How To Step Away from Anxiety

How To Step Away from Anxiety

From The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center

May 21, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Raina Telgemeier discusses her experiences with anxiety and shares a walking meditation practice to help manage it.

Do you have a hard time calming your nerves? Author Raina Telgemeier tries a practice to get out of her head, one step at a time. Summary: In this episode of The Science of Happiness , bestselling graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier reflects on growing up with anxiety, panic attacks, and emetophobia—the fear of throwing up—and shares how transforming those experiences into stories helped her feel less alone and inspired young readers to seek support. Through a week-long walking meditation practice, Raina explores what it means to slow down, reconnect with her body, and face discomfort with curiosity rather than avoidance. How To Do This Practice: Choose a small, quiet space: Find a place where you can walk slowly back and forth for about 10–15 steps without interruption. This could be a hallway, living room, backyard, or even a hotel room. Set a timer for 10 minutes: Giving yourself a set amount of time helps you stop checking the clock and allows you to settle more fully into the practice. Begin walking slowly and naturally: Walk at a comfortable pace, paying attention to the sensation of each step—your heel touching the ground, the shift of your weight, and the movement of your…

People in this episode

Guest: Raina Telgemeier

Topics covered

  • anxiety
  • walking meditation
  • mental health
  • self-care
  • storytelling

Keywords

  • anxiety
  • walking meditation
  • Raina Telgemeier
  • mental health
  • self-care
  • emetophobia
  • panic attacks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Science of Happiness, PRX, Greater Good Science Center

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