Worries Away: Understanding and Handling Fear
Worries Away: Understanding and Handling Fear
Have you ever felt your heart beat faster or your palms get sweaty before a big test or when you hear a loud noise? That feeling is often fear or worry. Guess what? It's totally normal! Everyone feels scared or worried sometimes. Our bodies are just doing their job, trying to keep us safe. But when those feelings get too big, it's important to know how to handle them.
Why Do We Feel Scared?
Feeling scared is a natural reaction. It's like an alarm bell inside of us that goes off when we think we might be in danger. This feeling comes from a part of our brain that's been around for a long, long time. It helped our ancestors stay safe from wild animals and other dangers. Today, we might not face the same kinds of threats, but our brains still react to things that feel scary or uncertain.
Sometimes, we feel worried about things that haven't even happened yet. This is called anxiety. Maybe you're worried about making new friends at a new school, or about a performance you have to give. These worries are common, but they don't have to control you.
Simple Steps to Handle Fear and Worry
- Anxiety:
- Feeling worried about things that might happen in the future.
- Comfort object:
- A favorite item, like a toy or blanket, that makes you feel safe.
- Trusted adult:
- A grown-up you can talk to and trust, like a parent or teacher.
- ancestors:
- Family members who lived a long time ago, such as great-grandparents.
- reaction:
- An action or feeling that happens as a result of something else.
- shallow:
- Not deep, taking in only a small amount of air.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why is it normal to feel scared sometimes?
- 2Who can you talk to if you're feeling scared or worried?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Worries Away: Understanding and Handling Fear” is a informational reading passage about Emotional Health, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (503 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.