Understanding Stress
A feeling of physical or emotional tension that happens when we face challenges or changes.
Stress
This simple technique can be done anywhere, anytime, to reduce stress.
The brain has evolved to pay special ___________ to new or different tastes rather than familiar foods.
attention
For deep breathing to be effective, your _________ rises like a balloon to help your body relax.
stomach
This sense can help you relax you when things like lavender, pine trees, or the ocean are nearby.
smell
Three common sources of stress for 6th graders.
various.
This activity reduces stress naturally.
Exercise.
When the reward system becomes overactivated by sugar, you might experience a loss of ___________, and _______________ tolerance.
loss of control, increased tolerance
This "zone" of your brain is in charge when you feel anxious, frustrated, stressed, but you haven't flipped your lid.
yellow
It’s the ability to understand how someone else feels and show that you care.
empathy
True or False: Stress is always bad for us.
False. Some stress can help us stay motivated and focused.
It recognizes a threat or challenge and sends signals to your body to prepare for action.
Brain
If someone eats the same healthy meal every day for a month, would their dopamine response stay the same, get bigger, level off over time, or disappear entirely?
level off over time
It’s the part of your brain right behind your forehead that helps you make good choices, solve problems, and stay in control.
prefrontal cortex
It’s the nutrient your body makes from sunlight and helps keep your bones and mood strong.
Vitamin D
Your body's automatic reaction to prepare you to either face a threat or run away from it.
Fight or Flight (Fight, Flight, or Freeze)
Getting enough of this helps your body recover and handle stress better.
Sleep
Overconsumption of sugar is considered similar to drug addiction based on brain chemistry because both cause continuous ______________ release without leveling off.
dopamine
It’s the tiny, almond‑shaped part of your brain that reacts fast when you feel scared, angry, or stressed.
amygdala
It’s the ability to work with others, share ideas, and solve problems together without arguing.
collaboration
Which hormone does your body release when you feel stressed?
Name two physical signs that show you are stressed.
Headache, stomachache, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, or fast heartbeat (accept any two).
This chemical is affected by eating sugar. It tells your brain "give me more!"
dopamine
This three step strategy helps you stay in control when things aren't going your way.
Stop, name your feeling, calm down
This quick physical movement that loosens your muscles and helps your brain refocus after sitting too long.
stretching