That giddy feeling could be stress
And the question is (yes, just one):
Are you under too much stress?
Those of us who are in (or at some point were but survived)
management, self-employment, straight commission sales, a bitter divorce,
a family tragedy, or any of several other stress creators probably know
without being tested. It begins with tightness in the chest or
hyperventilation or sheer panic. A buddy of mine compares it to the
feeling he gets when he sucks down seven cups of coffee. And another says
it feels like the top of his head is separating from the rest of his
body.
But stress isn't necessarily preceded by caution lights. If you want
an early warning system, you might find one in how well you perform on
this handy-dandy little quiz. It's brought to us by the folks at the U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services.
(P.S. -- there are no right and wrong answers. Just be honest.)
- [] If you feel you've supported a family member, score 10 points.
- [] If you have a hobby, give yourself 10 points.
- [] If you take part in some kind of a social activity that meets once a month or more, add another 10 points.
- [] If you are within five pounds of your ideal weight, add another 10.
- [] If you practice some form of deep relaxation three times a week, you get 15 points.
- [] And you get five points each for:
- a) each day during the week that you exercise for 30 minutes or more,
- b) eating balanced meals,
- c) planning something you really enjoy.
- [] Do you relax and act like yourself? Good, that's 15 points.
- [] Do you manage your time? That's 10 points.
- [] . . . but subtract five points if you use tobacco products.
- [] And subtract 10 points for each time you use alcohol or drugs to relax during the day.
- [] And subtract another five points for each evening you use alcohol or drugs to relax.
- [] Last, but not least, subtract five points for each evening you bring your work home with you.
Uh-oh, right?
The score to beat? Tampa Tug Tunstall, whose metabolism can be
measured in fractions, plodded in with a 120, which a reliable source
told me is among the elite. The average score, according to our friends
in federal places, is 50 to 60. Me?? Well, I was doing pretty well until
all those ones with the subtraction factor.
How about you?
Source:The Tampa Tribune - April 19, 1994 - JIM TUNSTALL
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