Does anxiety affect your work?

Have you woken up at nights with a pounding heart thinking that your presentation will be flop? Stop. You could be suffering from anxiety disorder that can have disastrous effects on your productivity. Work-related anxiety lowers your concentration levels, impairs working relationships and causes unrealistic fears. Take this small quiz to find out whether you too suffer from this ailment or not:

You are on a six month probation period. Do you always feel that you will be kicked out at any moment though there are no concrete reasons for that to happen?
A)u00a0No. I are confident about my skills
B) Sometimes, if I have messed up on some project
C)u00a0Yes. All the time

Do you feel very nervous before giving a presentation?
A) u00a0No. I love to show off my work
B) u00a0Sometimes, if the top bosses are present for it
C)u00a0u00a0Yes. The thought of talking before a group gives me nightmares

Your boss is on a holiday and you have to take decisions on his behalf. Do you feel very scared about it irrespective of the nature of the decision?
A) No. I am ready to accept responsibility
B) Depends on whether the decision is truly a big one for meu00a0
C) Yes. I feel petrified to accept responsibility even for the smallest of decisions

Do you shy away from taking up high profile projects because you feel that you will make a mess out of them though there are no reasons for feeling that way?
A) No. I lap them up as they help me rise up the ladder
B) Yes if I know that I don't have the requisite skill/experience/support to pull it off
C)u00a0Yes. I don't accept them out of sheer nervousness

Your boss had fired you last week for some mistake. You are working on a new project that you have to submit today evening....How do you feel?
A) Determined. I feel a greater need to do everything perfectly
B) Worried. I want to get my project re-checked before submission
C) Nervous as hell. The fear of a second firing doesn't even let me concentrate on my work

One of your clients hasn't confirmed a deal. Your boss will be upset if the deal falls throughu2026What is your mood?
A) Diligent. I are pulling all strings to get it done
B) Tense. How will I explain it to my boss?
C) Scared. The issue is nerve-wracking and I can't concentrate elsewhere

Scores
Maximum A's: You have no place for anxiety in your life, which is a good sign. As a person, you are confident, fearless and optimistic; qualities that will help you handle tough situations and climb up the corporate ladder.

Maximum B's: You have a tendency to worry but not without a reason. However, you are prone to anxiety disorder and should watch out for it. You should talk to a close friend/colleague about your apprehensions and check whether you can get rid of them. Try out some relaxation techniques like meditation, playing games, music, etc.u00a0

Maximum C's: You are a nervous wreck and need help. If your fears are accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, dry mouth, sweating, pounding heart, etc you need to consult a doctor or psychiatrist immediately.
Anxiety disorder can cause serious problems in your professional life so you need to tackle it.u00a0