Don't confuse reasonable with realistic expectations. A reasonable expectation makes sense. A realistic expectation is likely to happen. It's reasonable to expect your boss to recognize your effort and performance and reward you accordingly with a promotion or a raise. But if your boss has never offered those advances without someone having to ask for them, it's unrealistic to expect him or her to do so in your case. Do your best to have realistic expectations instead of ones that are merely reasonable.

Another idea is to draw a vertical line down the center of a piece of paper, dividing the page into two columns. On the left side, list the names of people and situations in your life that drain the energy from you. On the right side, write names of people and situations that give you energy and inspiration. Review your lists and make a commitment to minimize your contact with the energy drainers and increase your interaction with the energy suppliers. If you can do this, stress level will decrease dramatically. TOP

Circle those statements that describe you. Total the circled statements at the bottom of the list.

1. I find myself less and less eager to return to work on Monday.

2. I feel less and less patient and/or apathetic when listening to other people's concerns.

3. I am tired of taking responsibility for other people's problems.

4. I am falling behind in many of the responsibilities in my life.

5. I find it more and more difficult to see people socially.

6. I feel tired most of the time.

7. I am losing my sense of humor and find it more difficult to laugh.

8. I don't seem to have much fun anymore.

9. I feel trapped.

10. Even if recommendations from this article make sense, I'll probably make excuses and not try it.

TOTAL ___

Scoring:
0-3   You're more exhausted than stressed out.
4-6   You're beginning to stress out.
7-10  Whoa! You're stressed out.