How do I hold these?

the bars need to be rotated so that the brake levers are in alignment with your hand. you need to loosen the single stem bolt in the center that holds the bars, rotate the bars, then tighten it back down. you should take this bike to a bike shop, bring $20-30 cash and ask them to check it over for you before riding.

Those levers are in completely the wrong position.

Either the bars have been rotated backwards about 90 degrees or the brakes have.

You’ll need to either loosen the bolts on the bit that points forwards and grips the bars, rotate them so the brake levers are just below horizontal & feel comfortable to reach… or loosen the bolts on the brake lever clamps & rotate them forward individually

That bike was not assembled completely. Loosen the forward facing 6mm bolt in the middle of the handlebars and rotate the entire handlebar forward until the brake levers are sloping slightly downward from horizontal. When sitting on the seat, you should be able to rest your hand on the grip and grab the brake lever without bending your wrist. Bikes are often shipped this way to fit in the box.