The effects of anxiety on the body – building your own emergency survival kit with art therapy

By Lea Schlatter 17.02.2026

In popular psychology anxiety is often described as an innate characteristic of being human (Homo sapiens). It is described as a useful tool, once critical for our survival in an immediate return environment and thus probably more relevant for our Paleolithic ancestors (Clear, 2024).

I understand that anxiety remains rooted in us as Homo sapiens although our modern day environment has changed drastically from that of our paleolithic ancestors (Clear, 2024). As Auckland city slickers we don’t have the same immediate danger like outrunning a heard of elephants or physically chasing after our next meal. We do however live in an often fast paced environment filled with job interviews, school exams and all kinds of new experiences that may be scary. These are moments where our anxiety can flare and also inflate out of control. When this happens often this can have severe effects on our bodies over time. In a moment where our body experiences severe anxiety caused by our environment we may feel headaches, irritability, a sore stomach, changes to our breathing and even a pounding heart and panic attacks (Healthline, 2025).

Crippling levels of anxiety, can bring about a level of stagnancy in the body as the result of crippling thoughts swirling around in ones head. When we become overwhelmed by our environment it is important realise when there is no immediate danger and allow ourselves to pause. I believe that we can train ourselves to find the relief we need and get moving again. It can help to simply step back and allow ourselves to focus on something different. For clients that experience severe anxiety and panic attacks I often work together with them to build an emergency survival kit for moments like this.

This may include strategies such as breathing exercises that they know work for them. It could be a playlist of songs on their phone that can help them to feel relaxed in such a situation. Even some sensory toys or art materials can be helpful to a person struggling with anxiety. So if you know that certain environments or situations can trigger your anxiety to inflate out of control try building a little emergency kit that can help you in these times.

References:

Clear, J. (2024). The Evolution of Anxiety; why we worry and what to do About It. James Clear. https://jamesclear.com/evolution-of-anxiety.

Healthline, (2025). Effects of Anxiety on the Body. https://www.healthline. com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body#bonus-moves