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Are You a Stress Addict?

If you're reading this book, chances are (1) you recognize you're a stress addict; (2) you have a concerned friend, family member, or colleague who thinks you're a stress addict; or (3) you are in denial.

Because the experience of stress is different for each individual, it's hard to know for sure whether you have an unhealthy dependence on stress. The following few questions may help you figure it out:

  • Do you thrive on tight deadlines?
  • Do you often leave things until the last minute?
  • Do you have a difficult time doing nothing?
  • Does it take you a few days off to feel like you're on vacation?
  • Do you spend much of your vacation time thinking about work?
  • Do you constantly worry about what you might be missing?
  • Do you feel stressed when you're disconnected from your cell phone or computer?
  • Do you find it difficult to turn your brain off at night to sleep?
  • Do you feel as though there is never enough time to get things done?
  • Do you ever feel as though the work you put in for the day is not enough?
  • Do you lack time to see your friends or participate in hobbies you used to enjoy?
  • Do you feel as though you're constantly running from one thing to the next?
  • Do you find yourself finishing, or wanting to finish, other people's statements?
  • Do you wish I'd stop asking questions so that you can get on with the book?

Chances are, you answered “yes” to many of these questions. But who cares? We all have stress, and it's not going anywhere—so we might as well accept ...

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