o better understand your reaction to life's stressors consider your current coping behaviors.

* Do you tense up? Neck and shoulder tension or clenched jaws or fists are often early warning signs of stress. Stress may cause an upset stomach, shortness of breath, back pain, headaches and other physical symptoms as well.
* Do you reach for something to eat? Stress and overeating are often closely related. Stress may trigger you to eat even when you're not hungry or to lose track of your meal and exercise plans.
* Do you get impatient? Perhaps you find yourself pacing the floor or twitching nervously. You might have trouble concentrating or falling asleep at night.
* Do you get angry? Stress leaves many people with a short fuse. When you're under pressure, you may find yourself arguing with co-workers, friends or loved ones - sometimes with little provocation or about things that have nothing to do with what's actually triggering your stress.
* Are you reduced to tears? Stress may trigger crying spells or other emotional releases.
* Do you give up? Sometimes stress may be too much to take. You might deny the issue, avoid the problem, call in sick or simply give up.
* Do you let negative thoughts take over? When you're under stress, perhaps you automatically expect the worst or magnify the negative aspects of a situation.
* Do you smoke? Even if you quit smoking long ago, a cigarette may seem like an easy way to relax when you're under pressure. In fact, stress is often considered the leading cause of smoking relapses. And smoking is a double-edged sword. Aside from the obvious health risks of smoking, nicotine acts as a stimulant - triggering even more stress symptoms.