Stress Foundations
A normal response to life’s changes, pressures, and challenges that prepares the mind and body to deal with demands.
Stress
Short-term stress that comes from immediate challenges.
Acute Stress
The meaning a person gives to an event based on past experience.
Perception
Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.
Central Nervous System
The process of using strategies to reduce or manage stress.
Stress Management
A demand placed on the body or mind that causes stress.
Stressor
Stress that occurs frequently due to repeated short-term stressors.
Episodic Stress
Belief in one’s ability to succeed in a specific situation.
Self-Efficacy
Brain structure that processes emotions such as fear.
Amygdala
A breathing technique that engages the diaphragm to promote relaxation.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Positive stress that can motivate you and improve performance.
Eustress
Long-term stress caused by ongoing pressure or difficult situations.
Chronic Stress
Believing abilities can improve with effort and learning.
Growth Mindset
Division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the stress response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn).
Sympathetic Nervous System
A relaxation technique involving tensing and relaxing muscle groups.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Negative stress that can feel overwhelming or harmful.
Distress
The body’s reaction to a stressor.
Stress Response
Repeatedly thinking about negative events or problems.
Rumination
Division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the relaxation response, calming the body and mind, and restoring balance.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment.
Mindfulness
The body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions.
Homeostasis
The stage when the body can no longer maintain normal functioning due to prolonged stress.
Exhaustion Stage
The way a person evaluates a situation to determine if it is stressful.
Cognitive Appraisal
Stress hormone that helps regulate energy during prolonged stress.
Cortisol
Receiving help, encouragement, or connection from others.
Social Support