December 27, 2007

Health Tip: If You're a Shy Teen

(HealthDay News) - Many teens deal with shyness, especially as their bodies change and they begin to feel more self-conscious.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for overcoming shyness:

• Try being more open around people you already know, and practice conversing, making eye contact and asking questions.
• Smile -- it will help build your confidence.
• Come up with a couple of ways to start a conversation with someone, so that you're prepared in a situation with someone new.
• If you need to make a call, give a speech or have a conversation that you're nervous about, write it down and rehearse it first.
• Try joining groups or clubs where you and other people have similar interests.
• Learn to stand up for yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.

-- Diana Kohnle

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