The Color Walk: A Simple Way to Calm Big Feelings

Poppy & Frankie on a color walk together!

Have you ever noticed how colors can change the way you feel? A bright yellow might make you feel cheerful, while a soft green can help you breathe a little easier. That’s the idea behind something we love at The Worry Wags—it’s called The Color Walk.

A Color Walk is a gentle activity you can do with your child when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. The steps are simple:

1. Pick one color

2. Go for a walk

3. Look for that color everywhere you can

   
   

Let’s say your color is red. On your walk, you might spot red flowers, a red stop sign, red sneakers, or even a red bird. The goal is to notice the world around you one color at a time.

It may sound small, but this kind of mindful noticing helps quiet racing thoughts. Instead of getting stuck in “what ifs,” the brain is given a task that feels safe and steady—what psychologists call a grounding technique. Research shows that sensory-based mindfulness activities, like paying attention to sights, sounds, or colors, can ease anxiety and help kids feel calmer and more in control.

The best part? A Color Walk turns into a mini-adventure. You and your child aren’t just walking—you’re on a color hunt! That playful energy can make a big difference when emotions feel overwhelming.

At The Worry Wags, Frankie and her pup Poppy love using tricks like this to manage the Worry Wags. Next time worries start to feel too big, pick a color… and walk it out together.