What Is My Body Saying? (Interoception)
My heart is beating really fast and my hands feel shaky.
What is feeling nervous or anxious?
What color is calm and ready to learn?”
Green
Name one breathing strategy that helps your body calm down.
Deep breathing / balloon breathing / square breathing
You feel nervous before answering a question in class.
Take a deep breath or tell myself “I can try”
If you had to eat ONLY one food forever, what would you pick?
Any
My stomach feels tight and twisty before something new
What is feeling worried?
What color means I’m starting to feel a little off but not out of control yet?”
Yellow
What is something your hands can do to help your body feel calm?
squeeze a fidget, stress ball, or putty?
You’re starting to feel frustrated during homework
take a break, ask for help, or use a calming tool
Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet unicorn?
Why?!
My face feels hot and my fists are tight.
What is feeling angry or frustrated?
If I notice I’m getting frustrated, what should I do FIRST?”
Use a coping tool or strategy (like breathing, asking for help, taking a break).
“If your body feels too wiggly, what is a good movement you can do?
jumping, stretching, wall push-ups, or taking a movement break
“You don’t want to sleep in your own bed and feel worried
use a calming routine, breathing, or ask for support
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Anything (flying, invisibility, mind reading, etc.)
I feel wiggly, can’t sit still, and my legs want to move.
What is feeling excited or having lots of energy?
Why is it better to use a tool before I get REALLY upset?”
Its easier to calm down early than when I’m already very upset.
What is something you can say to yourself when you feel nervous?
What is “I’m okay,” “I can do this,” or “It will be okay”?
A plan changes and you feel upset.”
take a breath, use a coping strategy, or ask what’s happening next?
If you could create your perfect day, what would you do from morning to night?
Anything (sleep in, play games, see friends, etc.)
My chest feels tight, my breathing is fast, and I feel like something bad might happen
What is anxiety or panic?
If I’m already in the red zone, is it easier or harder to calm down than in yellow? Why?”
Its harder, because my body is already very upset.
Name TWO different coping tools you could use at school
What are any two such as breathing, asking for a break, fidget, stretching, or talking to a teacher?
You feel like you might have a meltdown coming.
Use two coping tools like breathing, taking a break, squeezing something, or asking for help?
If you could design the coziest room ever, what would be in it
Anything (blankets, squishmallows, LED lights, snacks, etc.)