quizzes - How Well Do You Handle Worry?

At its essence, worry is a useful response, helping us anticipate — and avoid — danger by taking constructive action. But too often, worry becomes an endless loop that makes it hard to sleep, focus and perform, and stresses our physical systems. Take this Thriving Quiz to find out how well you handle worry.

True	False
		I keep my worries to myself. I'm afraid I'll burden others if I share my concerns. The problem is, then it builds up and I get really stressed.
		I write about my fears in a journal. This takes some of the power out of them. After writing, creative solutions seem to just show up.
		I lie in bed for two or three hours at night worrying, just hoping to fall back asleep. I feel tired all the time.
		Getting involved with my family, friends, church, neighborhood, organizations, etc., gives me a sense of being part of something bigger than myself. When I do that, my worries seem to dissipate.
		I face and take responsibility for problems and commit to a plan of action, rather than worrying about what might happen.
		What really works for me when I’m feeling tense and nervous is to take a long walk, run, bike ride or work out. When I exercise more, I worry less.
		When my worries spin on in an endless loop, I know it’s time for a gratitude list. Focusing on the things I am grateful for is like turning my worries inside out.
		My worries seem to come from nowhere, and they feel uncontrollable. When I’m in the grip of them, I feel incapable of coming up with any solutions.
		I worry mostly about things that, in fact, have a very low probability of actually occurring — dying in a plane crash, going bankrupt, etc.
		Rather than let my nighttime thoughts keep me from getting to sleep, I focus on physical sensations, such as the feel of the sheets and the warmth of my own body.
		I try to catch my worrying as close to the beginning as possible. Then I take some time to relax, breathe deeply and get centered
		When I’m immersed in my worried thoughts, I have, but rarely notice, physical sensations such as speedy heartbeat, sweatiness and shakiness.
		The more repetitive my worrying becomes, the more persuasive it seems.
		I worry about others because I don’t really trust that they can takecare of themselves. I've noticed, however, that most of the time, they can.
		When I’m concerned about something, I take action. Then I let go, trusting that I’ve done all I can do.

Your Score: /15

Shifting your worry to wonder opens up possibilities for curiosity and action rather than dread and immobility. Ask yourself: How will it all turn out? What can I do to make the outcome the best it can be? If you would like to work on worry, trust or any other concerns, please don't hesitate to call.