Each of us reacts differently to life's little challenges. Faced with a long line at the bank, most of us will get heated up for a few seconds before we shrug and move on. But for others -- the one in five or us whom researchers call hot reactors -- such incidents are an assault on good health. That's why rating your stress requires you both to tally your life's stressors (Part One) and to figure out whether you are particularly susceptible to stress (Part Two).

How often are the following stressful situations a part of your daily life?

1. Never
2. Rarely
3. Sometimes
4. Often
5. All the time

    I work long hours.
    There are signs my job isn't secure.
    Doing a good job goes unnoticed.
    It takes all my energy just to make it through the day.
    There are severe arguments at home.
    A family member is seriously ill.
    I'm having problems with child care.
    I don't have enough time for fun.
    I'm on a diet.
    My family and friends count on me to solve their problems.
    I'm expected to keep up a certain standard of living.
    My neighborhood is crowded or dangerous.
    My home is a mess.
    I can't pay my bills on time.
    I'm not saving money.

Try to imagine how you would react in these hypothetical situations.

1. You've been waiting 20 minutes for a table in a crowded restaurant, and the host seats a party that arrived after you. You feel your anger rise as your face gets hot and your heart beats faster.

True False

2. Your sister calls out of the blue and starts to tell you how much you mean to her. Uncomfortable, you change the subject without expressing what you feel.

True False

3. You come home to find the kitchen looking like a disaster area and your spouse/roommate lounging in front of the TV. You tense up and can't seem to shake your anger.

True False

4. Faced with a public speaking event, you get keyed up and lose sleep for a day or more, worrying about how you'll do.

True False

5. On Thursday your repair shop promises to fix your car in time for a weekend trip. As the hours go by, you become increasingly worried that something will go wrong and your trip will be ruined.

True False