โ† All feelings
๐Ÿ˜ฐ

Anxious

Big, fast, alarm-bell feeling

๐Ÿ’ญWhat this feeling is

Anxious is worry turned all the way up. Your body acts like there's danger even when you're safe.

๐ŸงBody sensations

  • ๐Ÿ‘‰Racing heart
  • ๐Ÿ‘‰Fast breathing
  • ๐Ÿ‘‰Sweaty hands
  • ๐Ÿ‘‰Dizzy or wobbly

๐ŸŽฏCommon triggers

Loud noisesCrowded placesToo many choicesScary thoughts

๐ŸŒฑHealthy coping strategies

1

Box breathing

Breathe in 4, hold 4, out 4, hold 4. Repeat.

2

Cold water

Splash cool water on your face or hold an ice cube.

3

Safe place picture

Close your eyes and visit your favorite calm place.

๐ŸŽฒInteractive activities

๐Ÿ“บVideos

Opens a kid-friendly search โ€” preview before sharing.

๐Ÿ“šBooks

๐Ÿ“–
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
by Julia Cook
๐Ÿ“–
What to Do When You Worry Too Much
by Dawn Huebner
๐Ÿ“–
Ruby Finds a Worry
by Tom Percival

๐Ÿ“–Social story

When I feel anxious

  1. 1

    My body sometimes feels like an alarm is ringing.

  2. 2

    Anxious tries to keep me safe โ€” but I am safe right now.

  3. 3

    I can breathe slowly: in 4, hold 4, out 4.

  4. 4

    I can name 5 things I see. The alarm gets quieter.

  5. 5

    I am okay. The feeling will pass.

More social stories โ†’

๐Ÿ“Printable worksheets

๐Ÿ–จ๏ธ
Open worksheet generator
Personalize a sheet for anxious and print it.

๐ŸคธMovement activities

๐ŸŒฌ๏ธMindfulness exercises