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9 Ways you can combat peer pressure from smoking

Teenage is the most difficult and confusing period in one’s life, due to the physical and mental changes that take place in the human body. It is during this period that due to the physical and mental changes in them they might take wrong steps and land up in trouble. Added to the changes, there is also peer pressure which is very stressful for the young ones. Teenagers usually face situations where they are encouraged to do drinking, smoking, drugs and other risky things which are unhealthy and also illegal. Unfortunately, most of the teens do not just let it go but they get along with the other teens who are a badly influenced. Sometimes they do so unintentionally because they just do not know what else to do, hence they get along. They sometimes behave this way because they fear that if they do not listen to their friends then they might lose them or look uncool and out of the crowd. The trick is to get kids to practice; “saying no” in a variety of ways and in a variety of situations, so they are prepared for anything.

Kids can reply to peer pressure by learning a range of possible responses. Kids are more likely to be able to come up with one that fits the situation when the time arises.

Talk and share with dear ones

Peer pressure is one thing that all teenagers have in common, it is everywhere and one cannot escape it. No matter what you have to face it. It is always wise to just fight it than run away. How successfully you handle peer pressure, your success in handling peer pressure depends upon your self confidence. If you are constantly burdened by your friends to smoke or drink or do drugs and you can’t say no then you should do something about it like talking to your parents or dear ones who might help you. The biggest support a child requires is that from his/her family.Talk with your parents, tell them of the situation with your friend, they will definitely help you. They will advice you and give you the benefit of their experience.

Older siblings also play an important role in helping the younger ones deal with peer pressure. You can talk to your elder sibling who will help you. Therefore, you need not feel the need to succumb to pressure from your friends.

Being clear in what you want

Teenagers usually face situations where they are encouraged to do drinking, smoking, drugs and other risky things which are unhealthy and also illegal. However, teens need to develop the ability to stand up for themselves. Develop assertiveness skills as well as confidence when they need to withstand peer pressure. In order to do so, one must have a clear mind. First of all, make it clear what you want and so when you decide set your boundaries. Tell your friends not to violate them. For example, if you do not want to smoke then tell them you are an athlete and smoking would reduce your stamina. If you don’t want to drink, simply say that it can lead to road traffic accidents when you are drunk and driving. It is more powerful when your refusal is backed up with a strong evidence. So, when you have a clear mind and your mind is set to avoid unwanted things then you can easily combat peer pressure.

Be conscious about physical and mental development

Teenage is the period when a lot of physical and mental changes takes, which is also a reason for their altered behavior. It is a developmental period characterized as a time when teens become moody and negative. At times like this, a teen needs parents help. Parents need to explain to their children what is happening to them and the reasons behind it. Teens need a lot of support, they need to be explained about puberty, sex, teen pregnancy, safe sex, and body odor etc. Sometimes, teens are very conscious about their weight, and odor etc, and because of the peer pressure they might not even mingle with their friends because they fear their body might let them down. In such cases, they need an adult’s help to help them deal with the physical and mental development.

Avoid situations that may cause you to give into peer pressure

You must always avoid situations that cause you to give into peer pressure.For example, if someone asks you to smoke/drink then think about what it will do to your body and think about how to avoid the situations in the first place where you will be forced to drink. Sometimes, late night parties at friends place when their parents are away might be the situation where you would be forced to drink or smoke or do drugs. In such cases, when you are invited to those kind of parties where you can be subjected to pressure to do these illegal things, turn down the invitation nicely. Say you cannot come and give a good reason.

The art of saying no

Teens need to develop the art of saying no, in order to protect themselves from being subject to peer pressure in doing bad things. You can say no in so many ways. Sometimes, humor is the best way to respond to a situation, as it can lighten a serious mood. Simply joke about the situation and say no in a simple and nice way. Give your friends a good reason why you do not want to do things that you do not like. For example, if you do not want to smoke then tell them that you are an athlete and smoking would reduce your stamina. If you don’t want to drink, simply say that it can lead to road traffic accidents when you are drunk and driving. Make an excuse why you can’t. Maybe you have something else to do that will interfere. Or, you have to be somewhere at a specific time. Or, your mom would kill you. Whatever, but say it and stick to it. If it gets really overboard then you must have to say a firm “no”. This would be the best of all the strategies. Sometimes saying no without arguing and explaining would be of advantage to you. Just make sure your “no” is a strong and determined one.

Exercising for better mental strength and physical fitness

Exercising in teens is very important as it helps in strengthening the body and muscle build. It helps in developing a good immune system so that you can combat certain diseases. Playing outdoor sports is also beneficial to the body. It helps to relieve stress and also keeps the body and mind in good condition. Exercise and sports can help keep the teens occupied so that they can stay away from smoking, drinking, and drugs etc.

Exercising is not just good for physical health but it is also good for mental health. When body is exercised the endocrine system in the body releases certain hormones called endorphins, which are feel good hormones, which are natural stress busters that keep the teens happy and stress free. When teens exercise at a regular basis they stay healthy and develop good habits which helps them grow as better human beings that can face both the mental and physical challenges of life.

Company of good people

Good company always help in developing a good character in teens. When you keep good company, it helps you build your confidence and character so that you would become strong enough to face social situations and peer pressure. Company need not just be people, you can keeps the company of books too. It is said that a good book can be a man’s best friend. It will teach you things, help in mental development, and even gain knowledge. All these things are important to combat peer pressure.

When nothing works

Remember, it is still not the end of the world, when nothing works. Leave the situation. If you don’t like where things might end up, you can leave the situation before it is too late and avoid trouble. It might seem a little risk taking task, but if you take the first step and lead the way then others may follow you. You can be polite, if you still aren’t interested.

Do’s & don’ts

There is no way you can run away from peer pressure, the best way to deal with it is to face it. Try your best to fight against negative peer pressure.The following are the do’s and don’ts to combat peer pressure.

Do’s:

  • Listen to the instructions of your parents.
  • Never forsake the teachings or values you get in the family.
  • Always avoid adverse conditions.
  • Keep good company.
  • Learn to say no in certain situations.
  • Keep up good health, stress free.

Don’ts

  • Never give up easily: It means you must be strong and determined. Study their intentions, motives etc. Don’t trust blindly.
  • Do not blend with them : This means do not follow them blindly without knowing their intentions.
  • Do not set foot on their paths : Do not try to copy them. Think of your identity that has been implanted by your parents or family.

Remember where there is a will, there is a way. Fight negative peer pressure and have a memorable teenage.

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