Going to a new school? Try this.

Changing to a new school is a big life transition. You might find that you’re excited–feeling like the new school is going to give you a new start. Or, you might be really nervous. Or, you could be feeling both excitement and nerves.

In fact, did you know that nervousness and excitement are the same in your body? They’re both states of activation. With both nerves and excitement, your heart rate increases, your palms might sweat, and you might feel a fluttering sensation in your belly.

The only difference between nervousness and excitement is the story we tell ourselves. So, if you can shift the story you’re telling yourself about your new school from one of “threat” to one of “opportunity,” you can change how you experience the sensations in your body.

So, what’s a story you could tell yourself about your new school that’s positive? Something you might actually be excited about? We recommend writing it down.

Then, each time you feel your heart beating faster, your palms sweating, or that fluttery feeling in your stomach, try telling yourself those are signs of your excitement.

As you’re growing older, you may be starting to realize just how much control you have over your perceptions. You have a lot of choice in what you feel, how you think, and what you choose to do.

You can make big life transitions easier for yourself by realizing that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviors are all interconnected. If you change your thoughts, for example, it can influence every other aspect of your experience.

You’re very powerful and capable. And your new school is lucky to have you.

BeMe

Did you know nerves and excitement are the same thing in your body? The only difference is the story you tell yourself.

BeMe