Stress Connection

What is stress?

• Being in physical danger

• Worry in the mind and body

• Feeling excited and motivated

• Having a fast heartbeat

How does mindfulness help you deal with stress?

• It raises your heart rate and makes you breathe faster so you can stay focused.

• It helps you forget the things that make you feel stress so you can calm down.

• It lets you focus on the present and not worry about the past or future.

• It focuses your thoughts on the problems you have so you can solve them.

Paul felt his heart race. He noticed he was breathing fast. His hands felt sweaty. He was worried. He tried on breathing slowly for a few minutes. He paid attention to his breath. He focused on his five senses. What was Paul doing to deal with stress?

• He was getting physical activity.

• He made sure to get enough sleep.

• He was practicing mindfulness techniques.

• He was ignoring his stress.

Faster breathing and heartbeat are two symptoms of ______.

• mindfulness

• meditation

• exercise

• stress

Physical signs of stress include ______.

• headaches, stomach aches, and change in appetite

• growing pains, hunger, and extreme mood swings

• headaches, fever, stuffy nose, upset stomach, and sore muscles

• stomach aches, tiredness, boredom, and mood swings