Not surprisingly,
scientists and medical personnel are already predicting a dramatic health
cost to today's ongoing increased stressors. The American Heart Association
says that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, with
cancer number two and stroke number three. All have strong relationships
to too much stress. What we also know, is that even though most of us
can't avoid stress, there are better ways than others to respond to
it. And, there are many ways that our own (often controllable) behaviors
can affect our degree vulnerability to the ravages of stress.
Consider the statements
below to predict your own vulnerably. Rate each item, being very honest,
from 1 (always) to 5 (never) and add up your scores.
|
I
eat at least one hot, balanced meal each day
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
get seven to eight hours of sleep at least four nights a week
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
have at least one relative within 50 miles on whom I can rely
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice each week
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
avoid smoking or other tobacco products
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
drink fewer than five alcoholic drinks per week
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
am the appropriate weight for my height
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
have income which is adequate to meet my basic needs
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
get strength from my spiritual or religious beliefs
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
regularly attend club or social activities
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
have a network of friends and acquaintances
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
am in good health (including eyesight, hearing and teeth)
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
am able to speak openly about my feelings when I am angry or worried
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
have regular conversations with people I live with about domestic
problems (for example, chores or money)
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
am able to organize my time effectively
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
drink fewer than three cups of coffee or other caffeinated beverages
daily
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
|
I
take some quiet time for my self every day
|
1
2 3 4 5 |
Total your score
and subtract 20. A score of less than 10 indicates an excellent resistance
to stress. A score over 30 indicates some vulnerability to stress. You
are seriously vulnerable if your score is over 50.
*Source: University
of California Wellness Letter. Scale developers: Lyle Miller and Alma
Dell Smith of Boston University
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