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**What is your stress status?**

Stress is what you experience internally in response to new or difficult
situations. It's impossible to avoid stress entirely. But you can build
up your resistance to the harmful effects of stress through a
combination of exercise, good communication, and relaxation. This quiz
will help you evaluate your ability to manage the unavoidable stressors
in your life.

+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
|                         | **Always**   | **Usually**  | **oc         |
|                         |              |              | casionally** |
|                         | **(5         | **(3         |              |
|                         | points)**    | points)**    | **(1         |
|                         |              |              | point)**     |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **1. I exercise three   |              |              |              |
| time a week**           |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **2. I eat a well       |              |              |              |
| balanced diet that      |              |              |              |
| includes lots of fresh  |              |              |              |
| fruits and vegetables   |              |              |              |
| and whole-grain breads  |              |              |              |
| and cereals**           |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **3. I share my feeling |              |              |              |
| with a partner or       |              |              |              |
| friend on a regular     |              |              |              |
| basis.**                |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **4. I avoid perfection |              |              |              |
| and set realistic goals |              |              |              |
| for myself at home and  |              |              |              |
| at work.**              |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **5. I practice         |              |              |              |
| relaxation or           |              |              |              |
| meditation techniques   |              |              |              |
| each week.**            |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **6. I avoid using      |              |              |              |
| alcohol and drugs for   |              |              |              |
| dealing with            |              |              |              |
| pressure.**             |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **7. I'm good at giving |              |              |              |
| and receiving positive  |              |              |              |
| strokes.**              |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **8. I plan regular     |              |              |              |
| recreational activities |              |              |              |
| that provide a complete |              |              |              |
| change of scenery.**    |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **9. I avoid emotional  |              |              |              |
| overload. I've learned  |              |              |              |
| to say "*no"* when I    |              |              |              |
| need to.**              |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **10. I feel satisfied  |              |              |              |
| with my work            |              |              |              |
| commitments and my      |              |              |              |
| employer's expectations |              |              |              |
| of me.**                |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| **total always          |              |              |              |
| \_\_\_\_ + total        |              |              |              |
| usually \_\_\_ + total  |              |              |              |
| occasionally \_\_\_\_ = |              |              |              |
| stress score            |              |              |              |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**  |              |              |              |
|                         |              |              |              |
| **\*\*Report this score |              |              |              |
| when you register for   |              |              |              |
| Rise & Shine.\*\***     |              |              |              |
+-------------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+

**If you scored:**

-   **10-23,** there are several important stress management skills that
    will help you. Start a regular exercise schedule if you don't
    already have one. Improve your communication skills and make more
    time for relaxation.

-   **24-35,** you have a variety of ways to deal with stress. Take a
    look at those you need to improve and develop new strategies in
    these areas.

-   **35 and above,** congratulations, you have some effective ways to
    deal with the complexities of life. Continue to develop and protect
    those skills.