These are small bags that contain items that shift focus away from stressors and ground the body, like mints, fidget toys, lavender oil, affirmation cards, and more
Gen Z and millennials are finding innovative ways to cope with the stress of modern life, and the latest trend is the “panic pouch,” also known as an anxiety bag or calm kit.
These are small bags that are easy to carry and can fit in bigger bags. They contain sensory-based items that shift focus away from stressors and ground the body.
Popular items include sour or minty candies, which many people say help with grounding, as well as fidget toys or stress balls to channel nervous energy.
Other common essentials include soothing lavender oils, earplugs for noise sensitivity, and small handheld fans to cope with the heat often felt during panic attacks.
Some people also carry affirmation cards and photos of loved ones or meaningful places for emotional reassurance.
Several Gen Z users told the New York Post about how their panic pouches help them better manage the physical and emotional symptoms of stress before they escalate.
The trend comes as anxiety increases among Americans. A March Gallup survey found that over 61% of US adults worry about healthcare affordability, and over 50% stress about the economy, inflation, and the environment.
Additionally, over 40 million of the country’s population is living with anxiety disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.