You can handle the stress in your life.
Stress Check
Here's a checklist of negative reactions to stress and tension:
Do minor problems and disappointments upset you excessively?
Yes No
Do the small pleasures of life fail to satisfy you?
Yes No
Are you unable to stop worrying?
Yes No
Do you feel inadequate or suffer from self-doubt?
Yes No
Are you constantly tired?
Yes No
Do you get too angry over minor problems?
Yes No
Have you noticed a change in sleeping or eating patterns?
Yes
No
Do you suffer from chronic pain, headaches or backaches?
Yes
No
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, the following suggestions may help to reduce or control stress:
- Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities, learn to say NO!
- Shed the "superman/woman" urge. No one is perfect, don't expect perfection from yourself or others.
- Mediate for 10-to 20 minutes.
- Visualize how to manage a stressful situation more successfully.
- Take one thing at a time. Prioritize your tasks and tackle each one separately.
- Find a hobby to distract you from your worries.
- Live a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, adequate rest, regular exercise, limited caffeine and alcohol, and balanced work and play.
- Share your feelings with family and friends. Don't try to cope alone.
- Give in occasionally. Be flexible.
- Go easy with criticism. You may be expecting too much.
Stress is a natural part of everyday life. Left unchecked, however, stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral disorders that can affect your health, vitality and peace-of-mind, and personal and professional relationships. If you think you have too much stress in your life, it may be helpful to talk with a doctor, member of the clergy or other caring professional. Print out this Stress Check as a reminder of how you can handle stress.
Take more mental health self-tests in the Coping section of our Web site. The Coping section was developed for teens, but the questions and their solutions apply to people of all ages.
