Feeling nervous is like having butterflies in your tummy! 🦋 It happens when you're worried or scared about something new or important, like meeting new friends or going to school for the first time.
Your body is just trying to help you be ready for something exciting or a little scary. It's like your brain saying, "Hey, pay attention!"
Nervousness is your body's way of preparing for something important or challenging. 🧠 When you feel nervous, your brain releases chemicals that make your heart beat faster and your hands sweaty. This is called the "fight or flight" response.
It's like your body's alarm system! Long ago, this helped humans stay safe from danger. Now, it helps you focus before a test or a big game.
Fun trick: Taking deep breaths can calm your nervous system. Try breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 4, and breathing out for 4!
Nervousness stems from your amygdala, the brain's fear center. When perceiving a threat (real or imagined), it triggers cortisol and adrenaline release. This causes:
Evolutionarily, this kept our ancestors alert to predators. Today, it activates before presentations, exams, or social situations. The key is recognizing nervousness isn't dangerous - it's your body's way of saying "This matters to me."
Techniques to manage it: