Anxious Brain Says…
True or False: People always notice when you're anxious.
False: Most people are focused on themselves, but it may feel like they are focused on us with social anxiety.
Name one thing you’ve done before that helped calm you down.
✅ Any answer is valid (breathing, walking away, listening to music, etc.)
You feel awkward in class. What’s one thing you could do that might help just a little?
✅ Fidget quietly, text a friend after, take a breath.
What’s one body signal that tells you you’re anxious?
✅ Heart pounding, stomach tight, hands sweaty, etc.
What’s your dream snack when you're stressed?
✅ Any answer wins!
Which of these is an anxious thought?
A. “I’m interesting.”
B. “They’re probably judging me.”
B. “They’re probably judging me.”
What’s something small you can carry that helps you feel calm?
✅ Accept: fidget, stone, putty, stress ball.
You’re invited to hang out but feel nervous. What’s one small step you could take?
✅ Ask who’ll be there, make a short appearance, plan an exit.
What does your body want when it’s anxious?
A. Rest and calm
B. More caffeine
C. Stay in panic mode
✅ A.
If your anxiety had a name or character, what would it be?
✅ Funny names welcome: "Doom Goblin,” “Nervous Nelly,” “BuzzBuzz.”
What might your brain say that makes social situations harder?
✅ Accept: “I’ll mess up,” “They’ll laugh at me,” “I won’t know what to say.”
What’s a quick breathing method that helps with anxiety?
✅ Box breathing, 4-7-8, slow in–out breaths.
You see someone you want to talk to but feel frozen. What’s something you could say or do?
✅ Smile, nod, “Hey,” compliment their shoes — small openers.
Name one way to help your body feel safe again.
✅ Breathing, movement, cold water, hugging a pillow.
Which song makes you feel more confident or chill?
✅ You win the points as long as you answer the question — dance break optional 😄
What’s one way to tell the difference between a fact and a feeling?
✅ Ask “What’s my evidence?” or “Would I say this to a friend?”
Which of these helps your body chill out?
A. Avoiding everything
B. Deep breaths
C. Overthinking
✅ B
Someone looks at you and laughs with a friend. What’s a kind way to reframe that thought?
✅ “It might not be about me,” “I don’t know the full story.”
What’s the difference between fight/flight and freeze?
Fight: Talking back, being rude, defending yourself
Flight: avoid, walking away, changing the subject
Freeze: shutting down, feeling shocked, staying quiet.
If you could teleport anywhere after a tough day, where would you go?
✅ Beach, bed, mall, space. All safe places count for points.
You say something and later feel embarrassed. What could your anxious brain be telling you?
✅ “I sounded stupid,” “They hate me,” “I shouldn’t have said that.” (Normalize & de-catastrophize)
What does grounding mean, and how do you do it?
✅ Bringing your focus to the present — name 5 things you see, hold a cold object, touch something textured, etc.
You’re texting someone and overthinking your reply. What could you do instead of spiraling?
✅ Step away for a sec, ask a friend, remind self: "I don’t have to be perfect.”
What’s the part of your body that calms you down after anxiety?
✅ Parasympathetic nervous system (explain if needed).
If you could give advice to someone else with anxiety, what would you say?
✅ Anything empowering wins the points.