"Open Your Bag When Anxious: A Sigh of Relief With Portable Fans and Sour Candy" [The World Is Z-Gold]

Recently, the so-called 'anxiety bag' has been gaining attention as a new self-care trend, especially among Generation Z. This involves keeping items that help with emotional stability in a small pouch or bag, and taking them out immediately when anxiety or panic symptoms arise. This approach is interpreted as a proactive method of care, where Generation Z actively manages their own mental and emotional state in everyday life.

Posts related to 'Buran Bag' (anxiety bag). TikTok

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According to the U.S. media outlet New York Post, the 'anxiety bag' trend has recently been spreading, especially among young women. The anxiety bag serves as a kind of psychological first-aid kit, customized to each individual. The bag typically contains items that stimulate the senses, such as ice packs, portable fans, fidget toys, sour candy, and chewing gum. These tools help alleviate symptoms by distracting attention during moments of acute anxiety and encouraging focus on present bodily sensations.

Paules, a 22-year-old resident of Provo, Utah, also shared her experience of quickly calming a panic attack using her anxiety bag. After returning home from work, she was suddenly hit by a wave of panic. Her thoughts began to spiral, her face felt hot, and her anxiety surged rapidly. Despite using her usual breathing techniques and trying to relax, she found it difficult to regain composure.

At that moment, what caught her eye was the anxiety bag she had prepared in advance. Inspired by an idea she saw on TikTok a few weeks prior, Paules had consulted with her therapist and put together a small kit filled with anxiety-relief tools. She took medication from the bag, applied an ice pack to the back of her neck, turned on a portable fan to cool down, and focused on sensory stimulation by squeezing a fidget toy. Fortunately, her panic symptoms gradually subsided. Paules said, "I was able to calm down and fall asleep in about 10 minutes," adding, "It was a method I had never thought of before, but now I use it often in my daily life because it works so well."

As in Paules' case, the reason Generation Z curates their own anxiety bags is rooted in the fact that they are exposed to high levels of stress-so much so that they are dubbed the 'Anxious Generation.' In fact, a 2023 Gallup survey found that nearly half of respondents aged 12 to 26 reported feeling anxious often or all the time.

One netizen is introducing their own 'anxiety bag.' TikTok

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Experts say that anxiety bags are effective for redirecting attention in sudden situations. Kyra Bobinet, a behavioral neuroscientist and physician, explained, "Meditation and breathing techniques are effective, but in real anxiety situations, it can be hard to even remember to use them. Having tools readily available is a very practical approach." She added, "Stimulating the senses in various ways helps break the cycle of anxious thinking." Clinical psychologist Jenny Martin also noted, "Sensory stimulation, like holding an ice pack or tasting something strong, helps interrupt the nervous system's over-arousal. While these tools don't solve the underlying anxiety, they can be effective in urgent situations."

However, some advise that instead of becoming overly dependent on such tools, it is desirable to gradually reduce their use. Psychiatrist Vinay Saranga explained, "An anxiety bag is a helpful auxiliary tool, but ultimately, the goal should be to reach a state where you can self-regulate without relying on aids."

The photo is unrelated to any specific expressions in the article. Pixabay

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Meanwhile, in Korea as well, there is a clear trend of trying to objectively recognize and manage one's emotions. The Twenty Research Lab of University Tomorrow highlighted 'Meta-Sensing' in their book "Z Generation Trend 2026" as one of this year's key keywords. Meta-Sensing refers to the attitude of objectively recognizing and managing one's emotions. While 'metacognition' means recognizing one's thoughts objectively, meta-sensing goes a step further to mean the sense and attitude of identifying even subtle emotional states.

Mental health has become just as important as physical health among Generation Z. According to the "Values Regular Survey 2025" conducted by the Twenty Research Lab of University Tomorrow, which surveyed 1,500 men and women aged 15 to 64 nationwide, the top answers for "essential elements for living" were ▲Health (66.7%) ▲Physical strength (54.2%) ▲Liquid assets (52.7%), with ▲Mental strength (51.3%) following close behind.

In contrast, among Generation Z, the difference between health (1st place, 55.7%) and mental strength (2nd place, 55.0%) was only 0.7 percentage points. Unlike previous generations, who prioritized physical health or assets over mental well-being, Generation Z considers emotional stability to be an essential pillar of life.

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