By Barbara Bartlein

How are you managing your stress in this “age of anxiety?”  Check which of these symptoms apply to you.

• Do you feel like what you accomplish is never quite good enough?
• Do you feel like you must give more than 100% on everything you do or else you will be mediocre or even a failure?
•  Do you start getting anxious about work even on your off days or vacation?
• Do you have a fear of making mistakes?
• Do you find that you have a lot of “shoulds” for yourself and others?
• Do co-workers and other people in your life complain about how stressed you are?
• Do you routinely have trouble sleeping?
• Do you get stomach aches or other GI symptoms when you go to work?
• Are you short tempered with others around you?
• Do you get easily frustrated with others because they seem more relaxed than you?
• Do you feel that others don't appreciate how hard you are working?
• Have you ever had symptoms of a panic attack, i.e. heart pounding, shortness of breath, cold or clammy feel, and anxious feeling?
• Do you feel like you need to micromanage those around you?
• Do you feel threatened by younger or talented co-workers?
• Have others complained that you are a “control freak?”
• Are you pessimistic about yourself, your life, and the world?
• Do you think your are judgmental of others?
• Are you generally happy with your life?

If you answer “yes” to these questions, it is time to consider whether you are a perfectionist and stress puppy.  Learn new techniques to relax and be good to yourself.

For more info, check out my new book, "Energy Suckers"