What’s your favorite memory related to finding inner peace?
- That feeling of calm after a thunderstorm when I was a kid. That’s my happy place.
- Honestly, getting my massage appointment booked. Pure bliss!
- Finishing a really challenging workout and feeling those endorphins.
- That moment I realized arguing was pointless and chose peace instead. It was powerful!
- Anytime I watch the sunrise or sunset. Total serenity.
What is your Nerves and Common Sense goal?
- To finally stop overthinking every little thing.
- To be more present at the moment and stop worrying about the future.
- To set better boundaries and not be such a people pleaser.
- To feel more in control of my emotions instead of letting them control me.
- To create a more peaceful and harmonious life, free from unnecessary drama.
Which of these Nerves and Common Sense topics or scenarios is most likely to be a struggle for you?
- Dealing with difficult people without getting sucked into their drama.
- Quieting my mind and finding a sense of stillness.
- Letting go of the need to control everything.
- Breaking free from unhealthy habits and thought patterns.
- Trusting myself and my intuition more.
What makes you nervous about incorporating the lessons from Nerves and Common Sense into your life?
- I worry that I won’t be able to stick with the changes long term.
- It all sounds great in theory but I’m not sure how to apply it in real life.
- What if people think I’m being selfish or self-centered if I prioritize my own needs?
- I’m afraid of failing and ending up more stressed out than I am now.
- I have a lot of doubts about whether I can actually change.
You have a choice of a relaxing vacation or a challenging new job, which do you choose?
- Vacation, obviously! Time to recharge and unwind is essential.
- A challenging new job, for sure! I thrive on pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
- It depends. If I’m feeling burnt out, it’s vacation time. If I’m craving growth, it’s a new job!
- I’d probably try to find a way to do both!
- Honestly, I’d probably overthink this decision for weeks!
What do you think you need to fully embrace the wisdom of Nerves and Common Sense?
- More time to dedicate to practicing the techniques.
- A supportive community of like-minded individuals.
- A deeper understanding of my own thought patterns and behaviors.
- The courage to break free from what’s no longer serving me.
- A really, really long hot bath and a good book!
Someone asks “how are your nerves?” what’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good?” that’s contextual to this quiz?
- I’m working on it! Trying to incorporate more mindfulness into my daily routine.
- Like a rollercoaster, some days are up and some are down.
- Honestly, it depends on the day and who I’ve encountered!
- I’m getting better at recognizing when I’m feeling stressed and taking breaks.
- I’m a work in progress, always learning and growing.
How do you feel about Annie Payson Call’s emphasis on the power of positive thought?
- It makes sense to me! Our thoughts have a powerful effect on our reality.
- I’m a bit skeptical, but I’m willing to give it a try.
- I believe it’s important, but it’s not always easy to control our thoughts.
- It’s definitely easier said than done, but I’m trying to be more mindful of my self-talk.
- I think it’s a bit oversimplified. There are other factors at play besides just our thoughts.
What happened in the past when you tried to incorporate the principles of Nerves and Common Sense into your life?
- I made some progress, but then life got in the way and I fell back into old habits.
- I felt like I was trying too hard and it wasn’t sustainable.
- I had some breakthroughs, but I still have a long way to go.
- It was too overwhelming to tackle everything at once.
- I actually felt a lot calmer and more centered, but it didn’t last.
How do you handle an issue that could arise when trying to find inner peace?
- I take a step back, breathe deeply, and try to approach the situation with a calm and clear mind.
- I talk it out with a trusted friend or family member.
- I might need some time to process my emotions before tackling the issue head-on.
- I try to learn from the experience and see it as an opportunity for growth.
- I might need to indulge in a little self-care before I can deal with it effectively.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your approach to inner peace?
- I’m a work in progress, but I’m committed to finding more peace in my life.
- I’m always searching for new tips and techniques to manage stress.
- I tend to prioritize everyone else’s needs before my own.
- I’m a bit skeptical of self-help stuff, but I’m open to trying new things.
- I’ve learned that finding inner peace is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
You are at a party and some very stressful music comes on, what do you do?
- Find a quiet corner and strike up a conversation with someone.
- Politely excuse myself and go find a more peaceful spot.
- Put on my noise-canceling headphones and zone out.
- Embrace the chaos and dance like nobody’s watching!
- Silently judge everyone’s questionable dance moves.
What do you think is missing in your quest to find lasting inner peace?
- I think I need to be more patient with myself and the process.
- I need to create more structure and routine in my life.
- I need to set healthier boundaries with the people in my life.
- I need to prioritize self-care and make time for things I enjoy.
- I need a really good massage therapist!
What aspect of Annie Payson Call’s philosophy makes you the most happy?
- The emphasis on the mind-body connection.
- The importance of self-awareness and reflection.
- The power of conscious thought and intention.
- The reminder that true peace comes from within.
- All of it! I feel seen.
How well do you stick to your convictions when it comes to prioritizing your well-being?
- I’m pretty good at setting boundaries and sticking to my guns!
- I’m working on it, but I still struggle with people-pleasing.
- I tend to put everyone else’s needs before my own.
- I’m getting better at saying “no” to things that drain my energy.
- Honestly, it depends on the day and the situation!
What’s your favorite anecdote or teaching from Nerves and Common Sense?
- The story about the polo pony who appears lazy when resting. Such a powerful metaphor for the importance of true rest.
- The idea of playing a game of “take a vacation” to find mental rest. It’s actually quite effective!
- The concept that our bodies respond to stress through physical tension. It makes so much sense!
- The emphasis on the power of quietness and contemplation.
- All of it! I found it all so insightful.
Which member of the Nerves and Common Sense reader group are you?
- The one who highlights everything and takes copious notes.
- The one who shows up for the discussion but never finishes the book.
- The one who’s already read it three times and is eager to share their insights.
- The one who’s skeptical at first, but secretly finds it surprisingly helpful.
- The one who keeps forgetting to do the exercises but swears they’ll start tomorrow!
Annie Payson Call emphasizes the importance of rest. How often do you incorporate true rest into your week?
- I prioritize rest and relaxation every single day.
- I’m aiming for at least one solid day of rest per week.
- I try to take breaks throughout the day, even if they’re just for a few minutes.
- Honestly, as often as I can get away with it!
- I’m terrible at resting. I feel guilty if I’m not being productive.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you experience a wave of stress or anxiety?
- Breathe deeply and try to identify the source of the stress.
- Reach for a calming essential oil or cup of herbal tea.
- Start mentally listing all the things I have to do.
- Tell myself to “calm down” and try to push through it.
- Chocolate!
What is your absolute favorite way to unwind and de-stress?
- A long, hot bath with Epsom salts and essential oils.
- Curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.
- Going for a walk in nature.
- Spending quality time with loved ones.
- All of the above, please!
How would your friends and family describe your ability to stay calm under pressure?
- “They’re like a zen master, always so calm and collected!”
- “They can handle a lot, but everyone has their limits.”
- “They’re a bit of a stress case, but they’re working on it!”
- “They’re surprisingly resilient when the going gets tough.”
- “They’re a hot mess, but we love them anyway!”
What’s your go-to method for calming your nerves and finding a sense of inner peace?
- Meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Gentle yoga or stretching.
- Spending time in nature.
- Listening to calming music or nature sounds.
- Pouring myself a large glass of wine!
New information about the benefits of meditation comes out, what is your first response?
- “I knew it! Meditation is the key to inner peace!”
- “I’ve been meaning to try meditation, maybe now’s the time.”
- “Sounds promising, but I’m not sure if it’s for me.”
- “I tried it once, but I couldn’t quiet my mind.”
- “Pass the snacks, this sounds like a lot of effort.”
How prepared do you feel to face challenging situations with grace and composure?
- I’ve got this! Bring on the challenges.
- I’m getting there, but I still have moments of weakness.
- I’m definitely a work in progress.
- I’m more of a “hide-under-the-covers” kind of person when things get tough.
- Preparedness isn’t really my strong suit.
How confident are you in your ability to identify and challenge negative thought patterns?
- I’m pretty self-aware and can usually catch myself when I’m spiraling.
- I’m getting better at recognizing negative self-talk, but it takes effort.
- I know I should challenge negative thoughts, but it’s not always easy.
- I tend to let my thoughts run wild, and they often drag me down with them.
- Honestly, I’m not even sure where to begin.
What do you dream about when it comes to incorporating the principles of Nerves and Common Sense into your daily life?
- I envision a life filled with more peace, joy, and ease.
- I imagine myself handling stressful situations with grace and wisdom.
- I hope to develop a stronger sense of inner resilience and well-being.
- I dream of finally breaking free from those pesky negative thought patterns.
- I’m picturing myself on a beach somewhere, sipping a margarita, with zero worries!
What makes you most frustrated about your current state of inner peace (or lack thereof)?
- I know I have the power to change, but I don’t always make the effort.
- I get in my own way and sabotage my own efforts to find peace.
- I let external circ*mstances dictate my internal state way too often.
- I struggle to prioritize my well-being in our chaotic, fast-paced world.
- I’m surrounded by people who seem to thrive on drama and chaos!
If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome of reading Nerves and Common Sense be?
- To wake up every day feeling calm, centered, and at peace.
- To no longer be triggered by the small stuff.
- To effortlessly navigate challenging situations with grace and ease.
- To finally silence my inner critic and embrace self-acceptance.
- To have unlimited access to massages, bubble baths, and noise-canceling headphones!
Do you have a self-care routine in place, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature?
- Absolutely! Self-care is a non-negotiable part of my routine.
- I try to, but it often falls by the wayside when life gets busy.
- I’m working on creating a more consistent self-care practice.
- I know I should, but I never seem to find the time.
- Self-what now?
What is most likely to make you feel down about your ability to manage stress effectively?
- When I catch myself reacting in the same old, unhealthy ways.
- When I compare myself to others who seem to have it all together.
- When I let stress get the best of me and make impulsive decisions.
- When I realize how much work I still have to do on myself.
- When my self-soothing techniques involve an entire pint of ice cream!
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when a conflict arises in a relationship?
- How can I communicate my needs clearly and respectfully?
- Is this something worth arguing about, or can I let it go?
- What’s the root cause of this conflict, and how can we address it together?
- I need to get out of this conversation before I say something I regret.
- I wonder if they have any snacks in their pantry.
How do you determine your daily stress level?
- I pay attention to my body and my emotions throughout the day.
- I rely on a mood tracker app to help me identify patterns.
- I often don’t realize how stressed I am until I’m completely burnt out.
- I ask myself: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how much wine do I need right now?”
- If I’m still breathing, it’s probably fine.
What keeps you up at night about finding true inner peace?
- Nothing really, I trust the process and know that inner peace is a journey, not a destination.
- I worry that I’m not doing enough, or that I’m doing it all wrong.
- I’m afraid of failing and never feeling truly content or at peace.
- I’m concerned about the state of the world and how that impacts my inner peace.
- Mostly, it’s my neighbor’s dog barking at all hours of the night.
How comfortable are you with sitting in silence with your own thoughts and feelings?
- I find it incredibly grounding and rejuvenating. Silence is my happy place.
- I’m working on it. It can be uncomfortable at times, but I’m learning to embrace it.
- I’m more of a “distract myself with noise and activity” kind of person.
- Honestly, it feels super awkward and I’d rather listen to white noise.
- The only time I’m comfortable in silence is when I’m asleep!
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis?
- Did I remember to pack a lunch?
- I hope I don’t run into my ex today.
- What if I’m not good enough?
- All of the above, plus a million other things.
- Wait, we’re supposed to be worrying? I thought ignorance was bliss.
What is the trickiest part about applying the principles of Nerves and Common Sense to modern life?
- Finding the time and energy to dedicate to self-care and personal growth.
- Tuning out the constant noise and distractions of the digital age.
- Unlearning years of ingrained habits and thought patterns.
- Staying true to myself in a world that often values busyness and productivity over well-being.
- Remembering to buy oat milk!
What happens if you make a conscious effort to prioritize rest and self-care?
- I become more productive, focused, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
- I might actually get some sleep for once!
- People might start taking advantage of my newfound calmness.
- I risk becoming “that person” who’s always talking about mindfulness and meditation.
- I’ll let you know when it happens.
How do you feel in your body when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
- My shoulders creep up to my ears, my jaw clenches, and I hold my breath.
- My stomach ties itself in knots and I lose my appetite.
- My mind races, I feel restless and agitated, and I can’t seem to slow down.
- All of the above, plus a sudden urge to bake an elaborate cake.
- Fine, I guess? I don’t really pay attention to what my body is doing.
What aspect of Nerves and Common Sense resonates most strongly with you?
- The emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
- The practical advice for managing stress and cultivating inner peace.
- The timeless wisdom and relevance to modern life.
- The compassionate and understanding tone of the author.
- The fact that it’s not a 500-page self-help tome.
In a perfect world, how would you incorporate the teachings of Nerves and Common Sense into your life?
- I’d have a dedicated hour each day for meditation and mindfulness practices.
- I’d prioritize rest and relaxation, knowing that it’s essential for my well-being.
- I’d approach every interaction with kindness, compassion, and understanding.
- I’d live each day with intention, presence, and gratitude.
- I’d have a personal chef, a masseuse, and a soundproof meditation room!
Do you have a support system in place, such as friends, family, or a therapist, to help you navigate challenges and prioritize your well-being?
- Yes, I have an amazing support system that I can always rely on.
- I’m working on building a stronger support network.
- I tend to isolate myself when I’m struggling.
- I rely mostly on myself to figure things out.
- My cat is a pretty good listener.
What is your strongest asset when it comes to managing stress and maintaining inner peace?
- My self-awareness and ability to regulate my emotions.
- My commitment to self-care and healthy boundaries.
- My ability to find joy and humor in everyday moments.
- My unwavering optimism and belief in my own resilience.
- My ability to consume copious amounts of coffee without having a complete meltdown.
How connected do you feel to your inner peace?
- We’re on a first-name basis.
- It’s like a friend I haven’t seen in a while, but I’m trying to reconnect.
- We’re more like acquaintances, but I’m open to getting to know each other better.
- I’m not sure I recognize my inner peace when I see it.
- Inner peace? Is that a new brand of essential oil?
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