Some people seem to take everything in stride. Their naturally laid-back attitudes shine through in every situation. Another deadline? Bring it on. You needed to be there 10 minutes ago? OK, let's go. The dishwasher is leaking? No problem. It'll be a simple repair.

Others get anxious at the first sign of trouble. They may pace the floor or have difficulty concentrating on the task at hand. An interruption or change in plans may cause a stir. They may toss and turn all night.

Of course, these examples are extremes. Most people have stress responses that fall somewhere in the middle. When you feel confident, you're likely to take new stressors in stride. If you feel cornered or unprepared, your stress level may rise.