Stress Basics
What is stress?
A physical and emotional reaction to a challenge or demand.
What’s one quick way to calm down during stress?
Deep breathing or mindfulness
What is a positive affirmation?
A positive statement you tell yourself to encourage or motivate.
: Name one positive influence on health
Family, teachers, friends, role models.
What’s one healthy coping strategy for stress?
Talking to a friend, exercising, listening to music.
Name one difference between eustress and distress.
What is one physical symptom of stress?
How can exercise help reduce stress?
It lowers stress hormones and boosts endorphins.
Why does positive self-talk improve mental health?
It replaces negative thoughts and builds confidence.
Name one negative influence on health.
Peer pressure, unhealthy ads, junk food choices.
What’s one unhealthy coping strategy people sometimes use?
Smoking, overeating, avoiding problems.
What is one physical symptom of stress?
Headache, sweating, upset stomach, or fast heartbeat.
What’s one long-term strategy for managing stress?
Journaling, regular sleep, healthy eating, staying organized.
What happens in your brain when you repeat affirmations?
It creates new positive thought patterns over time.
How can social media influence your health choices?
It can encourage trends, products, or behaviors (positive or negative).
What does resilience mean?
The ability to recover quickly from challenges or setbacks.
Name two emotional effects of chronic stress.
Anxiety, irritability, sadness, or trouble focusing.
Why is time management important for stress reduction?
It prevents last-minute panic and creates balance.
Create your own affirmation for when you feel anxious.
Student-generated (any positive statement works).
: Why is peer pressure sometimes hard to resist?
Because people want to fit in or be accepted.
Why is it important to ask for help with mental health?
It gives support, guidance, and prevents problems from getting worse.
Why can stress sometimes be helpful?
It motivates us to act, focus, or perform better.
How does mindfulness work to lower stress?
It helps you stay present and calm your thoughts.
Give an example of an affirmation before a test.
Student-generated (any positive statement works).
Give an example of a personal value that influences decisions.
Honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness.
: Name two community resources or people who can help.
Counselors, teachers, doctors, hotlines, trusted adults.