STRESS ASSESSMENT — Are You Stress-Resistant?

How well do you manage your stresses? How committed are you to your work and life? Are you a risk taker? This quiz is a quick measure of your ability to resist stress through your use of these skills.

• Score 0 if the statement is definitely not true for you;
• 1 if it is usually not true;
• 2 if it is somewhat true;
• 3 if it is definitely true.

1. ___ When I work hard, it makes a difference.
2. ___ Getting out of bed in the morning is easy for me.
3. ___ I have the freedom I want and need.
4. ___ At times I've sacrificed for an exciting opportunity.
5. ___ Sticking to my routine is not important to me.
6. ___ I vote because I think it makes a difference.
7. ___ You make your own lucky breaks.
8. ___ I agree with the goals of my boss and my company.
9. ___ I've been "lucky in love" because I try to be a loving person.
10. ___ I believe I get what I give. But I don't "keep score."
11. ___ It's important for me to try new things.
12. ___ Free time is a gift I really enjoy.
13. ___ I work hard, and I'm paid fairly.
14. ___ My family is a great pleasure to me.
15. ___ I speak up for what I believe in.

Add your scores for #1, 6, 7, 9, 13. This is your stress management score. The higher it is, the more control you feel you have over your own life, and the better you are able to manage your stresses. Total: ___

Add your scores for #2, 3, 8, 10, 14. This is your commitment score. The higher it is, the more you are committed to and enjoy your life.
Total: ___

Add your scores for #4, 5, 11, 12, 15. This is your risk score. The higher it is, the more willing you are to take risks.
Total: ___

Add all three scores together. This is your stress-resistance score.
Total: ___

If you scored 35 or above: You are very resistant to stress, your attitudes help you—congratulations!

• 27 to 34: You are somewhat resistant but could be more so look at each item and choose a few to work on.
• 18 to 26: You need to look at your habits and attitudes to improve your resistance to stress; go through the statements above and pick one to improve on each month.
• Under 18: If stresses get serious, you could be in trouble; take time now to change your habits and attitudes; you may want to ask a professional counselor for ways to feel more positive about yourself.

Source: Parlay International Health & Wellness.