DEALING WITH STRESS

how stressed out are you?

Stress can have negative effects on your diabetes management. Take our quiz to find out if stress or anxiety is hindering your health.

On any given day, which best describes the internal “chatter” in your mind?

A. I feel generally optimistic. Every day presents another opportunity for adventure.

B. I tend to worry, and when something goes wrong, it’s all I can think about.

C. I frequently find myself worrying and imagining worst-case scenarios.

D. I sometimes feel so overcome by anxiety that it’s difficult for me to leave the house or maintain relationships.

At the holiday office party, which description best fits you?

A. I look forward to it all year—I love any occasion to mingle.

B. I need a while to “warm up” and much prefer small gatherings.

C. I only go if I must, and I remain on the sidelines until I can make an early exit.

D. Even the thought of being around that many people makes me break out in a sweat.

How often do you experience headaches, tightness in your chest, neck pain, or muscle tension?

A. Only occasionally.

B. Any time I get overwhelmed, such as when I’m facing a deadline, I have a presentation to make, I’m late, or I have too many obligations to fulfill.

C. One or more times a week.

D. I struggle with these symptoms on a daily basis.

Which nighttime scenario best describes you?

A. I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow.

B. I can usually fall asleep within 15 minutes.

C. I tend to dwell on past mistakes or worry so much it’s difficult to fall asleep.

D. I toss and turn every night and am lucky to catch four or five hours of shut-eye.

How often do you find yourself unreasonably—as in excessively or without an apparent cause—irritable?

A. Rarely.

B. Every now and then.

C. Weekly.

D. I can lose it at the drop of a hat.

how did you do?

MOSTLY A’S Congratulations, you’re as cool as a cucumber. Keep up the good work!

MOSTLY B’S You may have a tendency to worry, but you’re not in the red zone. Deep breathing, meditation, or a yoga session can help keep stress at a minimum.

MOSTLY C’S Your stress is severe enough that it sometimes interferes with your daily life. Consider trying cognitive-behavioral therapy with a professional to learn techniques to stop anxiety in its tracks.

MOSTLY D’S Your stress has reached an unhealthy level. It would be a good idea to seek professional help. Anxiety is highly treatable; there are plenty of methods to help you beat stress, stay positive, and get the most out of life.