1. What helps you feel calm when you're anxious or scared?

[smkelly]

On her way to Misty Valley, Lina is frightened by the sudden mist in the forest. To feel more brave, she marches in place.

What are some techniques you use to calm or ground yourself when you are nervous or anxious?

[waiting4adragon]

When I feel anxious, deep breathing is my go-to. I try to close my eyes and focus on my breath, letting everything else fade out. If I can’t close my eyes, counting my breaths works just as well. Interested to see what other say works for them!

[DragonGirl]

Usually I either curl up with a book to escape reality or go hang out with my sisters.

[CharlesHugh1954]

smkelly wrote:
> On her way to Misty Valley, Lina is frightened by the sudden mist in the
> forest. To feel more brave, she marches in place.
>
> What are some techniques you use to calm or ground yourself when you are
> nervous or anxious?
If there is time I try to focus on breathing from my belly button and think about how my body is experiencing the fear. Are my hands shaking? Are my palms sweaty? Do I have that sinking feeling?

[Readiculous19]

I would go with breathing as well, preferably with closing my eyes to get focused. If possible, support this by some music… In Lina‘s case I think I might have chosen her approach as well: in that surrounding closing my eyes would most likely have made the situation worse for me, but focusing your mind on a repetitious pattern sounds like an excellent idea.

[gmendicino]

There are a few grounding exercises that I use when I'm alone, but when I'm with someone that I care about holding their hand literally anchors me and keeps my thoughts from flying away.

[Johnson.martha]

Definitely reading! I also just try and pause for a minute and embrace the current moment, to avoid spiraling. However, if I was walking thru the forest and mist, it might be really challenging to take any of those steps.

I really really loved this book. I enjoyed the movie Spirited Away, but this was even better!

[Formal Words By Fay]

when I am feeling anxious or scared, I focus on my breathing. Then, I practice a grounding technique.