Stress Basics
What is stress?
A natural reaction to a challenge or demand.
What's one healthy way to cope with stress?
Examples: breathing, taking a walk, talking, journal
What part of the brain is the "alarm system?"
Amygdala
A friend is overwhelmed about finals. What's one thing you could suggest?
Deep breaths, study plan, taking breaks, talking it out, asking for help
True or False: All stress is bad
False (Some stress is motivating. For example: stress before a test!)
Name one cause of stress in teens.
Examples: school, family, friends, social media, sports
What is grounding?
A technique to connect you to the present moment using your senses.
What part of the brain helps you calm down and make smart choices?
Prefrontal cortex
You feel anxious in class but can't leave. What coping skill can you try?
Grounding, box breathing, visualization
True or False: Avoiding your problems will always help you feel better
False
What's the difference between short-term and chronic stress?
Short-term goes away quickly; chronic lasts over time and can harm health.
Name a creative activity that reduces stress.
Art, music, writing, dancing.
What part of the brain helps you remember past experiences?
Hippocampus
You had a fight at home and feel on edge. What's a healthy outlet?
Journal, music, movement, art, talk to someone
True or False: Stress can affect your sleep and appetite.
True
What hormone does your body release during stress?
Cortisol
Why might breathing exercises help when you're stressed?
They calm your nervous system and slow your heart rate.
When you feel stress, what happens to your heart rate?
It increases
You can't sleep because you're stressed. Name a strategy to calm you body.
Deep breathing, meditation, no phone, bedtime routine
True or False: Your thoughts can affect how stressed you feel.
True
Name 3 physical signs of stress.
Sweating, headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, fast heartbeat, racing thoughts
What's the 5-4-3-2-1 technique used for?
Grounding through the five senses.
Headaches, muscle tension, sleep problems, weakened immune system.
You feel panicked and out of control. What are 3 things you can do right now?
Grounding, cold water, walk, call someone, remind yourself, "This will pass"
True or False: Only adults feel stressed
False