Top 10: What do you do to comfort yourself when you’re feeling nervous?
- Our readers share their relaxation techniques, from doing weird postures to reading a book of adventure
- This week’s question: What was the moment when you realised you were growing up?
Many people meditate when they’re feeling upset or nervous, saying it helps them get back on track. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: What was the moment that you realised you were growing up?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on July 20. Tell us your name, age and school.
Last week, we asked our readers, “What do you do to comfort yourself when you’re feeling nervous?” Here’s what they had to say.
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Natalie Siu Yan-tung, 14, CCC Heep Woh College: I do weird postures. I crouch in front of my desk, or pose with an arched lower back and bended knees, or curl up tightly like a snail. These funny postures give me a sense of security. It’s like I have built a protective shelter for myself, and the nervousness will soon vanish.
Walter Lee Kwan-ho, 13, CCC Heep Woh College: I take part in sports such as basketball, football or table-tennis. If I cannot physically do it, I will mentally visualise taking part in it. Then I will be totally absorbed in the sport and forget all my worries. The feeling of tiredness, both physically and mentally, will help calm me down and give me time to clear all my negative feelings. This makes me feel less nervous.
Janis Poon Ming-yan, 16, Ying Wa Girls’ School: I picture all the unfortunate scenarios that could happen, from dropping my notecards during a presentation, to forgetting my lines in a play, to hitting the wrong note on the piano. I am not being pessimistic, but the fact is that sometimes, things can go wrong. Everyone has a fear of the unknown, so if I can visualise the accidents I might have, I can start to find solutions.
Valerie Chiu Wing-yee, 12, Holy Angels Canossian School: It’s easy: just breathe. When my heart starts racing, I inhale deeply and try to focus on my breathing. This helps me feel comfortable and forget about my worries, at least temporarily. I do this every time I am nervous.
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Chloe Chan Lok-yi, 16, Tak Nga Secondary School: To conquer my nervousness, I practise relaxation methods such as meditation and yoga. All you need to do is find a quiet place and start breathing in deeply, focusing on your mental and physical well-being. This will help you reduce your negative emotions and be more aware of your surroundings. Additionally, doing yoga can help release endorphins, a feel-good hormone produced by the brain which helps trigger positive feelings.
Mirko Kwok Ching, 14, King Ling College: I prefer to comfort myself by talking to my friends, but if this is not possible, I talk to my teddy bear or listen to music. I really like Selena Gomez’s songs, such as Dance Again and Who Says. Listening to her upbeat music, I start to dance subconsciously and I no longer feel nervous.
Anson Ng Wai-yan, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: I think of the birthday cake I had featuring my beloved Pompompurin, a Sanrio character, because it symbolises the happiest moment with my parents, who have always supported and loved me. I also listen to my favourite K-pop song Purr by KEV1Z and follow the dance steps.
Nathan Wu Lap-wai, 12, Bishop Paschang Catholic School: When I feel nervous, I can usually calm myself down by drinking water. However, it depends on the situation. If I am nervous about performing in front of others, then I stand in a corner and keep telling myself, “You can do it! You got this!” to encourage myself.
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Janice Mook Ching-lam, 17, Diocesan Girls’ School: As someone who has social anxiety, I listen to indie music to calm my nerves. I recommend soul music from Keshi or Sasha Alex Sloan, punk from Beabadoobee and alternative music from Clairo, Sara Kays or Cavetown. I usually have a fixed playlist corresponding to a certain mood, in this case nervousness, and play the songs before social events.
Antonia Ng Ka-kei, 10, St Clare’s Primary School: I will read an adventure book, for example, Percy Jackson. This way, I can forget about Earth and all my worries and become immersed in the world of Greek mythology.