Can you take the heat? Pop quizzes, buzzer shots, split-second decisions, pressure is everywhere, can you handle it?

Pop quizzes, Buzzer shots, Split-second decisions, Pressure is everywhere. Can you handle it?

Your parents expect straight A's. Your coach says you re not playing up to our "potential." Your teachers tell you to "apply" yourself better. Your friends say, "It's no big deal. Just do it!"

Ever feel like you're holding a needle in a roomful of balloons? One wrong move and ... POP! Life is full of pressure. Question is, how well do you deal with it? Test your pressure-handling skills, and check out our tips on coping.

1 You've zoned out in history class, day-dreaming about the curie from gym, when you hear your name. Everyone is staring at you, so you figure the teacher must have asked you a question. You ...

A. blurt, "1862! Abraham Lincoln! The Spanish Armada!" B. ask the teacher to please repeat the question. C, pose a question about the Civil Rights movement--it's your teacher's favorite topic and a surefire diversion tactic. D. say, "I don't have a clue."

2 School play auditions today! You've practiced your lines so many times you could say them backward ... in pig Latin ... while juggling kiwis. What do you do when the director asks for a volunteer to go first?

A. Duck behind the girl sitting in front of you--no way you're going first!

B. Charge onstage! C. Choose that very moment to visit the bathroom. Maybe people will leave right after their auditions and you won't have to perform in front of so many. D. Grab your coat and run out of the theater.

3 You're at the Spring Fling. Its your school's biggest social event of the year, and word around the gym is that your crush wants you to ask him to dance. You ...

A. wonder where the nearest trash can is--you feel like you're going to be sick. B. take a deep breath and weave your way through the crowd to find your crush. You figure the worst he can do is say 'no.' C. tell your friends you'll consider asking him. That way, you can stall until the dance ends. D, say, "No way!" You're not about to face possible rejection from the hottest guy in school.

4 Your are begging you to ditch after-school coach class so you guys can go to the mall. You really don't want to, You... A. panic and feel wet circles spreading from your underarms. B. say, "Nah, count me out. I'll see you guys later." C. tell them, "Maybe tomorrow." That gives you a whole 24 hours to come up with an excuse. D. mumble something about needing to talk to your lab partner and hurry down the hall before they can beg any more.

5 You tried your hardest in pre-algebra class all semester ... and still scored a lousy C-minus on your report card. You know your parents are going to be disappointed, especially since your older sister breezes through math with A's. On the day report cards are handed out, you ...

A. gnaw your nails all day and try to think of a way to convince your teacher to bump up your grade. B. sign up for an after-school math tutor--that'll show your parents you're seriously trying your hardest. C. "accidentally" miss the bus and walk the three miles home--you're in no hurry to get there. D. tell your buds to count you out for the next 100 weekends since your social life as you know it is way over.

Seven ways to handle pressure

1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BOD.

Exercise, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep. You'll handle stress much better.

2. JOT YOUR THOUGHTS. Recording your thoughts in a journal will help you sort out your feelings and relieve stress.

3. TALK ABOUT IT. If possible, find someone who's been through a similar situation and ask how she handled it, Even if she can't offer advice, it helps to have support.

4. SQUASH THE PERFECTIONIST MONSTER. No one does anything perfectly. No one. Why expect the impossible of yourself?

5. LEARN TO SAY 'NO.' Simple, straightforward and sometimes totally necessary. If a firm 'no' doesn't do the trick, change the subject or make a quick exit,

6. REPEAT THREE TIMES, "I CAN DO THIS." Say it until you believe it! Repeat it more than three times, if necessary,

7. TAKE A DEEP BREATH...AND GO FOR IT! When in doubt, just take the plunge.

How'd ya stack up in the heath-taking department?

MOSTLY A'S STRESSED SENORITA

For you, pressure equals major stress. Stop trying to be Supergirl

You're probably very talented with lots of interest, and that's great!

But no one can do it all--and No one can do it perfectly. Before taking on any new responsibilities, think things through--do you have enough time and energy to handle it? Learn to say 'no' to some things, even activities you enjoy. And when you do face pressure, be realistic about your goals and expectations, Be confident about who you are and what you believe, so you'll be ready when your ideas are challenged. The prep time will help you stay calm when crunch time rolls around.

MOSTLY B'S CONFIDENT CHICK

You don't just handle pressure--you thrive on it!

You're always up for a challenge. The higher the stakes, the better. A word of caution: People like "you sometimes procrastinate since they like that last-minute adrenaline rush. It's great you can work well under pressure, but putting everything off can land you in trouble if you're not careful. Also, confidence is charming, but arrogance is ugly. Keep that self-confidence, but don't act like you're superior to everyone else. You can always learn something from others.