Ever had anxiety crash your client call like an unexpected storm? In this raw and honest episode, I share what it felt like when anxiety showed up in the middle of a session planning call, what helped me get through it, and how I’m adapting my routines to support my mental health. From pre-call rituals to sour candy hacks, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at staying professional—even when your hands are shaking. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone.

Here are some of the strategies and tools I used, or that were recommended to me, when anxiety showed up mid-call:

My Go-To Tools:

• A fully written, color-coded call script with talking points and cues
• Pre-call rituals like power poses and affirmations
• Keeping a small stuffed animal or stim toy nearby
• Writing affirmations like “I am safe” or “I am good at this” before the call
• Having a tiny piece of sour candy ready (yes, really, more on that below)

Suggestions from the Community (via TikTok and DMs):

• Fidget toys or stress balls within reach
• A calming scent nearby, like lavender essential oil
• Sipping water or keeping a cold drink or ice at your desk
• Asking the client for a short pause or rescheduling if needed
• Popping a Warhead candy to snap out of a spiral (surprisingly effective)

These tools are not about fixing anxiety, but about giving yourself anchors when things feel overwhelming.

If you try any of these, let me know what works for you or share your own favorite grounding tools!