Why Are You So Worried?

The way you manage your day-to-day anxieties can have a big impact on your life. Take our quick quiz to find your worry personality and learn how to live stress-free

Studies show that 38% of people worry every day, and many of those people describe themselves as chronic worriers, says psychology expert Dr Robert l. Leahy, author of The Worry Cure (penguin random House). the problem starts, he says, when You worry too much, worry about things You can’t fix, or You don’t deal with Your worries effectively. But You can change Your anxiety patterns – take our personality quiz to find out how.

1 Your boss says she wants to have a meeting with You later in the week. How do You react to the news?

a) You immediately assume You’ve done something wrong and fret about it for the next few days.

b) You put it out of Your mind by going for drinks with colleagues that night.

c) You get on with Your work, but notice Yourself worrying about the meeting when You’re tired.

d) You think, ‘great! i must be getting a pay increase.’

2 Your friend’s really anxious about something – how do You deal with her?

a) You feel a bit impatient: she’s clearly stressing about something that’s not likely to happen.

b) Empathise with how anxious she is.

c) Try to shut out Your own worries while You try to calm her.

d) Change the subject.

3 Your child is sick, You’ve dented Your car and work is extremely busy. How are You coping?

a) Not too bad. You’re always prepared for a crisis.

b) You’re trying Your best to deal with everything, but You feel totally overwhelmed.

c) You’re relying on other people to get You through it; You can’t do it alone.