1. Which are signs of excessive workplace stress?

A. Irritability, stomach problems, problems sleeping, fatigue

B. Alcohol and/or drug abuse, social isolation, headaches

C. All of the above

D. None of the above

 

2. The salon industry and the focus on pampering others can increase the stress technicians feel because of …

A. The expectation to be constantly “on.”

B. The expectation of staying on time.

C. The difficulty of keeping your private life private.

D. All of the above and one hundred more.

 

3. An example of a stress hormone is …

A. Bifarcus Stressalarus

B. Cortisol

C. Norwalk

D. None of the above

 
4. Ongoing work stress may cause ulcers and/or hypertension.

A. True

B. False

 
5. Exercise can reduce stress, improve health, and lift moods. For a quick pick-me-up …

A. Take a walk during a break.

B. Only exercise if you have at least an hour.

C. Exercise? I’m too tired to exercise.

D. Call in sick and exercise the remote from the couch.

 
6. While the release of stress hormones is perceived as a negative occurrence, it can also be an asset in times of real danger.

A. True

B. False

 
7. Y-A-W-N — that can’t-keep-your-eyes-open feeling after tossing and turning all night. When stress creeps into the space where sweet dreams should be …

A. Try keeping a regular bedtime schedule.

B. Shrug off the extra alcohol. It can ­interfere with your Zzzzzzzs.

C. Turn off your electronic leashes before bed.

D. Practice the above and learn new techniques for sound sleep until mastered.

 
8. What is the one component of a career you have control over?

A. You

B. Your coworkers

C. Your hours

D. Your commute

 
9. Reduce scheduling stresses by keeping products stocked and clean the day before, scheduling clients with adequate time, learning to converse without always making eye contact, and …

A. Turning away clients when they are 10 minutes late. After all, they got a reminder call.

B. Adjusting service to meet available time if the client is running late according to your service policy.

C. Rearranging the rest of the day to accommodate a late arrival.

D. Firing the client for the slightest infraction.

 
10. Perfectionism may lead to more job stress if not managed.

A. True. Everyone needs to cut themselves some slack now and then.

B. False. Perfection is attainable if you just work harder.

 
11. Some worthwhile ways to decompress and relieve job related stress are …

A. Learn to laugh. Visit a comedy club. Learn a joke. Smile.

B. Slip away to use the restroom. Meditate for a minute and then wash your hands and the negative energy down the drain.

C. Spend time with friends. Get out of the house. Do something fun.

D. All of the above. While you are at it, plan at least one vacation from work each year.

 

12. Skipping the morning paper a few days a week or only reading the more upbeat sections before work might smooth out your day.

A. True

B. False

 

Answer Key

It’s true. As beauty professionals, you make the world a better place. It’s no easy task though. All that pampering can come with a steep cost to your health and happiness. Take care of you so you can take care of others — not, the other way around.

1. C    2. D    3. B    4. A    5. A    6. A    7. D    8. A    9. B    10. A    11. D   12. A

0-5 correct =  You may be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s OK to share the burden. Step back and evaluate the situation before that blood pressure creeps any higher.

6-8 correct = You are on the way to a happy and fulfilling work life. Now that you can recognize stress  triggers, it’s time to proactively plan a response for troubling situations.

 9-12 correct = You are a stress-busting ninja. Care to share some of your moves with us?

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