Brain Basics
What part of the hand model represents the spinal cord, responsible for relaying motor commands and reflexes?
What is the Wrist
Which response makes you ready to stand your ground or confront a threat?
What is Fight
What happens to heart rate and blood pressure during the fight response?
They increase
What is the first stage of the stress response cycle?
Trigger
What brain region helps regulate emotional responses through mindfulness and self-awareness?
Medial Prefrontal Cortex
What is the "the reptile brain" or brainstem (autonomic functions)
Which response activates when the body wants to escape or avoid danger?
What is Flight
What emotion is commonly felt during the fight response?
Anger or frustration
What hormones are released during the stress response?
Adrenaline and cortisol
What part of the brain interprets sensory input for threats and can trigger aggression when overactive?
Amygdala
What part of the hand represents the limbic or “mammalian” brain, including the amygdala and hippocampus?
What is the Thumb
Which response occurs when the body feels stuck or unable to move in the face of danger?
What is Freeze
During the flight response, what happens to breathing and why?
Breathing becomes rapid and shallow to supply oxygen to muscles
What is it called when the body fails to return to calm after a threat has passed?
Incomplete stress cycle or chronic stress
Which brain structure releases hormones like testosterone and cortisol related to aggression?
Hypothalamus
Which part of the brain acts as the “thinking cap,” handling decision-making and sensory processing?
What is the Cerebral Cortex (fingers)
What system of the body controls these automatic responses to threat?
What is Autonomic Nervous System (specifically the Sympathetic Nervous System)
What might someone experience physically during the freeze response?
Muscle tension, numbness, or feeling immobilized
What is the final stage of the stress response cycle when the body returns to balance?
Restoration
What part of the brain helps regulate aggression and stores emotional memories?
Hippocampus
What part of the hand represents the prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and executive functioning?
what is the Top of the fingers
What emotions are commonly associated with the freeze response?
What is Fear, helplessness, or emotional numbness
What long-term physical issue can develop from chronic stress or repeated activation of these responses?
High blood pressure, chronic pain, digestive issues, or weakened immune system
Name one healthy way to complete the stress cycle.
Exercise, deep breathing, crying, laughter, physical affection, creative expression, etc.
Why is understanding the brain important when managing anger?
Because anger impairs the prefrontal cortex, making impulse control harder and increasing emotional reactivity