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Got Stress?
By Deborah Reber
What's your de-stress style? Are you the person who keeps her head when others are busy losing theirs? Or, do you fan the fire when the stress flames rise? Take this quiz and discover your style for de-stressing when life gets tough, and while you're at it, pick up a few pointers about new ways you can get a grip on the stress in your life.
1. It's the week before winter break, and you're juggling three finals, basketball practice, and rehearsals for the big holiday concert. You're more likely to manage your stress by:
- avoiding caffeine and sugar binges
- meditating for five minutes each morning
- creating a detailed plan for getting everything done
- asking your parents to help you prioritize
2. You're psyched when your close friend from camp transfers to your school, but bummed when your BFFs give her the cold shoulder. You're most likely to handle it by:
- taking long walks by yourself
- writing in your journal
- speaking to your friends about their behavior
- asking your sis what she'd do in your shoes
3. Lately you've been questioning what you're all about. It's clear…you're having your first identity crisis. You're more likely to:
- join a sports team…you always feel better when you're active
- explore a new interest in music or art
- re-decorate your room
- do volunteer work
4. You caught a story on the news about a recent increase in crime in your community. Now you're losing sleep over fears of random violence. You're more likely to handle your stress by:
- committing to a regular fitness routine
- practicing yoga to find serenity
- joining an after-school club for students against violence
- asking your mentor for comfort and guidance
5. Your grandparents are moving to another part of the country. Planning a cross-country visit can be incredibly stressful. You're more likely to:
- relieve your stress in the gym
- retreat to your room and zone out with your iPod
- update your calendar and create a new plan for the summer
- turn to your friends for support
6. Your parents are becoming more interested in monitoring your grades, your extracurricular activities, and your social life. You know they're just looking out for you, but the pressure is taking its toll. You're more likely to reduce your stress by:
- working out four days instead of three
- focusing on yourself, since you can't control how your parents feel
- cutting back on your extracurricular activities
- telling your parents how you feel and asking them to back off
7. Your recent growth spurt has left you stressed about your new fuller figure, especially because you don't feel confident in your "skinny jeans" anymore. You are more likely to:
- commit to eating small, balanced meals
- remind yourself that you're perfect just the way you are
- clean out your closet to get rid of clothes that make you feel bad
- remember there are much bigger world concerns than what size jeans you wear
Mostly A's - Exercise Goddess:
You know taking care of your physical health through regular exercise and good nutrition is one of the best ways to find serenity no matter what's happening in your life.
Mostly B's – Balanced Guru:
Sometimes reconnecting with your mind and soul is the best defense against stress. You get a handle on your emotions through creative outlets like journaling, yoga and meditation, as well as rational thinking, to regain balance in your life.
Mostly C's - Go-To-It Girl:
When the stress hits the fan, you tackle it head on with tangible techniques like organizing your life, creating realistic schedules, and speaking up when things aren't working. Or you just take time to simplify.
Mostly D's – Big Picture Thinker:
You know the answers to many of life's stresses are right in front of you. By relying on your support system of friends, family, and mentors as well as putting your stress into perspective, you take advantage of the many resources at your disposal.
uniquely ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/DOVE SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM was established in the fall of 2001 to boost self-esteem among girls ages 8 to 17. The uniquely ME! resources are available for all girls. For more information, visit the girlscouts.org uniquely ME! Web page.
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