Thinking Brain
Which part of the brain helps with planning, reasoning, and making thoughtful decisions?
The prefrontal cortex
What kicks off the brain’s stress response when something feels threatening?
The amygdala detecting a threat
Someone hears a loud noise and immediately jumps before thinking. Which brain system is taking the lead?
The survival system (amygdala)
I act fast, I hate waiting, and I keep you alive—but I sometimes overreact. What am I?
The amygdala
I’m always in front of you but can’t be seen. What am I?
The future
What happens to logical thinking during moments of high stress?
It becomes less available
What chemicals are released in the body to prepare for action during stress?
cortisol and adrenaline
A person says, “I know I’m safe, but my body doesn’t feel that way.” What is likely happening in the brain?
The thinking brain and survival brain are not aligned (prefrontal cortex vs. amygdala)
I help you plan, pause, and make good choices—but I disappear when stress gets high. What am I?
The prefrontal cortex
What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?
A penny (or coin)
Why might it be hard to use coping skills in the middle of intense emotions?
Because the thinking brain is less active
What happens to the brain’s ability to think clearly during a stress response?
It decreases
Someone forgets what they were about to say during a stressful moment. What brain change explains this?
Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex
I store your memories, but under stress, I can mix up past and present. What am I?
The hippocampus
I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?
A candle
Which brain function allows us to reflect, pause, and consider different perspectives?
The executive system
Does the body react to stress before or after we consciously think about it?
Before
A person reacts strongly to a situation that reminds them of the past, even if it’s not dangerous now. What explains this?
The brain is responding to emotional memory and perceived similarity
I flood your body with energy to prepare for danger, even if you’re just stressed about a test. What am I?
cortisol
I’m always hungry, I must always be fed, and the finger I touch will soon turn red. What am I?
Fire
During emotional overwhelm, is decision-making typically easier or more difficult?
More difficult
Is it possible to “think your way out” of a fully activated stress response?
No XP
After calming down, someone is able to think clearly again. What does this show about brain function?
The thinking brain (prefrontal cortex) has come back online
I help your brain change, grow, and heal over time with practice. What am I?
neuroplasticity
The more you take me, the more I grow. What am I?
A hole