Preparing for Stress

Given the pace of modern life, stressful events are unavoidable. However, people differ in their reactions to stress often because some are better prepared to deal with stress than are others. This preparedness can be as important to how we react to stress as the stress itself.

How prepared are you for stressful events? Completing the quiz below can give you an idea of your stress preparedness and areas in which you might improve. Each statement is either "True" or "False" as it pertains to you:

1. _____I often have to go without a typical night's sleep to get things done.
2. _____I watch what I eat so I get a balanced diet.
3. _____I keep to myself and don't share my problems with others.
4. _____I get 20 minutes or more of mild to moderate exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, team sports) three times a week or more.
5. _____I have a number of deadlines that seem to pile up on top of each other.
6. _____I drink fewer than six alcoholic drinks in any one week.
7. _____Sometimes things just build up and I have to vent my feelings or I will just explode.
8. _____My friends are amazed by my ability to laugh at most things that would "drive other people crazy."
9. _____I like my environment "just so" and it really bugs me when things are out of place or messy.
10. _____When I'm feeling ill, I seek medical attention.
11. _____Staying well or getting sick is mostly a matter of luck, either good or bad.
12. _____I enjoy most of the challenges that I face from day-to-day.
13. _____After a particularly stressful day, I often unwind with a drink or two.
14. _____My religious beliefs give me strength to face my challenges.
15. _____I smoke.
16. _____I can regularly find time to contemplate things and take stock of my life.
17. _____I'm bothered by a number of hassles that I can't seem to do anything about.
18. _____I have several friends with whom I can confide about things which concern me.
19. _____I usually work or study while I eat.
20. _____I have no problems with sleeping--- either getting enough or waking up ready to face the day.
21. _____I seem to work best when I'm facing a number of deadlines that are all coming due at the same time.
22. _____Most of the time what is stressful for me is a matter of what I tell myself about the stressful event.

Scoring this stress preparedness quiz is very simple.
Give yourself one point each time you answered "True" to an even numbered statement.
Subtract one point each time you answered "True" to an odd numbered item.

6 to11 points	Great! You are taking care of yourself so that stressful challenges don't overwhelm you.
0 to 5 points	Good: You have some stress preparedness skills, but there is some room for improvement.
-5 to -1 points	Poor: You need to reassess some of your attitudes and behaviours so you can better respond to stressful situations.
-11 to - 6 points	Danger! You have ways of relating to your world that contribute to the stress you feel. A candid examination of your stress preparation is in order.

A review of the questions should identify areas of strength and improvement. The even numbered questions describe behaviours which help us anticipate and adapt to stress through diet, exercise, social support, and a helpful attitude towards life's challenges. The odd numbered questions describe actions and attitudes which, far from reducing our stress, contribute to the sense of stress in our lives.