Valerie Howard - Character Reactions from Head to Toe

1,000 CHARACTERREACTIONSfrom Head to ToeV a l e r i e H o w a r d Copyright 2019 by Valerie Howard 1,000 Character Reactions from Head to Toe By Valerie Howard All rights reserved solely by the author. The author guarantees all contents are original and do not infringe upon the legal rights of any other person or work. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the author. Cover fonts: Trajanus Bricks and Morsal Cover Image of pencil is a public domain image from Pixabay.com Cover Image of anatomy copyright: Naveen Kalwa ContentsIntroduction ARE YOUR characters always nodding or sighing? (Did you just nod and sigh?) If so, this is the book for you! Jam-packed with character reactions and motions that go far beyond the usual nod, sigh, shrug, and frown, everyone should find something in this book that works for their story. We all know it's important to vary our character's reactions so as not to create boring and trite people no one wants to read about. One easy way to vary reactions is to change the body part your character reacts with.

Though your character could always react to new information or an external stimulant with their eyes, it's not recommended to write an entire story that way. Your character's got more than eyes, so they should do more than stare, glare, wink, and blink. This book is divided up by body part, starting with the head, going down to the toes, then looking internally at what can happen with a character's veins, muscles, and bones when they react to an external stimulant. This book is not divided up by emotions, but there are some quick emotion tags or suggestions here and there. The reason for this is that a character can bite her lip in rage, irritation, impatience, or in a playfully flirtatious manor. Or he can slouch because of fear, disappointment, shame or fatigueit's up to you and the context of your story.

I suggest you take a reaction from these lists and put your own spin on it to make it uniquely yours, and uniquely your character's. Mix and match the reactions to create almost endless possibilities. Your character can yank on her pigtail and groan to show her immense frustration. Your character can stick out his tongue and cross his eyes to show he doesn't have a care in the world. Beware of stringing too many reactions together in a row, though. Three or more will sound more like a grocery list than a reasonable reaction.

If you're having trouble thinking about what your character would do to react, you can always physically act out the scene and see what your body does and take notes. (Confession: I do this a lot.) To keep track of which body parts you've used (or overused) in your story, download this free printable PDF checklist and make a tally mark next to each body part you write about to see where you are clustering your reactions and where you might need to spread the love. Ready to begin? Let's go! Head Shaking head once or repeatedly Nodding head over and over, unable to stop Giving a curt nod Tilting head to the side Tipping head up or down or side to side Throwing head back in laughter (evil or otherwise) Banging head on table or other surface Head feeling suddenly heavy or full of cement Resting head in hands Burying head in arms or knees Ducking head to avoid showing face Hanging head in shame Rubbing back of head in confusion or thought Head feeling like it's spinning Feeling lightheaded Feeling suddenly dizzy or tipsy Head buzzing Tugging on a hood or cap to hide Feeling faint Fainting Turning head toward a voice or noise Head feeling like it will float off body Head pounding with every tick of clock Rocking head back and forth in disbelief Rolling head between shoulders to ease tension Head swimming Hair Plucking hairs out of head in boredom Pulling on locks of hair in frustration Yanking on own braid or ponytail Raking fingers through hair Twirling hair around fingers Brushing hair back behind shoulders Smoothing hair down if self-conscious Blowing hair out of face Combing hair absentmindedly with fingers Brushing hair with violent strokes Wrestling frizzy hair into place Tucking stray hairs behind ear Attacking knots in hair with brush or comb Hair standing on end Doing an uppity hair-flip Making sure every hair is perfectly in place Sweeping bangs out of eyes Hair feeling heavy Hair feeling on fire Hair feeling itchy Gripping/seizing clumps of hair in frustration Examining/inspecting/plucking white or gray hairs Tucking hair in hat or hood to hide its color/length Rolling strand of hair between thumb and pointer Messing hair up on purpose Covering facial hair to appear less conspicuous Chewing on split ends/bottom of braid Scalp Scalp blazing with heat Scalp itching Scalp tingling Scalp crawling as if with lice Picking at scalp Scalp feeling tight or shrunken Ball cap or hat feeling suddenly too small or tight Hat feeling suddenly too itchy or hot Digging nails into scalp, trying to stop thoughts Scratching back of scalp while averting gaze Cradling scalp in hands to show remorse Brain Brain feeling waterlogged Brain feeling slushy Brain buzzing with activity Thoughts swirling through mind Thoughts or images pinging back and forth Thoughts becoming cloudy and murky Imagining horrible outcomes Vivid images parading across mind Memories flashing across the mind's eye Daydreaming Having dreams that feel real Having a terrifying nightmare Experiencing Deja Vu Racing thoughts Brain flooding with questions Arguing internally Internally chiding self Launching into an internal pep talk Having the sensation of falling/sinking in a pit Having the sensation of floating on a cloud Synapses all firing at once Brain shutting down, unable to think Brain becoming fatigued, thinking crazy thoughts Brain feeling like it's drying up or shriveling Brain feeling super smart or big Brain feeling on fire or smoking from thinking Forgetting things, losing train of thought Feeling invisible, ignored, or unimportant Feeling stupid or disrespected Getting drunk Getting high Forehead Forehead wrinkling Forehead slicking with sweat Slapping or hitting forehead with palm Banging forehead against a surface Wiping moisture off forehead Pressing fingers against forehead Tapping forehead with pencil or finger Forehead baking with a fever Resting forehead in hand(s) Splaying back of hand on forehead as if faint Poking forehead with thumb to jog memory Banging forehead with fists to stop crazy thoughts Temples Rubbing/massaging temple(s) Sudden headache Tapping fingers on temple to think Holding a gun to templereal or finger-gun Putting fingers of one hand to temple and pressing Temples pounding with each beat of heart Temples pulsating to drumbeat of loud music Temples feeling a squeezing, vice-like pressure Temples feeling like they may burst or explode Pushing on both temples to stop line of thought Holding fingers up to temples as if getting a vision Eyebrows Raising eyebrows in interest Arching one eyebrow in disbelief Eyebrows furrowing Eyebrows knitting together Waggling eyebrows suggestively Wiggling one eyebrow up and down Lowering eyebrows Plucking eyebrows with a vengeance Giving someone the hairy eyebrow Eyebrows flying to hairline in surprise Eyebrows drooping with fatigue or depression Eyelids Eyelids twitching Eyelids falling down on own accord Eyelids hooding over eyes Eyelids becoming heavy with boredom Blinking faster Blinking slower Blinking several times before speaking Blinking erratically with crazed expression Eyelids scrunching closed to block out bad news Eyelids snapping open in surprise Squinting Winking Eyes Eyes bulging Eyes widening Eyes suddenly popping open during sleep Eyes burning Eyes becoming dry or scratchy Rubbing eyes Rolling eyes Eyes watering Adjusting glasses while fidgeting Glowering Scowling Glaring Eyes greedily drinking in view with wonder/awe Eyes turning big and round as saucers Tear slipping from corner of eye Eyes sparkling, laughing Eyes brightening Squeezing eyes shut in pain Eyelashes fluttering Leering at someone Lowering gaze to feet or ground Lifting gaze to sky or ceiling Gaze bouncing back and forth between objects Gaze stuck on a person or object Watching or checking a timer or clock constantly Making eye contact Avoiding eye contact Narrowing eyes Crossing eyes Staring at someone or something Looking through someone or something Refusing to blink Eyes glazing over Covering eyes Stars sparkling in vision Vision tunneling Vision clouding, darkening, or fading Vision brightening to blinding white light Vision turning blurry Doing a double-take Watching out of the corner of eye Stealthily watching over top of book or newspaper Giving someone a knowing look Giving an incredulous look Sending someone a pointed look Shooting daggers at someone across the room Eyes playing tricks Seeing something that isn't there at second glance Giving someone a sideways glance Eyes not adjusting to sudden darkness/light Pretending not to see someone/something Giving someone a death stare Pretending to be asleep to avoid conversation Nose Nose twitching Nose scrunching Turning up nose at something Nostrils flaring Picking nose Pinching bridge of nose Plugging nose Putting back of hand to nose to block a scent Breathing quickly through nose Breathing heavily through nose Breathing slowly through nose Noticing a specific smell Smelling something that isn't really there Remembering a nostalgic smell Tapping end of nose in thought or as in Bingo! Snorting Holding back a snort Blowing nose loudly to annoy or draw attention Twisting/playing with nose ring Looking down nose at someone Sneezing Suppressing a sneeze Nasal passages narrowing Nose feeling too big and bulbous Shoving nose in a book Shoving nose in someone else's face Pretending to sniffle Wiping nose with hankie to cover up a snicker Cheeks Flushing Blushing Cheeks burning hot Cheeks tingling Cheeks hurting from smiling too much Pressing hands to cheeks in embarrassment Blowing cheeks up, inflating like a balloon Cheeks twitching in embarrassment Pushing tongue into cheek Sucking in cheeks while thinking Pinching cheeks to wake up Nibbling on inside of cheeks Bringing object to cheek to nuzzle it Pressing cheek against someone's chest Stroking cheek in deep thought Cheeks tightening with disapproval Slapping cheeks to snap out of panic Lightly touching cheek where a kiss had been Holding a cheek as if slapped with harsh words Ears Ears ringing Ears burning Ears freezing Ears perking up Tugging on earlobe Hearing everything as if under water Suddenly unable to hear because thoughts are loud Ignoring someone on purpose Ears stopped up with silence Covering ears with hands Putting fingers inside of ears Scratching at ears when hearing something awful Ears straining to listen to something quiet/far away Drawing an air-circle around ear to say crazy Twisting/fiddling with earring Ripping earring out of ear Pressing ear to door/wall to listen more closely Words echoing in ears Hurtful words stinging ears Shouting booming through ears Eardrum shattering Ears picking up an out-of-place sound Lips Upper lip sweating Lower lip trembling Licking lips Biting or chewing lip(s) Lips turning up into a smile Sucking lip(s) inside mouth Frowning Sneering Smile slipping Forcing a smile Faking a smile Lips pressed in a straight line Snarling Whistling Kissing a person or object Puckering lips with a sour taste Stroking mustache Twisting handlebar mustache Wiping food off of mustache Worrying lips Catcalling Smacking lips to annoy someone Blowing raspberries with lips Drawing lipstick on lips slowly and deliberately Sticking out lower lip in giant pout Mouth Side of mouth quirking upward Mouth gaping open Mouth watering Mouth drying Making popping noises with mouth Blowing a kiss Making a kissy face Making a fishy face Covering mouth in shock Yawning Drooling Spitting on ground or at someone Opening mouth to speak, then snapping it shut Foaming at the mouth Keeping mouth shut with effort Doing a spit-take Swishing drink around in mouth to buy time Snapping mouth shut to keep in a laugh or gasp Pouting Food turning to dust in mouth Mouth becoming sticky Popping gum Smacking gum loudly to annoy or gain attention Giving a lopsided grin Slowly sipping a drink while in deep thought Relishing the taste of a kiss Letting out a belch to appear sloppy/indifferent Tongue Clicking tongue Sticking out tongue Blowing raspberries with tongue Tongue suddenly heavy Tongue sticking to roof of mouth Running tongue along teeth or gums Licking lips Biting down on tongue to keep quiet Having bitter taste on tongue/in mouth Almost tasting a familiar food without eating it Having a sudden sour taste on tongue/in mouth Tongue seizing up, unable to form words Chewing on tongue Twisting tongue ring around inside mouth Tongue feeling free and loose, speaking too much Suddenly becoming thirsty or parched Twisting gum around tongue in boredom Tongue going rogue, telling a secret without trying Teeth Teeth chattering Teeth grinding Teeth gnashing Chewing on inside of cheek Biting down hard on an object Biting someone Biting self Biting or chomping the air in anguish Sucking air through teeth in pain Baring teeth Tearing a package open with teeth in frustration Whistling through teeth Wiggling a loose tooth with tongue or finger Nibbling on pencil/pen Picking food out of braces Taking forever to brush teeth to avoid or annoy Clicking teeth together loudly or repeatedly Snarling at someone or something Opening a beer bottle with teeth to appear tough Yanking out an aching tooth Flossing incessantly or obsessively Checking teeth for bits of food Mouth feeling dirty after regretful kiss Using mouthwash after lying/flirting/flattering Jaw Jaw locking shut Jaw hanging open Jaw clenching Jaw tightening Working jaw back and forth Jaw dropping and snapping shut again Popping jaw repeatedly Setting jaw with determination Squaring jaw Jaw feeling as if it might break with teeth clenched Jaw trembling with rage Jaw feeling like a spring wound with tension Chin Chin quivering Chin tipping up in a snobby manner Tucking chin low in shame Rubbing chin Stroking beard or stubble Tapping chin in thought Throwing chin up in defiance Resting chin on base of palm Resting chin on knees Propping chin on both hands innocently Chin dropping to the floor in shock Dribbling water on chin in hurry to speak Scratching chin in deep thought Chin feeling pinned to chest Face Making a sour face Making a goofy face Face crumpling Sporting a smug expression Countenance falling Hiding/shielding face with hands, hair, or object Beaming Face glowing Countenance brightening Face darkening Face turning purple with rage Face draining of color Face turning green with illness Giving a dumbfounded expression Twisting face in disgust Cringing Shoving face in someone else's face Maintaining a blank expression Grimacing Schooling an inappropriate expression Wiping a smile off face Face falling to dirt in worship Stuffing face with chocolate or other candy Smothering face with pillow Flopping face-first onto bed or sofa Neck Neck craning Neck cracking Neck bending away from someone Neck bowing Massaging back of neck Rolling neck back and forth Hand flying to front of neck Vein in neck bulging Neck turning red or getting hot Blush creeping up neck Pressing a knife into neck Folding hands and resting them at back of neck Scratching neck in thought Clawing at neck if breathing is difficult Dragging fingernails down neck in pain/anguish Turning neck as far as it can go to watch someone Itchy sensation traveling up or down neck Elongating neck Neck feeling tight or stiff Feeling as if a heavy chain is strangling neck Unbuttoning top button of shirt to cool down Loosening a tie Adam's apple bobbing with nerves Scarf suddenly feeling like it's strangling Noticing weight of a necklace or locket Neck feeling weak, as if can't hold head up Throat Swallowing around a lump in throat Swallowing loudly Choking on a swallow Coughing on spit Gulping Gagging Throat closing up Choking on food or drink (or rage) Gasping Throat burning Throat feeling suddenly dry Throat swelling Throat thickening with emotion Clearing throat to draw attention or buy time Acid filling throat Bile rising into throat Clutching at throat in panic Squeezing throat to choke self Throat feeling raw Throat narrowing as thin as a straw Throat getting raspy Throat suddenly expanding to let in air Giggle bubbling up in throat Making a strangled noise with throat Esophagus letting out a strange noise Choking down disgusting food to please someone Voice Muttering under breath Letting out a yip Whooping Growling Singing Grunting Crying Sobbing Wailing Squeaking Squealing Groaning Moaning Humming Babbling Whimpering Blubbering Grumbling Stuttering Laughing Giggling Twittering Fussing Sulking Flirting Speaking gibberish Shouting an expletive Whispering harshly Hurling insults Crying out to God Whispering a quick prayer Screaming in fright Screaming in delight Suddenly losing voice in surprise Being unable to summon words due to shock Eating or drinking something to avoid speaking Using clipped words when irritated Keeping absolutely silent Shrieking until hoarse Interrupting someone Readily agreeing with someone to avoid conflict Using a lot of big, fancy words to appear smart Interrupting oneself and starting over repeatedly Launching into a long speech or rant Voice trailing off into nothingness Suddenly halting in mid-sentence Howling in pain or like a wolf Asking incessant questions Talking in a baby voice Regressing to an old accent or way of talking Accidental laugh escaping too loudly Voice turning melodic Talking in a sing-song, teasing tone Rattling off a long list of facts Speaking in a robotic, rehearsed tone Lashing out with cruel, hateful words Screaming into a pillow Switching to sarcastic tone Using harsh tone Lying to cover up guilt Denying knowledge or involvement Threatening someone Shouting out an accidental Yes! or No! Starting a false rumor about someone to misdirect Apologizing profusely Accusing someone of false or horrible things Becoming argumentative Becoming petty Singing someone's praises Complaining about weather or schedule Starting to name off someone's flaws or misdeeds Starting to read out loud to drown out talking Calling out Halt! or Stop! Changing topic of conversation abruptly Softening tone Shoulders Shoulders going rigid Shoulders sagging Shoulders drooping Throwing shoulders back in attention Shrugging Cracking or popping shoulders Rolling shoulders forward Rolling shoulders backward Rotating shoulders to loosen up Shoulders shaking with silent laughter Lifting shoulders to earlobes Coat feeling suddenly too heavy or hot Shoulders feeling laden with a burden Shoulders feeling as if a sudden burden has lifted Rolling a bare shoulder suggestively Standing shoulder-to-shoulder to show equality Torso Fidgeting Squirming Shifting weight of body forward or backward Shivering with sudden cold Tightening or going rigid with fear Shaking with anger Trembling uncontrollably Quivering with anticipation Lunging at someone Rushing toward someone in rage Hips swaying to musicreal or imaginary Doubling over in pain or with anxiety Shrinking away from someone or something Startling in surprise Curling body around an object to protect it Leaning away from unwanted object, person, place Leaning heavily against an object to stay upright Leaning lazily on wall to appear casual/indifferent Curling up in a corner Hiding under a blanket or bed Towering over someone Cowering under someone Twisting around to limber up/loosen up Writhing in anguish Wrestling someone to the ground Tackling someone Ripping off clothing Chest Tightening sensation in chest Chest swelling with hope Chest puffing out with pride Chest deflating with defeat Chest feeling suddenly painful Clutching at chest over heart Rubbing sternum Folding arms across chest Heart pounding through chest Pressing palm into chest to try to suppress sorrow Chest bumping someone to celebrate Unbuttoning/buttoning shirt buttons Fiddling with jacket zipperzipping, unzipping Chest feeling tight or like it's imploding Chest feeling like it might explode with emotion Chest feeling burdened and heavy Chest feeling like it's being crushed in a vice Crossing arms across chest in protective stance Heart Heart thumping wildly Heartbeat doubling or tripling in speed Heart skipping a beat Heart stopping Heart pausing for a beat Heart hiccuping Heart pounding out an erratic rhythm Heart aching with grief Valves of heart feeling clogged or sluggish Pain shooting through heart Ice stabbing through heart Shock of fear or panic zipping through heart Heart feeling as if it will explode or catch fire Heart suddenly feeling homesick Heart feeling clogged with guilt Heart feeling heavy with sorrow Heart feeling as if it's shredded to tiny pieces Warmth spreading up arm and into heart Heart sinking in disappointment Feeling as if drumsticks are banging on heart Lungs Lungs burning Lungs collapsing Lungs cinching tighter, not letting air in Lungs expanding with a deep intake of air Lungs feeling as if shriveling or shrinking Lungs feeling as if they are filling with water Lungs feeling as if they aren't working Lungs going into a spasm Lungs hardening like concrete Lungs rattling or wheezing Effervescent feeling in lungs Lungs feeling unable to exhale Lungs emptying on their own without permission Sighing Blowing breath out in slow stream Hyperventilating Inhaling sharply Holding breath in anticipation or to avoid detection Breath catching in surprise Gasping for air Taking a long drag of cigarette or cigar Suddenly feeling like the air is poisonous Feeling out of breath Feeling like can't catch breath for a long time Feeling like can't take a deep enough breath Needing to breathe some fresh air Feeling like the air is too thick to breathe Coughing to cover up what someone else is saying Faking a cough Sucking air greedily after holding breath Feeling like clean air is cleansing from inside out Refusing to breathe in toxins Forcing self to slow breathing down Forcing self to take a deep breath and relax Starting square breathing or Lamaze breathing Asthma symptoms starting Having an asthma attack in response to bad news Breathing loudly on purpose to annoy Stomach Stomach churning Stomach roiling Stomach aching Feeling nauseous Vomiting Patting/rubbing stomach as if satisfied with meal Holding stomach because of sudden shock Grabbing stomach in pain Stomach growling or gurgling Stomach lurching Stomach tightening Stomach growing hard Stomach feeling overly full Stomach feeling hollow Butterflies in stomach Stomach somersaulting Stomach doing a flip Sucking stomach in to appear thinner Suddenly craving a familiar/particular food Suddenly losing appetite Feeling bloated Stomach contents boiling Stomach contents turning into bricks or rocks Giving a deep belly laugh Expanding stomach with air to relax Stomach filling with gas/becoming gassy Back Straightening back Slouching Hunching in shame Elongating spine Pressing back against the wall to disappear Shiver traveling up or down spine Leaning forward Bending backwards as far as body will allow Twisting around to look behind Bowing down to someone Arching back Cinching shoulder blades together Feeling someone's eyes staring at back Stretching spine unnaturally to appear taller Cracking/popping back to relieve pressure Doing a back flip Bottom Scooting forward in a chair Sitting on the edge of bench Falling into a sitting position Leaning back into a chair or couch Sitting perfectly still Shifting weight in seat Clenching buttocks tightly to prepare for beating Pulling at hem of skirt to provide better coverage Self-consciously blocking rear with book or hands Finding a comfortable way to sit on awkward chair Sticking rear end out for attention Arms Arms feeling heavy Arms becoming dead weight Arms going numb Arms aching to hold something or someone Arms opening wide for an embrace Crossing arms in a huff Flailing arms in panic Waving arms madly in rage Wrapping arms around body in loose hug Shielding pregnant belly with arms Throwing something into a wall to break Chucking something as far away as possible Grabbing and carrying a large armload in a huff Shoving large pieces of furniture out of the way Shifting a car into drive or park with force Slamming door on someone Armpits suddenly getting sticky Armpits suddenly getting slick Sniffing own armpits Suddenly becoming aware of own body odor Resting elbows on knees in exhaustion Raising a trophy or prize above head in victory Flapping arms, imitating a chicken, to egg on Holding arms out beside body to bask in glory/sun Elbowing way through a crowd Using elbow as a weapon Linking arms with a friend or to feign friendship Brandishing a weapon Hands Pumping fist in victory Wringing hands Fanning face for some air Clapping with glee Quickly hiding something in closed fist Waving away a statement Waving frantically to say hello Waving both hands to get attention or help Putting hands up to block a blow or statement Hitting a door frame or window sill Slapping face to wake up or snap out of panic Slapping someone's cheek if offended Punching a fist through a wall or window Throwing punches at an enemy Clenching fist until it hurts Flexing hand over and over Crushing an object in fist Ripping or tearing paper/document to shreds Beating hands on a wall or door Knocking repeatedly on a door Banging madly on a door in panic or anger Pressing palms together firmly Slamming palms into table Holding hands out with palms up Flinging hands above head in celebration Reaching for someone only to pull away Grabbing someone, handling them roughly Playfully punching someone in jest Rubbing hands together greedily Snapping a pencil or twig in half Propping hands on hips Giving someone the middle finger Flashing the OK sign Forming the I love you sign Stuffing hands deep into pockets Throwing down napkin/towel to indicate giving up Resting blade of knife on wrist Giving someone a high-five Giving self a high-five if left hanging Punching/kneading dough violently Baking a familiar/comforting meal Keeping hands busy by cleaning/typing/knitting Banging on piano/keyboard keys Shaking someone's hand firmly with confidence Giving a weak handshake Crushing someone's hand with a handshake Digging/scrounging around in purse to look busy Hacking/chopping veggies or food to a pulp Playing piano music to match mood Shooting hoops/playing a sport to blow off steam Steering car erratically to scare someone Resting hand on back of someone else's to comfort Resting hand on someone's shoulder Patting someone on the back Taking someone's hands to keep them from leaving Placing one hand on hip with an attitude Fingers Cracking knuckles Twiddling thumbs Awkwardly picking at a spot on clothes Pinching oneself to make sure not dreaming Nibbling fingernails Sucking thumb or another finger Tapping fingernails on surface Drumming a beat on a table with pointers Scratching at a sudden itch Intertwining fingers and squeezing Rolling a pencil or round object between fingers Pushing pointer to lips to shush someone Fiddling with an object for distraction or comfort Tugging at clothes, cuffs, or collars Making clicking noises with fingernails Shaking finger at someone Using fingers as a gun Using pointer as a magic wand Fumbling and dropping keys in panic or in a hurry Steepling fingers Jabbing pointer into someone's chest Twirling a cigarette Twisting a wedding/engagement ring around finger Pressing down hard with pencil and breaking lead Hooking thumbs around belt loops Fingers aching to touch something or someone Fingers itching to play an instrument Pressing fingers together as if praying or begging Pressing fingers deep into eye sockets Giving a thumbs up Snapping fingers impatiently at wait staff Snapping fingers in an I got it motion Hooking fingers in suspenders or overall straps Snapping an elastic waistband over and over Cleaning dirt out from underneath fingernails Studying dirt underneath fingernails Playing with a hangnail Ripping out a hangnail Flipping through a scrapbook Trailing fingers along old photograph Jabbing buttons on phone Pressing fingertips to a window with longing Doodling/scribbling to appear occupied Stroking pet's fur to ease stress Writing out a to-do list Tickling someone Legs Pacing Jogging or running to blow off steam or clear head Crossing legs slowly Uncrossing legs quickly Jumping or leaping with joy Bouncing knees up and down Knocking knees together Knees suddenly going weak Legs turning to jelly or liquid Doing a happy dance Widening stance, bracing body for impact Bringing legs together in attention Jumping and clicking heels together Tripping or stumbling after loss of focus Collapsing to knees in desperation Kicking something or someone Stretching out legs to limber up Quickening pace Slowing pace Sashaying away from someone March over to someone to demand an explanation Pressing thighs together Digging nails into thighs Drumming out a beat on lap Slapping a knee with a guffaw Tapping fingers on thigh Trailing hand along seam of jeans/skirt Dropping to one knee to propose or beg Falling to knees in reverence Scraping/shoving chair backwards quickly Having the urge to run, but feeling stuck Kicking dirt, stirring up a cloud of dust Slowly backing away from someone or something Slowly approaching someone or something Creeping up on someone to surprise them Skipping with happiness Hopping with excitement Jumping into a body of water Jumping off a bridge or cliff Running to phone to make a call/answer the ring Limping/hobbling to escape Faking a limp for sympathy or attention Feeling like rug is being pulled out from under feet Legs going wobbly Feet Tapping foot with impatience Snapping heels together Propping feet up on surface Stomping foot in irritation or anger Turning ankle in tiny, slow circles Bouncing on balls of feet Slamming on a gas pedal Stomping on break pedalreal or imaginary Wiping feet with sharp motions Shuffling feet on carpet Shoes suddenly feeling too tight or uncomfortable Feet turning to lead, becoming too heavy Feet sticking, becoming glued to the floor Tapping foot to beat of music Feet dancing while seated Playing footsie with someone under a table Kicking through wall or window Swinging feet back and forth while sitting Ripping shoes/socks off in a hurry Yanking shoes/socks on in a rush Stomping around a room Feet feeling clumsy and bumbling Dropping everything to run to someone's aid Falling in step beside someone Racing someone Flinging off shoes to walk barefoot in sand/grass Rocking back and forth on heels Toes Wiggling toes Curling toes tightly Toes tingling Toes feeling numb Overturning a stone or pebble with toe Standing on tiptoes to appear taller Touching something dirty with toe instead of hand Burying toes in sand to hide them or warm them Spreading toes wide to relieve internal pressure Grinding big toe into ground Grinding a cigarette into ground with toe of shoe Shifting to point toes toward/away from someone Quickly hiding/tucking toes under feet Blood draining to tips of toes Skin Skin prickling with goosebumps Skin crawling as if with insects Skin having a sudden flush/redness Skin dropping in temperature, feeling cold Skin turning clammy Breaking out in a hot or cold sweat Digging at a scab Picking at a wound Scratching itches Skin feeling tight or uncomfortable Skin feeling darker or lighter in contrast to crowd Hairs standing upright on skin Rubbing skin vigorously to warm it Becoming hypersensitive to touch Breaking out in hives Clothes suddenly feeling itchy or uncomfortable Tearing at skin as if to escape from own body Covering skin to hide color or imperfection Skin feeling numb or tingly Skin feeling dried up and cracked Feeling a phantom pain of an old injury Pulling or tugging at skin with nervousness Pinching rolls of fatty skin in disgust Trailing fingers over bare skin suggestively Feeling of electricity passing over skin Adjusting clothes to show more skin Adjusting clothes to hide skin Veins Blood boiling Blood turning to ice Pulse quickening Pulse slowing Pulse pounding or drumming Increasing blood pressure Decreasing blood pressure Veins throbbing Adrenaline surging through veins Icy fear shooting through veins Angry lightning sizzling through veins Blood rushing through veins at an enormous pace Blood thickening and turning to slush Veins narrowing and cutting off blood supply Blood pooling or rushing to one area of body Blood draining from one area of body Veins feeling like they are bulging, about to burst Veins feeling useless, like blood stopped pumping Muscles Going limp Going rigid Flexing in anticipation Lifting weights to blow off steam or to impress Not moving a muscle in shock Freezing in place like a statue to hide Muscles suddenly feeling weak or watery Muscles coiling, getting ready to spring Muscles becoming twitchy Muscles becoming jumpy Muscles moving as if on auto-pilot Muscles trembling with overuse Muscles quivering with tension Muscles feeling as if they are coming unraveled Absentmindedly repeating a motion over and over Muscles feeling fatigued and unable to lift body Restlessness settling in Muscles feeling large, strong, and protective Bones Bones suddenly feeling tired Bones aching with longing Feeling something is true down to the bones Bones liquefying Popping or cracking bones or joints Bones feeling suddenly old, brittle, or fragile Bones feeling like molten lava Bones feeling ice cold Other Organs Intestines gurgling Intestines twisting up in painful knots Bladder almost bursting Bladder leaking when laughing Bladder emptying with sudden scare Bladder drying up Internal organs rebelling Liver turning to liquid Insides hardening into stone Organs feeling like they are shifting out of place Insides feeling like they are burning up with illness Phone