Stress Basics
What is stress?
The body's response to pressure or challenges
Name one healthy coping skill you can use at school.
Deep breathing, grounding, taking a break, talking to someone, etc.
Name one unhealthy coping behavior.
Avoiding everything, shutting down, yelling, poor sleep, etc.
What type of breathing helps calm the body?
Slow, deep breathing
What's a healthy response if you're overwhelmed with homework?
Break it into pieces, ask for help, make a plan
Name one physical sign of stress?
Headaches, tiredness, tense muscles, stomach aches, etc.
What is one creative coping strategy?
Art, music, journaling, crafts, etc.
True or False: Ignoring problems makes stress go away.
False.
Name one part of the body that becomes tense under stress.
Shoulders, jaw, stomach, etc.
A friend is talking over you and you feel irritated. What's a coping skill you could use?
Deep breathing, assertive communication, taking space
True or False: Stress can be both helpful and harmful.
True
Which coping skill uses all five senses?
Grounding/ 5-4-3-2-1 technique
What is catastrophizing?
Thinking the worst possible outcome will happen
True or False: Your thoughts can affect how your body feels.
True
You get a bad grade on a test. What should you avoid doing?
Negative self-talk or giving up
What is the difference between short-term and long-term stress?
short-term= temporary; long-term= ongoing and more harmful
What does mindfulness help you focus on?
the present moment
What can happen to relationships if we react with anger instead of coping?
Conflict, miscommunication, hurt feelings
What type of activity helps release physical tension?
Stretching, exercise, walking, etc.
You feel anxious before a presentation. Name one skill that can help you calm down.
Deep breathing, grounding, positive self-talk, preparation
What hormone is released when we feel stressed?
cortisol
Name one long-term coping habit that reduces stress over time.
What is burnout?
Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed after long periods of stress
What is grounding used for?
Bringing yourself back to the present and calming the nervous system
Your schedule is packed. What is one way to manage your stress?
Time management, prioritizing, saying no, organizing tasks