Healthy Habits
This free app for BU and BUA students offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises for stress and anxiety.
What is Headspace?
What is the most common mental health disorder in the United States affecting anywhere from 1 in 10 to 1 in 13 people?
What is Anxiety?
How many hours of sleep do most teenagers need per night?
What is 8-10 hours?
True or False: The average 14-18 year old person needs about 8-11 cups of water per day.
What is True?
You also get fluids from water-rich foods, such as salads, fruit, and applesauce.
Who is someone at school that you can talk to about mental health concerns?
What is a school counselor, teacher, or trusted adult?
This activity increases blood flow to the brain, releases endorphins, and supports cognitive function, making it a helpful way to regulate emotions.
What is exercise or walking?
What is a healthy activity that can help lower stress by distracting the mind and engaging the body?
What is exercise, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby?
What is one thing you should avoid before bedtime for better sleep?
Bonus: On average, how long do the effects of caffeine last in the body before wearing off?
What is screen time, caffeine, or heavy meals?
Bonus: What is 4-6 hours?
True or False: Prolonged or chronic stress can increase one’s risk for anxiety and depression.
What is True?
Name a free resource for mental health support available 24/7.
What is the Crisis Text Line [Text HOME to 741741] or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
Spending time in this type of environment has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood.
What is nature or the outdoors?
This behavioral technique, discussed by Dr. Merson and Dr. Farley from CARD, encourages you to face something you are worried about or afraid of instead of avoiding it.
What is Opposite Action?
This type of nutrient takes longer to digest, helping you feel fuller for longer, which is why it’s recommended to pair it with snacks and meals.
What is protein?
Myth or Fact: Fear and anxiety use the same systems in the brain. 100 bonus points: What response do they both use?
What is Fact?
Bonus: Flight/Fight/Freeze Response
This practice helps you stay in the present moment, cope with the present moment, and focus your attention by bringing your awareness to the present.
What is Mindfulness?
This part of the brain is responsible for anxiety and triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response to fight off real or perceived danger.
What is the amygdala?
What type of food can help stabilize your energy levels and prevent mood swings throughout the day?
What are complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, oats, and vegetables?
Myth or Fact: Just 10 minutes of walking has been shown to temporarily improve mood and increase positive emotions.
What is Fact?
What should you do if a friend talks about self-harm or suicide?
What is tell a trusted adult, call 988, or seek professional help?
What are strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling to help you regulate your emotions (not necessarily solving or addressing the underlying issue)?
What are coping skills?
Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can increase the production of this stress hormone, making anxiety worse.
What is cortisol?
What vitamin, found in foods like citrus fruits and bell peppers, helps support the immune system and reduce stress?
What is Vitamin C?
Myth or Fact: You can train yourself to function well on only 4-5 hours of sleep per night.
What is Myth?
What is the first step in breaking the stigma around mental health?
What is open conversations, education, and treating it like physical health?