Whether it's your first day in Secondary, your first day in a new year group, or even your first day at St. Georges - it's okay if you're feeling nervous.

It's absolutely normal. 

It's absolutely normal because for our minds - NEW (new people, new places) could mean danger. 

This is why our brains give us lots of energy to keep us alert!

This extra energy - which is really all nervousness is - can feel uncomfortable.

So here are 3 quick tips for handling nervousness. 

1. Talk about it! 

Hiding how we feel may not be helpful. 

A problem shared is a problem halved.

Who could you talk to today about how you are feeling?

A teacher? A friend? A family member? 

2. Tell yourself you are not in Danger

When we feel nervous or scared, we can assume there must be a good reason to feel so. In other words - we assume we are in danger. Most of the time we feel nervous, we're not. Next time you feel nervous and you realise you are not in any danger, tell yourself, ''This is not dangerous, this is just unfamiliar''. As things become more familiar you will start to feel less nervous and more calmer. 

3. Turn nervousness into excitement by using this trick.

The only difference between feeling nervous and feeling excited is Expectation. 

Trick your mind into feeling excited by saying ''I'm so excited'' silently in your mind.

Imagine all there is to look forward to this school year. The friends you will make. All you will learn. There's much to be excited about it! 

Action: Pick 1 of the tips from above and put it into action.