Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Doing something unfamiliar isn’t easy. What if we fail? What if we embarrass ourselves? What if other people judge us for not doing well?
It is very stressful to put ourselves in new situations. But this is how we grow and learn. It’s normal to fail when you try something new. Still, you might find that you enjoy challenging yourself and building your skills.
Here are some tips to get you through the stress and fear.
Practise slow, deep breathing: Take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose. Hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. This technique can help create a sense of calm.
Establish a routine: Creating a predictable structure with habits you enjoy can make unfamiliar environments feel safer.
Distract yourself: If you start to feel overwhelmed, try shifting your focus away from these troubling thoughts. Engage in relaxing activities such as listening to music or performing simple mental tasks like rhyming.
Reach out for support: Share your feelings with a parent or friend. They can provide support and reassurance. Make sure to have the contact number for someone you can talk to if you need support right away.
This question was answered by clinical psychologists from Shall We Talk, a mental health initiative under the Department of Health launched with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health
