Body Aches
This system in the body often tenses up when you feel stressed, leading to headaches or sore shoulders.
the muscular system
What is trauma?
An overwhelming event that feels too big or too fast for someone to process.
What is the good and bad side of stress?
A little stress can help you focus, but too much can make your body ache.
What skill slows your heart rate, relaxes muscles, and tells your body you’re safe?
Deep breathing.
Stress can cause this common stomach symptom, often confused with illness.
nausea/upset stomach
What are body signs of trauma?
Stress from hard experiences can stay in the body and cause headaches or stomachaches.
What does stress do to your body’s defenses?
Stress can make it easier to catch colds or feel sore.
What are body-based calming skills?
Grounding skills (like noticing 5 things you see, 4 things you touch, etc.) and relaxation practices (like yoga or muscle relaxation) help the body feel safe again.
This type of body pain often comes and goes with stress rather than being caused by an injury.
psychosomatic pain (or tension pain)
What are body reactions to reminders of trauma?
Triggers can cause a racing heart, sweating, or feeling jumpy.
What are two ways stress messes with sleep?
Stress can make you stay up too late or sleep all day.
What is a movement break?
Standing up to stretch or walk after sitting with homework for too long.
When people feel stressed, their body often shows it in these three common areas.
head, stomach, and muscles (neck/shoulders)
What is the body’s reaction to long-term trauma?
When stress goes on too long, it can leave you tired, sore, or run down.
What is misreading body signals?
Anxiety can trick you into thinking a fast heartbeat means something bad.
What coping skill teaches your body to let go of tension by squeezing and releasing muscles?
Progressive muscle relaxation.