Take this self-questionnaire to see how stressed you are.

Stay Healthy – Stress Less!

How Stressed Are You?

 

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A yes answer to any of these questions may mean that you are feeling stress in your life. Think about:

• What made you feel that way?  
• What things can you do to feel better?

In the past month have you felt:
1. Worried, afraid, or nervous?	Yes	No
If yes, what made you feel that way?
What things can you do that will help you feel better?
2. People were being mean to you or picking on you?	Yes	No
If yes, what made you feel that way?
What things can you do that will help you feel better?
3.You had too much to do?	Yes	No
If yes, what made you feel that way?
What things can you do that will help you feel better?
4. Angry because of something that happened?	Yes	No
If yes, what made you feel that way?
What things can you do that will help you feel better?
5. Aches and pains that you cannot explain?	Yes	No
If yes, what made you feel that way?
What things can you do that will help you feel better?

Did you say yes to any of the questions? If you did, you may be stressed. Keep reading for some things you can do to feel less stress.

Some Ways to Stress Less

• Change what is causing your stress. If you are having a money problem, get some help with a budget. If you are being bullied, talk to someone about what you can do to stay safe.

• Change what you do when you feel stressed. Take a break. Count to ten. Take a deep breath. Get away for awhile. Do something else.

• Think good thoughts. Do not think of the worst thing that can happen. Do not think “I cannot.” Think “I can! I can do it!” Be positive. Think about happy times and things that make you feel good.

• Do fun things. Take time every day to do something you enjoy. Make a list of fun things and do them. Here are some ideas.
  • Take a walk.
  • Ride a bike.
  • Play games.
  • Have a hot drink.
  • Pet your cat or dog.
  • Paint a picture.
  • Listen to music.
  • Take a long bath.
  • Go to the park.
  • Visit with friends.

• Laugh out loud. Laughter is good medicine. Laughing feels good. When feeling stress, think of something funny. Laugh a lot.

• Find ways to relax. Yoga, deep breathing, or meditation can stop bad thoughts. Just ten minutes a day will help you feel better. Take a class to learn yoga or meditation. You could go with a friend.

• Most important, talk to a friend. Talk to someone you trust about things that are bothering you. You’ll feel better! If you don’t have anyone, get help finding someone. We all need friends to share our ups and downs with.

• For More about how to stress less, look at Tip Sheet #1, Tip Sheet #2, and Tip Sheet #3.