Stress 101
What is stress?
Stress is the body's reaction to pressure, often triggered by various situations or life events that threaten our sense of self or control.
Which physical symptom is commonly associated with stress?
A) Feeling depressed
B) Feeling of nausea
C) Increased appetite
D) Heightened energy levels
B) Feeling of nausea
What is one suggested activity mentioned to help relieve stress?
Painting, journaling, watching a comfort show, taking a relaxing bath, or going on a walk.
What are 4 coping skills that can help with managing stress in early recovery?
Exercising, reading, journaling, listening to music
What is a common source of stress in family relationships?
Arguments, conflicts, communication issues, or parental expectations.
Can positive changes also cause stress? Explain.
Yes, any change requires adjustments and bring uncertainty. Even though these changes could be beneficial, the pressure to adapt can lead to feelings of stress.
Name 4 emotional signs of stress.
Anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, irritability, frustration, and depression.
Which of the following is NOT a healthy way to cope with stress?
A) Regular exercise to feel energized
B) Eating healthier meals
C) Taking melatonin pills to fall asleep
D) Practicing gratitude
C) Taking melatonin pills to fall asleep
It is dangerous to rely on medication to fall asleep and relive anxiety as it can very quickly lead you to rely on it, causing an addiction
Is stress only something that you experience in your mind?
No. Stress is also experienced in the body as it is a physical response to internal/external situations.
What is an effective way to address family/friend relationship issues?
Talking about feelings and clearing up misunderstandings.
What are the two responses we could have to a dangerous situation?
When we experience stress, our body releases stress hormones that activate a fight or flight response, enabling us to react swiftly in dangerous situations.
How can chronic stress affect long-term health?
It can lead to withdrawal from others, irritability, sleep disturbances, and negatively impact physical and mental health.
Explain 3 different ways setting personal goals can help with stress management?
It can boost confidence and provide direction after seeing results, helping individuals focus on manageable tasks rather than feeling overwhelmed, and can help counterattack procrastination.
What are 4 stressors that someone may experience in early recovery?
lack of coping skills, employment, finances, relationships
Is it healthy to completely cut off communication with a family member or friend during a conflict?
A) True
B) False
B) False
The silent treatment not only avoids addressing conflicts but causes more stress to each other by having them overthink the conflict longer.
Explain how feeling stressed can be both positive and negative.
Stress can be positive (eustress) by motivating us to take action (e.g., preparing for a presentation) or negative (distress) when it overwhelms us or leads to health issues.
Describe how stress can impact daily life activities.
Stress can reduce concentration, lower energy levels, and disrupt sleep, making it harder to perform daily tasks and maintain relationships.
Name 5 different techniques that can be used to manage stress caused from social media, effectively.
Set up screen times, filter content, block or unfollow harmful accounts, practice mindfulness, and remember to step back to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Why is it important to manage your stress levels in recovery?
Stress can be overwhelming which can cause triggers, cravings, or lead to relapse.
Explain how unresolved conflicts in relationships can lead to stress.
Unresolved conflicts can create ongoing tension, feelings of resentment, and anxiety, which can exacerbate stress levels and harm overall well-being.
Explain how feeling in control or out of control affects stress levels.
A lack of control over a situation can increase stress, while feeling in control can reduce it by fostering a sense of empowerment and ability to manage challenges.
How can stress impact previous health conditions? Explain.
Stress can worsen conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease by increasing inflammation and disrupting bodily functions; managing stress through techniques like mindfulness and exercise can lead to better health outcomes and symptom relief.
Explain the terms overstimulation and desensitization.
Overstimulation occurs when someone is overwhelmed by sensory information, making it difficult to process their environment.
Desensitization is the process of reduced emotional responsiveness to a stimulus, whether negative or positive, following repeated exposure.
What are some physical symptoms related to stress?
Fatique, headaches, sleep problems, muscle tension
Explain the importance of boundary-setting in family/friend relationships and its relation to stress.
Boundary-setting in family and friend relationships is crucial for managing stress because it helps define personal limits and expectations. By establishing clear boundaries, individuals can protect their emotional well-being, prevent feelings of being overwhelmed, and maintain healthier dynamics.