We all have some tension in our everyday lives. But new research shows Its not how much stress we have -- but whether were dealing with it in the most effective way, says stress management expert Mimi Donaldson author of Bless Your Stress: It Means Youre Alive. Since a warm bath or exercising isnt for everyone -- take our quiz to find out what works for you!
1. When you hear the word Cruise you think
a. Highway driving
b. Tom
c. Caribbean islands
2. Your idea of comfort dining is:
a. Anything delivered
b. Something sweet or gooey
c. Three-course meal served in a restaurant
3. Your bedroom window treatments are
a. Blinds
b. Shades
c. Curtains that keep out light
4. When you need to catch up on a project at work, do you:
a. Ask colleagues to lend a hand
b. Stay late until youre finished
c. Leave but vow to come in early the next morning
5. If you could spend an afternoon in one of these US cities would you choose:
a. New York
b. San Francisco
c. Key West
6. The last time you dressed for a big night out did it take you:
a. Less than half an hour
b. Around an hour
c. More than an hour
7. You go to the supermarket with a
a. Basic idea of essentials
b. Detailed list- aisle by aisle
c. Open mind
8. Do you pay your bills:
a. As they arrive
b. The first of each month
c. Anytime before theyre due
9. How would prefer to travel across country?a. A fully-equipped RVb. By car -- resting overnight in reserved rooms.c. Leisurely by train10. When you feel the sniffles coming on do you:a. Ignore it and carry on b. Take an over-the counter remedyc. Cuddle on the couch - tissues at the ready!Mostly AsSetting Priorities and Making ListsAs a take charge, type A gal, who needs to be in the drivers seat and make the most out of every minute your best tension tamer involves sticking to a schedule, keeping your work area and home organized, and making sure you always have plan B at the ready! Because sudden changes are big stress triggers for personalities like yours, says Donaldson. So if youre planning a trip, make reservations in advance. And dont think a vacation relaxing by the sea would help you relax! Staying on the move is your best stress buster -- even if that means unwinding by cleaning out your closest!Mostly BsKnowing when to walk awaySince youre so focused and determined once you set your mind on completing a task --you cant let go! Time tends to run away with you, says Donaldson. Which means you may end up neglecting other chores -- and thats when you feel stressed! Give yourself a time-out by literally setting an alarm clock and allowing a set amount of time to devote to one task. When you feel like youre losing concentration -- put the brakes on. Natural task masters like you are often sleep deprived so be sure to get at least seven solid hours! Dont worry. With your stick-to-it-ness you always meet your goals!
Mostly CsTaking time to relaxSurveys show most women have a tough time really relaxing -- but not you! Even though you get tons accomplished you know the benefits of unwinding and never hesitate to stop and smell the roses. R&R folks go with the flow and wont get panicky when things dont go as planned, says Donaldson. But you also know how to set priorities which includes time with family and friends. Your ability to stay cool means you can help other calm down and reap the most benefits from quiet relaxation like yoga, tai chi, reading or writing in a journal. Robin Westen is the author of The Big Book of Personality Quizzes (Black Dog and Leventhal/Workman)See what others have to say about this story or leave comment of your own.
