Anxiety

What is anxiety, and how do you feel it in your body?

Anxiety is like worry, but sometimes stronger - where do you feel it?
Maybe your heart beats fast, or your tummy feels funny?
Does it make you feel hot, cold, or shaky?

What kinds of things make you feel worried or anxious?

Maybe when something new is happening, or you don't know what to expect?
Could be about meeting new people, or trying something for the first time?
You can ask them about specific situations - first day somewhere, doctor visits, or new activities

Why do you think our hands get sweaty or shaky when we're worried?

What do you think your body is trying to tell you?
Maybe your hands are getting ready to do something - like run or grab onto something safe?
Do you think it's your body's way of preparing for something important?

If worry was a type of weather, what kind would it be and why?

Would it be stormy with lots of noise, or quiet and cloudy?
Does that weather feel scary, sad, or confusing - just like worry?
Explain why that kind of weather?

When you're feeling anxious, what can help?

Maybe taking slow, deep breaths or counting to ten?
Does talking to someone or getting a hug help?
What's your special trick for feeling calmer?

What do you think the world would be like if nobody ever worried about anything?

When worrying helped you be safe?
What if you never worried about hot stoves or deep water?’
Would everyone just be happy all the time?

Imagine you are a brave lion. Take a deep breath and roar loudly to show your courage. Ask the group to join in!

Pretending to be a lion can make you feel strong and fearless.

Time for a Superhero pose! Stand up, position your feet wide, straighten your back, and push your chest forward. Say loudly: "I am strong!"

This pose can make you feel confident and powerful!

Look at the character closest to your Pawn and make up a story about why they’re at the mall.

Maybe they’re shopping for something special or just exploring new places.

Being here and now can help you deal with anxiety. Breathe in and name three things that you see that are the same color.

Focusing on your surroundings can make you feel calmer.

Let’s loosen up! Everyone stretches their arms to the ceiling, then wiggles their whole body like jelly. Let’s all do it together!

Stretching and moving can help release tension and boost energy.

Think of a time when you felt worried. Share your experience with the group.

It could be when you met new people, visited a new place, or when your parents weren’t nearby.

Do the Tree Pose Challenge: Stand like a tree with roots growing from your feet. Sway your arms like branches and notice your breathing. The group can join!

Imagine yourself as a tree to feel stable and calm.

Describe what your anxiety creature looks like. If you’re unsure, the group can help with ideas.

Don’t worry—it’s just a tiny monster inside your tummy that you can shrink by talking about it!

Think of a song, smell, or picture that helps you calm down. Share it with the group and explain why it helps.

It could be a favorite song, the smell of cookies, or a picture of your family.

What emotions do you feel when your heart races? Share one with the group.

It might be fear, excitement, or nervousness.

Imagine a busy mall. How would you help a friend who feels nervous? Show the group one way you could help.

You might hold their hand, give a hug, or talk calmly.

Find a character on the board that looks anxious. Show how you would cheer them up.

Maybe talk to them, tell a joke, or share something nice.

Describe what a perfect, worry-free day looks like. If it’s hard to imagine, the group can suggest ideas.

Picture a day filled with your favorite activities.

Imagine a magical item that makes worries disappear. What would it be? Show or describe it to the group.

It could be a wand, a blanket, or a special charm.