Stress 101
What is stress?
A physical and emotional response to pressure or demands.
What part of the brain processes fear and stress responses?
The Amygdala
True or False: Drinking water can help reduce stress.
True! Dehydration can make stress worse.
What is a common cause of stress for students?
Homework, exams, or peer pressure.
Myth or Fact: Stress Always has negative effects on your health.
Myth! While chronic stress can be harmful, short-term stress can boost focus, energy, and resilience.
What are the two main types of stress?
Acute stress (Short-term reaction to a specific event)
and
Chronic stress (Long-term feeling of pressure and being overwhelmed.)
Long-term stress can shrink this part of the brain, which is responsible for memory and learning.
The hippocampus.
What common chemical in most beverages can make stress worse?
Caffeine
What is "Time management," and how does it help reduce stress?
Organizing tasks efficiently to reduce last-minute stress.
Myth or fact: Ignoring stress makes it go away.
Myth! Suppressing stress can make it worse over time.
What hormone is released in response to stress?
Cortisol.
Some of the few functions of Cortisol are:
- Maintains blood pressure by narrowing arteries which makes the heart pump faster and harder.
- Helps the body respond to perceived threats by increasing energy, slowing digestion, and increasing heart rate.
What is the "fight or flight response"?
A survival mechanism where the body prepares itself to confront or escape danger.
What is the term for stress-relief techniques that involve slow, controlled movements, like Ta-Chi and Yoga?
Mind-body exercises.
What is "Academic Burnout," and what are two signs of it.
Academic burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged school-related stress. Signs include lack of motivation, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or feeling overwhelmed.
Myth or Fact: Stress can cause physical illness.
Fact! Chronic Stress can weaken the immune system and lead to health problems like heart disease.
What part of the nervous system is responsible for the "Fight-or-Flight" response?
The sympathetic nervous system. some of the functions sympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
- Increasing heart rate
- Increasing blood pressure
-Increasing breathing rate and relaxes airway muscles
- Dilates pupils to improve vision
What chemical messenger, often called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is reduced by chronic stress.
Serotonin
*Yes, both Serotonin and Dopamine are referred to as the "Feel good" neurotransmitter. key difference is Serotonin's main function is mood regulation. dopamine regulates the reward system in our brain, targeting things like impulse control, motivation etc.
What percentage of doctor visits are related to stress-related conditions?
around 75-90%
What is one way employers can help employees manage stress at work?
Offering mental health support, flexible work schedules, or wellness programs.
Myth or Fact: Only teenagers and adults can experience stress.
Myth: Infants, Toddlers and Kids can all experience stress.
What is Eustress?
Positive stress that can motivate and enhance performance.
What is neuroplasticity, and how can stress affect it?
Neuroplasticity is the brains ability to Change and adapt by forming new neural connections. Chronic stress can reduce neuroplasticity, making it harder to learn, adapt, and recover from mental health challenges.
What country is known for the practice of "Forest Bathing" as a stress reduction method?
Japan.
What is "Imposter syndrome," and how does it contribute to stress?
Feeling like a fraud despite achievements, leading to anxiety and stress.
Myth or fact: Laughter can help reduce stress.
Fact! Laughter releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress.