Thank you so much Little Steps Publishing for sending me these two brilliant stories about anxiety! While they are aimed at children, I also found them really informative as an adult - I had never heard of the amygdala before, and these books explained what happens to your body when you're feeling anxious, and how best to cope with it, in a way that's clear and easy to understand.
The message in these stories was really empowering, and perfect for a time when school children are facing more pressure and stress than ever before. Not only is the way these books describe and explain anxiety brilliant, but the steps they suggests for coping when you feel anxious were simple and effective - the sort of things you could do at home or in the classroom.
I especially liked the exercise in Hello Awesome for helping you to focus on the present moment, rather than unhelpful or out of control thoughts:
"Focus on what is happening around you. Name 5 things you can see; 4 things you can touch; 3 things you can hear; 2 things you can smell; 1 thing you can taste."
It's a simple, easy activity to centre yourself that even young children can do. I will definitely be trying it with my five year old next time she feels worried about something.
"Focus on what is happening around you. Name 5 things you can see; 4 things you can touch; 3 things you can hear; 2 things you can smell; 1 thing you can taste."
It's a simple, easy activity to centre yourself that even young children can do. I will definitely be trying it with my five year old next time she feels worried about something.
Hey Awesome and Hey Warrior are written by Karen Young and illustrated by Norvile Davidonyte
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