Something that really helps me a lot as someone who also struggles with roleplaying as a player is this:
I make a Pinterest board full of quotes, memes, images, aesthetics, etc that are related to my character in some way or feel like something they would say or believe. This helps a lot with understanding my character more
Next, I have a journal where I write down some of the quotes from the Pinterest board that really strike a chord with the character at their core. Before a session, I’ll read through the quotes to get into the character’s headspace and ideals (sometimes you may also be presented with a moment that is the perfect place to steal one of those quotes and use them there. I’ve had that happen and even though it’s kinda cheating it makes me feel more confident and smart lol)
Additionally, if I really struggle with a character, I’ll write down certain scenarios I think may arise in the future and how my character would respond to that situation. What’s something funny my character would say/do? If confronted with certain information, how do they react, and how do they respond? What does the perfect lie look like to my character? If my character is upset by something, what does that look like? Etc etc
Everyone has their own playing styles. For me, I actively participate in the narrative. I’m a writer, so while I understand my character is a person in this world, I still also use them as a vessel for storytelling (in my backstory and as the campaign story progresses, I incorporate repeated elements and themes and motifs into my character’s interactions. When I say I actively participate in the narrative, I really do truly mean it. This is not commonplace though, some people just dick around and have fun. this is my version of having fun lol). I also know that I’m someone who really likes to talk a lot and roleplay a lot, so I’ve learned from previous mistakes of playing abrasive and quiet characters and instead now play outgoing weird little guys.
Sometimes it can also help to do warmups before a session. I like to talk in my character’s voice for practice and just come up with a bunch of nonsense that sounds like stuff they would say, or I quote movie scenes that remind me of them
I also make playlists for my characters and campaigns, though that’s more of just a me thing because I like listening to music and associating songs with stories already.
And while it’s important for you as a player to hone your abilities, it’s also the DM’s responsibility to make you feel comfortable and included and help you with anything you need, ESPECIALLY when you’re a new player. I can’t know what your DM is like, but I’d hope they are someone you can reach out to about this and ask for advice and guidance. I’ve had players talk to me about this and I go out of my way to provide them with scenes they can play through and hold their hand gently so they get the hang of things
I hope my advice was helpful. Sorry it got so long lol. I love dnd and giving dnd advice
