Stress & Coping
True or False: Fake laughing reduces stress hormones.
True.
Fake laughs still activate positive brain pathways.
What is the recommended amount of sleep for university students?
8 hours.
What chemical is known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter linked to reward and motivation?
Dopamine.
How many minutes of moderate physical activity per day can improve mental health?
About 30 minutes.
True or False: Mental illness is rare.
False. It affects about 1 in 5 people.
About how many minutes does it take for a walk to begin improving mood?
~10 minutes.
What is the hormone that helps regulate sleep and is released in darkness?
Melatonin.
What brain region is responsible for processing fear and strong emotions?
The amygdala.
What nutrient deficiency is associated with low mood, especially in winter?
Vitamin D deficiency.
What term refers to hearing someone out without trying to fix the problem?
Active listening.
What is the name for positive stress that motivates you before challenges like exams?
Eustress.
True or False: You can fully “catch up” on sleep by sleeping longer on weekends.
False. It only partially recovers lost sleep.
What hormone is released during bonding, hugs, and social connection?
Oxytocin.
What neurotransmitter is released during stress that can impair memory when levels stay high for too long?
Cortisol.
True or False: Asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts increases their risk of attempting suicide.
False. Asking can reduce risk by giving them support and connection.
How long does it take for physical stress symptoms (like heart rate) to decrease after slow breathing?
About 60-90 seconds.
What is the stage of sleep most linked to emotional regulation and dreaming?
REM sleep.
What condition involves emotional ups and downs due to seasonal light changes?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What type of therapy focuses on reframing unhelpful thoughts to improve mood?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
What is the correct term for a professional who can prescribe medication for mental health?
A psychiatrist.
What part of the brain shrinks when someone experiences chronic stress?
The hippocampus.
What is the clinical name for difficulty falling or staying asleep?
Insomnia.
What is the term for the brain’s habit of focusing more on negative experiences than positive ones?
The negativity bias.
What is the process of forming new neurons in the brain called?
Neurogenesis
What scientific principle explains how therapy and repeated coping skills can physically change brain pathways over time?
Neuroplasticity