Stress Basics
The body and mind’s natural response to danger, demands, challenges, or pressures. (Hint: What word does this definition belong to?)
What is “stress”?
Short-term stress that can be helpful or harmful is called this. (Hint: What words (2 words) does this definition belong to?)
What is “acute stress”?
Chronic stress can lead to headaches, fatigue, chest pain, and a weakened immune system. These are examples of what type of effects?
What are “physical effects”?
A simple breathing method that involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding for a few seconds.
What is “box breathing”?
Stepping outside, noticing your surroundings, or taking a few minutes to pause is an example of this type of self-care.
What is “mindful self-care”?
Everyone experiences stress, but using these can help you deal with it effectively.
What are “stress management techniques”?
When the brain activates the fight-or-flight response, these two chemicals are released by the adrenal glands.
What are “adrenaline and cortisol”?
Chronic stress can make parents less patient, increase conflict, and lead to this type of burnout.
What is “parenting burnout”?
A grounding technique that involves naming 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
What is the “5 Things Technique”?
Asking a neighbor or friend how they are doing and acknowledging stressors is an example of this strategy.
What is a “support check-in”?
Constant academic pressures, relationship issues, and lack of sleep are examples of these triggers.
What are “common stressors”?
Stress that occurs regularly in a pattern of short-term events, like recurring deadlines, is called this.
What is “episodic acute stress”?
Psychological effects of chronic stress can include irritability, anxiety, depression, and these sudden episodes of intense fear.
What are “panic attacks”?
Taking a few minutes to relax and process thoughts during a busy day is called this.
What is “a micro-break”?
Spending time with family/friends, attending free community events, or volunteering are examples of this type of self-care.
What is “social connection self-care”?
This part of your nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response when you encounter a stressor.
What is the “sympathetic nervous system”?
Long-term stress that is harmful to mental and physical health is called this.
What is “chronic stress”?
Neglecting self-care can lead to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, weakened immune system, poor sleep, and this type of unhealthy behaviors.
What are “unhealthy coping behaviors”?
Practicing mindfulness, journaling, or taking “digital detox hours” all fall under this category of self-care.
What is “mental self-care”?
Taking small, realistic breaks during your day or building micro self-care into routines is recommended to prevent this from overwhelming you.
What is “stress becoming overwhelming”?
The purpose of the stress response is to keep oneself safe from this.
What is “harm”?
Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension happen because of the release of these hormones.
What are “adrenaline and cortisol”?
Chronic stress can impact parenting by reducing patience, increasing conflict, and lowering this in interactions with your child.
What is “emotional availability”?
Creative self-care that includes art therapy, writing for emotional release, or phone photography walks falls under this category.
What is “creative/engaging self-care”?
Practicing positive thinking, giving yourself credit for small wins, and reminding yourself that parenting is hard are examples of this mindset shift.
What is “shifting your mindset”?