Understanding Stress
TRUE or FALSE?
Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives.
TRUE!
Stress is a natural human response that helps us react to challenges and threats
Name two emotional symptoms of stress.
Some signs of emotional stress:
TRUE or FALSE:
It’s healthy to feel a little stressed before an exam.
TRUE:
A little stress before an exam can be motivating and help you stay focused, but too much stress can be overwhelming.
TRUE or FALSE:
A disorganized or last-minute study approach is just as effective as a well-structured study schedule for managing time and reducing stress.
FALSE:
Creating a well-structured study schedule helps manage time effectively, reduces last-minute cramming, and provides a sense of control.
What is one self-care activity that helps with stress relief?
Listening to music, prayer, exercising, spending time with friends, spending time with pets, going for a walk, laughing and stretching, all of these activities are great for stress relief.
Name one benefit of stress?
It helps you get things done and you feel good. It motivates us. (e.g., to do our best).
TRUE or FALSE:
Signs of stress can be difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation and procrastination.
TRUE:
Difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and procrastination are common signs of stress.
What is one external pressure that can contribute to exam stress?
Parental expectations, comparing yourself to your peers, societal pressures.
What is one benefit of sleeping after studying?
Sleeping after you study helps your brain store information, so you remember it better(And can help with stress management).
TRUE or FALSE:
Procrastination is an effective method to managing stress.
FASLE:
Procrastination is a sign of stress and is and ineffective method for managing stress. It can often increase stress levels due to delaying tasks, leading to last-minute pressure and anxiety. Having a study schedule can help with staying on task and managing time effectively.
How can chronic stress affect a person’s health?
When stress becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can turn into chronic stress, which may negatively impact mental and physical health problems such as:
Having a loss of appetite is what sort of stress (Body, mind, emotions, behavior)?
Loss of appetite is categorized as Behavioral stress, as it affects eating habits and daily actions
How can poor time management contribute to exam stress?
Poor time management can contribute to exam stress by causing last-minute cramming, lack of preparation, and feeling overwhelmed. When you don’t plan ahead, you may struggle to cover all the material, leading to anxiety and lower confidence during the exam.
How does physical activity help with studying?
Physical activity improves memory and attention, making it beneficial to move during study breaks or before exams.
Why is it important to talk about stress and reach out for support?
Talking about stress helps relieve pressure and find solutions. You can reach out to loved ones, a social worker, or a school counselor for support and guidance.
Based on the scenario below, is Sara experiencing positive or negative stress?
Sara is applying to multiple Universities, and deadlines are approaching fast. She feels the pressure to write compelling essays and gather recommendation letters, but instead of panicking, she creates a schedule to stay on track. With each task she completes, she feels a sense of accomplishment. The stress keeps her focused and motivated, helping her submit strong applications on time.
This is positive stress because it drives Sara to stay organized and perform at her best rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Malik is a high school student balancing school, a part-time job, and extracurricular activities. Lately, he has been experiencing frequent headaches, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating in class. His friends have noticed he is more irritable and withdrawn. He also finds himself making hasty decisions and feeling overwhelmed with small tasks.
Question: Based on the symptoms Malik is experiencing, which areas of stress are affecting him the most (Body, mind, emotions, behavior)?
Malik is experiencing symptoms that affect multiple areas of stress:
Stress often impacts multiple areas at once, making it important to manage effectively.
How does procrastination increase stress for students?
Procrastination leads to last-minute cramming, rushed work, and lack of preparation, which can cause anxiety, frustration, and lower performance on exams.
What are some stimulants that can increase anxiety and interfere with your sleep?
Energy drinks, caffeine and nicotine.
Instead of energy drinks or caffeine, you can have:
How can taking control of a problem help relieve stress?
Taking control by finding solutions, such as following a study schedule and talking to a health professional/school counselor, can help manage stress. It prevents problems from piling up and reduces pressure.