stressed at work, at home, in our relationships and yes, even at church. Sometimes it’s hard to find a balance in our personal lives and commitment, and that leads to stress. How we cope with stress effects the quality of our lives and our ability to lead a healthy and happy existence with others.
Prolonged stress negatively affects our health and suppresses immune function. Still think it’s not a big deal?
The question is… How stressed are YOU and what are you going to do about it?
Test Your Stress Rating
Rate yourself as to how you typically react to the situations listed. There are no right or wrong answers.
Give yourself the following points:
(4) Always (3) Frequently (2) Sometimes (1) Never
1. Do you try to do as much as possible in the least amount of time?
2. Do you become impatient with delays or interruptions?
3. Do you always have to win at games to enjoy yourself?
4. Do you find yourself speeding up the car to beat the red light?
5. Are you unlikely to ask for or indicate that you need help with a problem?
6. Do you constantly seek the respect and admiration of others?
7. Are you overly critical of the way others do their work?
8. Do you have a habit of watching your watch or clock often?
9. Do you constantly strive to better your position and achievements?
10. Do you spread yourself “too thin” in terms of your time?
11. Do you have the habit of doing more than one thing at a time?
12. Do you frequently get angry or irritable?
13. Do you have little time for hobbies or time by yourself?
14. Do you have a tendency to talk quickly or hasten conversations?
15. Do you consider yourself hard-driving?
16. Do your friends or relatives consider you hard-driving?
17. Do you have a tendency to get involved in multiple projects?
18. Do you have a lot of deadlines in your work?
19. Do you take on too many responsibilities?
20. Do you feel vaguely guilty if you relax and do nothing or take some leisure time?
_____ What’s your score?
SCORING
20 – 29
Chances are you are non-productive or your life lacks stimulation.
30 – 49
Good balance in your ability to handle and control stress.
50 – 59
Stress level is marginal and you are bordering on being excessively tense.
60 ++
Major candidate for heart disease and other illnesses.
Remember, this scale is not an absolute predictor of how stress will affect your life. It is an awareness tool for you to gauge your level of stress. (This test is not meant to replace a clinical assessment but to help you judge how you are doing. If you score as stressed you may need to seek help.)
So you scored a 60++
What are you going to do about it? Change begins with making healthy choices for yourself, so if you or anyone you know is having difficulty coping with stress, please share this article with them and encourage them to get assistance.
For more information call 407.415.2493.
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About the Author
Melody Kipp, PhD, LMHC is the President and CEO of Life & Work Soulutions, Inc. She holds an earned Doctorate degree in Psychology with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Applied Psychology with a Clinical-Counseling emphasis. Dr. Kipp has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH5137) in the State of Florida since 1999 and is a State of Florida Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns and Marriage & Family Therapy Interns. [...]
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