Definition and Types of Stress
What is a stressor?
A factor that causes stress
How many organs make up the HPA Axis?
What is the overall effect of excessive cortisol on the brain?
Brain function & efficiency declines
What is one way you can manage stress THAT WE DISCUSSED?
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
2. Turn stressful activities into fun
3. Talk about your problems to a trusted adult
4. Unwind & Breathe
What happens in the brain when you learn something new?
What is stress?
A body response to changes/challenges which includes physical and mental reactions
What does the HPA Axis do?
Release hormones in response to stressful situations
Is stress always bad?
No
How many hours of sleep should you get per night?
Name one of the presenters.
Abeeha, Hanvita, or Indrayani
What could be a cause of stress?
School-related anxiety, social issues, etc.
What hormone is released by the HPA Axis?
Cortisol
What happens to the prefrontal cortex when the brain is exposed to too much cortisol over time?
The prefrontal cortex shrinks
How does eating healthy help to reduce stress?
Eating healthy provides extra energy for the body to cope with stress. Some foods (like vegetables) can help regulate cortisol.
What are symptoms of stress? (Must list at least 2 to get credit)
Exhaustion, migraines & dizziness, high BP, body aches, weak body systems, and more
How many types of stress are there?
There are 3 types of stress.
Name the organs found in the HPA Axis (must name at least 2 to get credit)
Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland, Adrenal Glands
What other issues could arise when chronic stress occurs often? (List at least one to get credit)
Skin reactions, strong emotions, insomnia, depression/panic attacks
What should you do if, despite attempting to cope with stress, your symptoms persist?
Get in contact with a medical professional and get it checked out as soon as possible
What is the hippocampus in control of?
Controls learning and memory
Chronic stress is long-term stress (stress that happens constantly for a really long time).
What is the long-form name for the HPA Axis?
Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
What hormone is released to trigger your fight or flight response?
Adrenaline
How does physical activity help to reduce stress?
When you do aerobic exercise, breathing and heart rate increases, allowing more oxygen to reach the cells, which reduces muscle tension.
What functions does the prefrontal cortex control? (List at least one to get credit)
Focus, problem-solving, and social interaction