Growing up, I attended a laboratory school, which meant I was asked to complete what felt like millions of surveys. Every now and then, a graduate student would send a set of questions to the students at my school. The problem was that I never really knew where the data ended up or how it was used.
After completing the Life Stress Questionnaire, I realized I had circled only a few items, and my total score was below 150. This suggests that I don’t have many responsibilities weighing on my shoulders right now. To cope with stress, strategies like exercising regularly, eating healthy, and taking naps can help reduce stress levels. One strategy that stood out to me was “scheduling worry time.” I had no idea what that meant, so I looked it up. It’s an interesting concept. It means to set aside a specific time to think through your worries. I think it can be helpful for me to dedicate time to reflect on my concerns, even if it won’t work out.
The results from the Coping & Stress Management Skills test show that I tend to use problem-focused strategies when dealing with stress. This is an inefficient approach because everything can’t be controlled. At the same time, the feedback suggests “taking action to modify or take charge of a stressor to better cope with it.” It’s essentially the same advice I’ve been given for years; maybe I need to start taking it more seriously moving forward.
As I transition into my professional career, I know there will be many situations outside of my control. I need to avoid impulsive reactions, even when I feel tempted. One thing I can do is to remain calm and communicate my needs respectfully, using “I” statements to describe how a situation affects me without placing blame. This approach will help me respond more effectively and maintain professionalism.