Free Calming Strategies Card Set for Busy Minds
- One Step Ahead
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
When stress builds, it is not always easy to know what will help in the moment. This is especially true for people who experience sensory overload, anxiety, or communication differences. To make things easier, we have created a free printable Calming Strategies Card Set that can be used at home, school, work, or in the community.
Each card contains a simple, practical idea. The strategies are quick to try and do not require special equipment. The set includes calming movements such as child pose, deep breathing, and squeezing something soft. It also features sensory activities like smelling a favourite scent, listening to music, or using noise cancelling headphones. For emotional support, there are prompts to name feelings, hug a toy, or wrap up in a blanket. Other strategies encourage grounding, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 calming technique, counting heartbeats, or imagining a quiet place.
The cards are designed to be flexible. You can keep the whole set together on a keyring or choose a few that suit your setting. They can be used independently, with the guidance of a support worker or family member, or as part of a team approach in classrooms and day programs. The idea is to make calming strategies visible, accessible, and easy to use in moments of stress.
Here are a few ways you might use the cards. In the morning, choose one strategy to set a positive tone for the day. During busy times, keep the cards close by and select one when you notice stress building. In group settings, invite everyone to pick a card and try it together, which can create a calm, shared routine. In the evening, use a favourite card to wind down before bed.
Over time, practicing these small calming strategies helps the nervous system learn how to settle more quickly. This not only reduces distress but also supports safer and more predictable environments for everyone.
Download your free Calming Strategies Card Set here:
