STRESS AND INSURANCE (part 2)
World famous insurance company «Zurich»
A certain degree of stress is unavoidable in life. But the pressures of modern, urbanized societies can push stress to dangerously high levels. While we can’t completely eliminate stress, we can learn to modify our behavior in ways that lessen its harmful effects on our minds and bodies.
Experts have identified a number of indicators that affect our vulnerability to stress. Some of them have to do with physical factors, some with mental and emotional behaviors, and some have to do with nutrition.
The following questionnaire was developed by psychologist researchers at the Boston University Medical Centre, to evaluate vulnerability to stress, and to highlight those areas in which improvement can be made.
To answer the questionnaire, rate each item according to how often it is true of you. Answer all the items, even if they seem not to apply.
STRESS TEST
(1) Almost always; (2) Frequently; (3) Occasionally; (4) Almost never; (5) Never
1. I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day
2. I get 7-8 hours of sleep at least four nights a week
3. I regularly give and receive affection
4. I have at least one relative within 50 miles on whom I can rely
5. I exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice a week
6. I smoke less than half a pack of cigarettes a day
7. I take fewer than five alcoholic drinks a week
8. I am at the appropriate weight for my height
9. I have an income to meet my basic expenses
10. I get strength from my religious beliefs
11. I regularly attend club or social activities
12. I have a network of friends and acquaintances
13. I have one or more friends to confide in
14. I am in good health
15. I am able to speak openly about my feelings when I am angry or worried
16. I have regular conversations with the people I live with about domestic problems
17. I do something for fun at least once a week
18. I am able to organize my time effectively
19. I drink fewer than three cups of caffeine-rich drinks (coffee, tea, soft drinks) a day
20. I take some quiet time for myself during the day
Add up the figures of your answers and subtract 20.
- If you have scored below 10 - you have an excellent resistance to stress.
- If your score was over 30 - you are vulnerable to stress in your life.
- A score of over 50 indicates you are seriously vulnerable to stress, and you should begin making some changes in your life.
Take a look at the items on which you scored (3 or higher, and begin trying to modify your behavior. For instance, if you scored «4» on Number 19, you can cut your consumption of caffeine-rich beverages, and reduce your vulnerability to stress. Tackle the easy-to-change items, before the more difficult ones.
<:3 )~~~~~~
Yours sincerely,
AlexSandra