Stress Signals
What are two common physical signs that someone might be experiencing stress?
A faster heartbeat, sweaty palms, muscle tension, headaches, dilated pupils, etc.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, what's one simple, rhythmic thing you can do with your lungs to help calm yourself down?
Take slow, deep breaths.
What is the chemical formula or composition of the best everyday drink for keeping your body hydrated?
H20 (Water)
A person, place, feeling, or situation that brings up stress or cravings is commonly called what?
A trigger.
Does recovery look exactly the same for everyone, or can each person's recovery journey be different?
Everyone's recovery journey can be different.
Stress doesn't only affect the body. Name two ways it can affect someone's thoughts or emotions.
Irritability, avoidance, anxiety, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, etc.
This grounding technique asks you to identify a particular number of things you see, things you feel, things you hear, things you smell, and thing you taste. What is it called? (hint: count down with me!)
The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique.
Getting regular physical activity can improve more than just physical health. Name one way it can benefit mental health.
Improve mood, reduce stress, help with anxiety, or improve sleep.
When a strong craving or urge comes along, does it always stay at the same intensity, or can it rise and fall over time?
It can rise and fall. Cravings are often temporary, even when they feel intense.
What is the term for choosing not to use any alcohol or other drugs?
Abstinence.
When the brain senses danger or a threat, the body can prepare to resist, run away, or lock up. What is this automatic response called?
The fight-or-flight response (or fight, flight, or freeze response).
Mindfulness encourages us to focus our attention on what?
The present moment.
Why is it important to eat regular meals throughout the day rather than regularly skipping them?
Meals provide energy and nutrients that help the body and brain function smoothly.
In recovery circles, the acronym HALT reminds us to check four basic needs that can make coping more difficult. What does HALT stand for?
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
What approach focuses on reducing the negative health and safety consequences of substance use, even when someone isn't ready to stop using?
Harm reduction.
Which of these can be signs that someone is experiencing stress: snapping at others, withdrawing from friends and family, or having trouble concentrating?
All of the above.
When you have a lot of responsibilities or problems piling up, what is one strategy that can make the situation feel more manageable?
Break things down into smaller tasks or steps.
Drinking too much caffeine, especially later in the day, can make two things worse. What are they?
Anxiety or feelings of stress, and sleep quality.
Before entering a situation you know might trigger stress or cravings, what can you prepare ahead of time to make sure you have a way to leave if things become overwhelming?
In AA/NA's iconic prayer, what three qualities do we ask our higher power to help us out with when facing our problems?
Prolonged, unmanaged workplace stress can contribute to a state of physical and emotional exhaustion commonly known as what?
Burnout
This breathing exercise divides breathing into four equal parts: inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again. What is it called?
Box breathing
What type of carbohydrate supports digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements?
Dietary fiber
What coping technique involves recognizing a craving, allowing it to rise and fall, and resisting the urge to automatically act on it?
Urge surfing
What is the psychological term for a person's belief in their own ability to accomplish a goal or make a desired change?
Self-efficacy