Stress
What is the name for your body's natural reaction to challenges or threats?
Stress/Fight-or-Flight Response
Name one common academic stressor for college students.
Exams/Deadlines/Heavy course loads/GPA pressure
Name one common physical symptom of stress.
Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, digestive issues, or sleep problems
Name one emotional sign of stress.
Anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, or sadness
What calming practice involves focusing on your breathing and being present in the moment?
Mindfulness or meditation
What percentage of college students report experiencing moderate‑to‑high stress levels?
74%-76%
What financial concern is a major source of stress for college students?
Tuition costs, student loans, managing expenses on a tight budget
What happens to your muscles when you are under stress?
They become tense or tight
What behavioral sign of stress involves putting off important tasks until the last minute?
Procrastination
What type of activity releases endorphins and helps relieve stress?
Physical activity or exercise
Name the two main types of stress
based on how long they last.
Acute (short-term)
Chronic (long-term)
What major life transition stresses many first-year college students?
Living away from home for the first time
Stress commonly disrupts this essential activity. What is it?
Sleep
What behavioral sign of stress involves pulling away from friends and social activities?
Social withdrawal or isolation
What writing-based practice helps you process stressful thoughts and emotions?
Journaling
By what percentage has student stress increased over the past 30 years?
30%
What stress trigger involves worrying about career prospects after graduation?
Uncertain future/post-graduation anxiety
What body system can stress affect, leading to nausea?
The digestive system
What percentage of students identified mental health as their number‑one stressor?
50%-53%
What organizational strategy helps reduce overwhelm by planning your schedule and priorities?
Time management- using planners, calendars, and prioritizing tasks
What is the final negative outcome in the stress response cycle when stress goes unmanaged over time?
Name three of the six common stress triggers covered.
Academic pressure, finances, social challenges, time management, living away from home, uncertain future
Chronic fatigue, frequent illness, and persistent headaches are all signs of what?
Prolonged or chronic stress wearing down the body
List the four steps of the stress response cycle in order.
Trigger → Alarm Response → Reaction → Recovery (or Burnout)
Name three daily habits that help
manage stress effectively.
Get 7–8 hours of sleep, exercise for 30 minutes, plan tasks with a to-do list, practice mindfulness, eat balanced meals