How to deal with Peer Pressure

Have you ever done something that you didn’t want to do but still did because others were doing, if yes, then you have experienced peer pressure.

As Social beings, we interact with a lot of people on the daily basis and we offer our opinions and points of view in front of others and they also do the same. But sometimes, people gets dominating and influence others to follow them blindly.

The principle of Conformity plays a very important role in this peer pressure. We don’t want to feel alone and put aside from others, so to conform to others, people sometimes engage in something that others are doing doesn’t matter what they think or desire.

For instance, this peer pressure usually happens among adolescents while consuming alcohol, smoking or taking drugs. If one person out of the whole group doesn’t want to engage in these risks taking behaviours will still do all this because of the fear of removal from the social group.

We can get influenced by anyone in our life be it friends, parents, siblings, co-workers or acquaintances. They all have an impact on our opinions and viewpoints. There are two kinds of Peer Pressure- Good or Bad. Good Peer Pressure makes us do right things and helps us in life whereas Bad Peer Pressure makes us engage in bad things and degrade us. There are several ways to deal with this bad peer pressure.

How to deal with Peer Pressure

Handling peer pressure is not much difficult but one should be aware of what to do when faced a situation in which one is being pressurized. Some of the ways are as follows:

1. Notice what you feel and think

Ask yourself questions about what are you actually feeling. What are your viewpoints and conclusions about a particular situation? If it’s making you feel forced and bad, then, it’s wrong for you. Also, analyse the positives and negatives of a situation. If a situation has more negatives than positives, the, it’s not right to still do it and then face the negative consequences. For instance, drinking alcohol has more cons than pros as it can cause health problems and health is way more important than any temporary fun.

2. Learn to say ‘NO’

Recognize what is right and wrong for you and take a stand for yourself. You have to analyse the consequence of your actions in both the cases, if you do something right or wrong. It is important to have enhanced self-esteem and courage so that you can say ‘NO’ without any nervousness or embarrassment. Always remember that it’s okay to not please everyone every time and sometimes taking a stand for oneself by saying no signifies respecting yourself. You can develop awareness about your morals and manage your behaviour accordingly so that you don’t follow anyone else’s orders. Say ‘NO’ confidently and say a positive statement to not create any misunderstandings and negativity.

3. Become Expressive

Confronting can also be done but cautiously. You can present alternatives to others engaging in wrong activities calmly and positively. This will help to establish boundaries, enhance confidence and avoid engaging in wrong things also. By saying what you consider right might be a little frightening but it makes others think that you are such a confident and knowledgeable person and whatever you are saying must be right. This tactic can reduce the likelihood of people engaging in risk taking behaviour.

4. Choose friends wisely

Try to choose friends with whom you share similar values, viewpoints, morals and beliefs. It lowers the chances of peer pressure arising in such friendships. Good friends are those who respect your boundaries and values and not just forcing you to do something they are doing. It means both you and your friend are not able to respect your beliefs. There should be no pressure to conform in friendships.

5. Walk out

If you are alone while facing a situation in which there is peer pressure, the best option is to move away from that situation. Your friend pressurizing you is not good for the friendship, for you and your mental health as well. As human being, you should not be forced anyhow to do something you are not interested in. so, seek new friendships with others with same values and interests. This difference will bring a huge change in your life.

6. Explore Positive Role Models

People who bring best out of ourselves whether directly or indirectly are beneficial for us only. Spending time with them or following their actions by taking inspiration and ideas can increase motivation and positivity in us. Having friends who appreciate us, with whom we can grow and develop and makes us a good person is the best thing in life. Taking positivity from such people releases good hormones in our body like dopamine endorphins, serotonin and oxytocin which are great for our mental health.

7. Get Advice or Support

If you feel that you are not able to handle peer pressure by yourself, it’s essential that you seek support or guidance from someone elder or maybe from a professional. Advices by such people will help to manage peer pressure more effectively.

Seek Professional Help from Counsellors at OnlineCounselling4U

It may happen that events or situations that are happening in your life are uncontrollable or catastrophic and others are controlling you. This happens due to lack of self-esteem and courage. It can even cause anxiety and stress sometimes. Taking a stand for oneself and being expressive with confidence is one of many important life skills that one should employ in life.

Counsellors at OnlineCounselling4U can really help you in counselling sessions on how to manage the problem of peer pressure. OnlineCounselling4U provides the best counselling services for various mental health issues. You can visit our website and book an appointment which is an easy and a smooth process indeed. You can choose the counsellor, the language, the timing and also the mode of session according to your convenience. We are always available to help you with your problems.

Call us to book a session today.

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