Peers don’t necessarily need to be your friends or people coexisting with you. Contemporaries, or people of different ages with similar interests as you, can also be your peers. Most of us consider peers to be people who somehow influence us. But Before moving forward, it is important to understand what peer pressure is and how people can cope with it.
What is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is when you act in a particular manner to be appreciated, valued or accepted by your friends or company. Usually, peer pressure comes into the frame when people talk about behavior that is not socially acceptable. However, peer pressure can be both negative and positive.
Positive brings out the best in you, and negative is when you feel you’ve to act in a specific manner to be accepted or valued by others, commonly friends.
Overcoming Peer Pressure
Overcoming peer pressure is essential because it can lead to severe problems and adverse impacts on an individual’s well-being.
Take an example from You Can’t Fly, in which a flying rabbit wakes up in a different world. Imagine being surrounded by species you have never encountered before. The rabbit has to survive this new world and along with it are some expectations Milmon – that’s the rabbit’s name – must meet.
However, there is a fine line between survival and caving into peer pressure.
Whatever will Milmon do? Find out in Marcey Perry Morse’s gripping story.
Here are a few coping techniques to overcome peer pressure around you.
1. Practice Saying NO!
It is imperative to practice saying NO, be repetitive in your state of mind and stand firm on your point regarding peer pressure. Train yourself to say NO for the sake of your mental peace without compromising your self-esteem. Try making your own decisions and doing things that make you cheerful. If someone pushes you to do something you don’t want, say no.
2. Choosing the Right Company
Having a circle of friends who understands and supports you can make real difference. As these people make our lives happy, the values and ideas they provide help us. Also, there is no peer pressure from them. It’s great to have people with the same thinking and ambitions as you. Choose company that understands you.
3. Avoiding Stressful Situations
Avoiding stressful situations and staying in your safe zone is sometimes the right way to avoid caving into peer pressure.
Sometimes, our friends mean well and do not particularly think about the consequences of the pressure they put on us. Is it tough love? Maybe. Either way, if you’re someone who gets easily influenced by your friends, you might want to stay away from them – at least until you are ready to face them. You must avoid places that make you uncomfortable, whether partying with friends or staying late at work. It is vital to keep a sufficient distance from distressing environments and people.
4. Positive Influencers and Role Models
Looking out for positive role models is essential, as it leads to positive peer pressure that can shape you into your best possible version. You must be self-aware to be successful and protect your self-worth. Choosing role models with whom you can connect easily, those who pressure you to do things that actually are good for you is important.
For instance, doing drugs or smoking does not make you look cool. Should you surround yourself with people who think it does make you look cool? Before you know it, you will have caved into peer pressure…
Say no to such influencers – instead, seek role models (friends, family, mentors) that contribute to your well-being.
Choose your role models wisely.
5. Looking Out for Support
Seek support when you feel that your situation and emotions are overwhelming. It’s high time to talk to other people who feel the same. This reassures you that you’re not the only one. When on the lookout for support, seek people who are more accepting, giving, and kind.
Realizing that your inner circle is not enough or right for you is good. This might allow you to find new peers rather than being stuck. Remember, your life is in your hands. How you choose to live depends on you.
You can live however you want to without being judged or questioned about your way of living. Just like Milmon from You Can’t Fly, who overcame his fears despite his trauma and coped with peer pressure. Where there’s a will, there is a way! So, grab your copy of Marcey’s exciting book and say no to peer pressure.
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