Stress Test | Not the Treadmill Type

Yes, I have had several treadmill stress tests that have evidenced a healthy heart. I take them because my cholesterol levels run a bit high. But that is not what this post is about. It is about the other kind of stress - sometimes I forget that stress is something that I can do something about. Consider this excerpt from Kim Allen's post Storm Warning ...

When did we forget that stress is the body's way of warning us something is out of kilter? Take this short 'stress test' if you're still not sure it's time to stop all the talking and do something about it. 

Low stress levels

• I feel well
• I am able to relax
• Physical recreation brings me pleasure
• Increasing pressure enhances my performance
• My thinking is clear and I learn easily
• I am able to say "No"
• Others see me as adaptable & approachable
• Others see me as energized and successful

Moderate stress levels

• I feel driven, hyperactive, and restless
• I tend to make snap decisions but with errors
• I feel over-burdened but can still say "No"
• I often feel tired but am taking steps to recover
• I often try to squeeze a few extra drops out of my performance
• Discipline, fitness, social pressure & stimulants play a greater role in my ability to perform
• My sleep is just about adequate
• Others see me as tired yet successful

High stress levels

• I often loose perspective
• I feel irritable & on edge
• I complain and grumble regularly
• I work longer hours but get less done
• My home/work balance is suffering
• I have repeated minor ailments, aches and pains
• I don't think as clearly as I used to
• I have sleep problems
• I feel like I'm operating in survival mode

Now don't get stressed out about stress! Events and situations (the traffic, the deadlines, the bills, etc.), don't cause the damage; our negative reaction to these events –how we feel –do. And how we react is something we can change.