Stress Response System

The Neuroscience of StressNeuroscientists are beginning to reveal how chronic stress can impact the brain, body, and behavior.

Have No Fear, the Brain is Here! How Your Brain Responds to StressIf you encountered a bear in the woods what would you do? In this article, we will talk about what stress is and how our brains and bodies react to it. There are many cool things that happen inside of the human body when we are faced with a scary situation. We will focus on the brain regions that are responsible for our reactions to stress. We will learn how they help our bodies to calm down when faced with something scary. The main parts of the brain that are responsible for our reactions to stress include the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. This article will also cover how the brain gets help from outside sources and how humans adapt to stress when it becomes a normal part of life. Let us read all about the superheroes that help us to overcome even the scariest situations!

Article 9: Stress-and-the-Brain Turnaround-for-Children (1).pdf

Understanding the stress response - Harvard HealthResearch suggests that chronic stress is linked to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and obesity....

Source: Dr. Lori Desautels, Revelations in Education

What is the Stress ResponseStress is a biological and psychological response experienced upon encountering a threat that we feel we do not have the resources to deal with.

©Maslow's Hierarchy students .pdf

Source: Dr. Lori Desautels, Revelations in Education

The items on the left create stress on the nervous system; the items on the right are what the brain needs in order for the nervous system to feel safe, and to access the Prefrontal Cortex which is in charge of learning. In moments of high stress which the brain cannot tolerate, access to the PFC shuts off, and learning cannot take place. It is imperative that we are providing opportunities and moments throughout the day of Connection, Choice, and Movement, as well as providing structure and routines which are familiar and predictable. This creates a sense of safety.

Credit/Source: Courtney Boyle

Adaptations to the above: could include visuals of each, and/or underlying sensations within each.

Source: Dr. Lori Desautels, Revelations in Education

Autonomic Nervous System PDF.pdf

Source: Dr. Megan Ann Neff, Neurodivergent Insights

Source: Dr. Lori Desautels, Revelations in Education