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WHAT'S NEW
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Quiz: How well do you deal with stress?
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Find your coping style and get tips for becoming more cool, calm and collected.
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By Heather Camlot
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Results:
Everyone handles stress differently -- what works for one person may be completely wrong for another. The most important thing is to move past the stressor and the situation without hurting yourself or others. Stress can lead to health problems, so if you're experiencing any abnormal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, or shortness of breath, among others, speak to your doctor.
If you scored 10 to 17: Cool cat
No one is immune to stress and you know how to go with the flow. You adapt to new demands, develop realistic plans, know when to take a break, and get down to business while maintaining a healthy balance between work and family. You have an arsenal of techniques to help you cope with stressors and you use them accordingly -- from hanging out with friends to taking a step back to assess and solve problems. Still, there are times when stress manages to get to you and you're not sure what to do. Don't worry -- take a break from the problem, remember to breathe, then focus on the situation at hand. Read "tips on managing stress" from the Heart & Stroke Foundation to learn about other ways to deal with common stressors.
If you scored 18 to 24: Control freak
When you're stressed, you need to control everything and anything around you -- you speed through traffic lights, take over conversations and make high demands on colleagues and friends. You feel the best way to move past a stressor is to jump right in, get the job done and get out. While it's great to try to get things accomplished, your body is working overtime and it can make you anxious and uptight, cause high blood pressure, and lead to heart problems.
You need to take a time-out: join a meditation class, pick up a hobby, exercise, meet with friends, leave work at the office. Know that you can't do everything yourself and that sometimes things just happen. For more information on dealing with stress, read "Coping With Stress" from the University of Iowa's Counseling Service.
If you scored 25 to 30: Nervous Nelly
Your first reaction to a stressful situation is distraction. In some cases, diversions like a run or a swim can help clear your mind, but you tend to opt for unhealthy alternatives and comfort foods like ice cream, pizza or caffeinated beverages. You have a tendency to show your stress by rolling your eyes, checking your watch and clenching your fists. When unsure about how to get past a stressor, you retreat instead of dealing with it.
It's time to accept responsibility, set realistic goals, and jump into the stressful situation. Focus on taking small steps to get a job done rather than the end result and you'll get things accomplished. Remember to ask for help -- be it from coworkers, partners or friends -- and don't forget to breathe. Stress is part of life. Knowing how to deal with it is your best defense.
For more information on dealing with stress, read the College of Family Physicians of Canada's guide "Stress -- How to cope better with life's challenges."
Learn how to meditate your stress away.
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