Every one of you has peers and understands the pressure that comes with it. Peer pressure can either be internal or external, which requires you to behave in a certain way. It begins at a very young age, when one is capable of forming social groups, and as compared to other stages of life Peer pressure gets worse when you are a teenager.
Peer pressure can either be positive or negative, and when one talks about peer pressure, oftentimes they talk about the negative pressure that comes along with having peers. Peer pressure is usually high when you are a teenager, and here are some cool tricks that will help you handle peer pressure like a pro.
Tips To Deal With Peer Pressure In Teenagers
💠 Have The Confidence To Say No
As a teenager, it is difficult to say no for fear of not being accepted by your peers, and hence, it is important to cultivate the habit of saying no when something makes you uncomfortable.
Even if it alienates you from your peers, it will help you in the long run, and hence, it is important to not blindly do what our peers are doing.
Being firm in what you want and what you don’t want will save you from getting pressured in the future, so it is important to be assertive in your decisions.
💠 Trust Your Gut
Your gut never lies, and when you feel something doesn’t feel right about a situation, it is important to trust your gut and refrain from the situation instead of following your peer group.
It is also important to plan ahead and think about how you will react to different situations so that you will be prepared when you face pressure from your peers.
Also Check: Challenges In Improving Teenagers’ Mindset Of Facing Their Mental Health
💠 Choose Your Friends Wisely
This is one of the most important requirements, as choosing your friends’ wishes will make or break your teen life. It is important to choose friends who have the same values as you so that you will not be pressured into doing something that you are uncomfortable with.
Having a buddy will make it easier for you to say no, as a friend with similar values will keep you in check and prevent you from making the wrong decisions.
💠 Have A Trusted Elder
Every one of us needs someone whom we can go to when we require advice without judgment, and hence it is important to have a trusted elder like a parent, teacher, or some adult who will help you make the right decision and support you in all situations.
💠 Don’t Be Baited
Oftentimes, people give into peer pressure for fear of being called scared or a chicken, and hence, it is important to not be baited in such situations and to stay firm in your decisions.
If you are not comfortable saying no, start by giving an excuse in situations where you are not comfortable, and make sure you plan ahead and give a believable excuse. With time, you will get the courage to say no without excusing yourself.
💠 Journal Your Feelings
As a teenager, it is difficult to comprehend the mixed emotions arising from your peers, and hence, it is important to journal your feelings to not let anything stay in your heart for a prolonged duration. Journaling helps clear your mind, and this also gives you an opportunity to look back and reflect. This will help you differentiate between right and wrong.
To tackle peer pressure effectively, it is important to identify and understand what peer pressure looks like, and it takes a lot of courage and practice to say no to your peer.
💠 Talk To A Therapist
If you have tried all the above-mentioned methods and still feel you cannot escape peer pressure, it is advisable to consult a therapist who will help you handle peer pressure without any difficulties.
Conclusion
It is important to say no to your peers when you are uncomfortable doing something, and the inability to say no will hurt you in the long run.
Peer pressure, if left unaddressed, will hurt you both physically and mentally, so it is important to have a trusted person on your side who will help you tackle the pressure from your peers.
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