Definitions
What is a stressor?
Any stimulus that causes a stress response.
An illness is an example of a (physical/mental/emotional/social) stressor.
Physical
Muscle tension, headache, increased blood pressure, fatigue, skin irritation, nausea, etc.
If a violent attacker runs at you from out of the trees and you punch them, you have responded with (fight/flight/freeze).
Fight
What is one way to relieve symptoms of physical stress?
Build a sleep-hygiene routine
Drink lots of water
Avoid excessive caffeine, as well as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol
Exercise Regularly
Stretch
Look after your health (checkups, dentist, etc)Use common-sense precautions: wear a helmet, look both ways, wear a seatbelt, etc.
What is distress?
Stress that causes a negative feeling.
Grief is an example of a (physical/mental/emotional/social) stressor.
Emotional
What is one emotional symptom of stress?
Irritability, teariness, grouchiness, anger, anxiety, depression, etc.
If your Latin teacher is giving a challenging test and you decide not to show up to class that day, you are responding with (fight/flight/freeze).
Flight
What is one way to relieve symptoms of emotional stress?
Breathe deeply
Journal
Cultivate Gratitude & Positivity
Exercise & Stretching
Mindfulness/Meditation
Listen to music
Read something inspiring
Do something artistic
What is chronic stress?
Long-term stress
A heavy homework load is an example of a (physical/mental/emotional/social) stressor.
Mental
What is one cognitive (mental) symptom of stress?
Poor concentration, hyper-focus, negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, etc.
If your nervous system is too overloaded by adrenaline to respond to a stressor right away, you are responding with (fight/flight/freeze).
Freeze
What is one way to relieve symptoms of mental stress?
Get Organized
Prioritize your tasks
Remind yourself of your progress
Take breaks
Ask for help
Explore your curiosity
Make your own fun
What is eustress?
Stress that causes a positive feeling.
Conflict with family is an example of a (physical/mental/emotional/social) stressor.
Social
What is one social (relationship-oriented) symptom of stress?
Impatience, intolerance, wanting to be left alone OR becoming too clingy, poor boundaries, etc.
True or False: Everyone responds to stress the same way.
False. Stress responses are intensely individual.
What is one way to relieve symptoms of social stress?
Set healthy boundaries
Take time before responding
Communicate clearly
Be proactive & invite others to join your fun
Say hello to people you see
Try a new club or activity
What is acute stress?
Short-term, intense stress
Boredom is an example of a (physical/mental/emotional/social) stressor.
Mental
What is one potential symptom of long-term, untreated stress?
Serious physical illness or mental difficulty.
True or False: People can only be stressed out by events that impact them directly.
False. We can be deeply impacted by things we hear on the news, from friends, on social media, etc.
What is the best way to minimize the impacts of chronic stress?
A holistic stress-management lifestyle that incorporates regular physical, mental, emotional, and social stress relief practices.