Seven Keys To Unlock Total Well Being For Young Adults

Today we are a collective witness to a striking, yet disturbing paradox: the youth comprising the teens/tweens, adolescents have such an exponentially large following on their fundamental habitat: social media and yet youth studies confirm that they are the loneliest! They are the most connected, yet the most disconnected. They are the most confident, yet the most insecure. This fracture of the psyche is only a recent phenomenon that is gaining prominence across the young population.

So where is the lacuna that was allowed to enter their lives and that is only growing every day- posing a national health/well-being threat to the younger population that our eco-political elites are so proud of, when they speak of the largest ‘young’ population.

Now is the time to reflect and course-correct our lifestyles, priorities, obsessions, milestones so that they all contribute to the wellbeing of the young adult.

Speaking of well-being, it is an amalgamation of mind, body and spirit wellness.

Here are seven keys to total wellness, that can enable young minds to achieve a holistic wellbeing quotient in their daily lives.

Listen to your body

The typical lifestyle of a young adult almost rules out sleep from the routine, given their obsession with technology and entertainment. The body clock seems to be awry and inconsistent leading to odd waking and sleeping hours. It is scientifically proven that any deficiency in sleep can lead to a host of challenging physical and mental conditions like

digestive disorders and depression.

Dump fashion for health

Of course, keeping up with trends is popular with the young. Wearing hair in a new crop, sporting a bandana or fitting snugly into distressed denim, fashion and the young can barely be kept separate. After all, they are the trendsetters too! However, being ‘with it’ also has its downsides, for eg wearing skinny jeans/pants for long durations can lead to conditions like UTI especially in girls. So a fashionable choice isn't always a healthy one.

It is scientifically proven that any deficiency in sleep can lead to a host of challenging physical and mental conditions like digestive disorders and depression.

Kill boredom instantly

“I am bored," is the most frequent ditty heard from young adults who often complain of being stricken with the malady of the new age: boredom. In fact it often leads them to adopt or indulge in behaviours that may not be favourable. The only way to keep it at bay is to channelize energy into meaningful activities, innovative endeavours and ‘social good’ engagement.

Detox digitally

Heard of nomophobia? It’s the fear of losing or not having your mobile device near you. Just what a large percentage of the youth suffer from. Technology is a great connector and enabler, but it can also rob you of a healthy Emotional Quotient. It’s a good idea to stay off devices for say a few hours a day and focus on offline interaction with people. Hanging out at a brick and mortar café is far more enriching than an online chat!

150 Brilliant Ideas To Keep YOUNG MINDS Fit & Fine by Neera Maini Srivastav

Empathy

At a time when we are witnessing a decadence in human values, when there is an obsession with one’s own self and all actions directed towards serving oneself, it makes sense to imbibe ‘empathy’ in young adults. Regard for all human beings, irrespective of the hierarchy, is an ethic that needs to be ingrained in children and young adults so that they grow up not into bigots but into compassionate human beings. The process of ‘sensitizing’ young adults begins at home. How about starting a daily ritual like ‘random acts of kindness?

Regard for all human beings, irrespective of the hierarchy, is an ethic that needs to be ingrained in children and young adults so that they grow up not into bigots but into compassionate human beings.

Thank more often

A comfortable life can often lead the younger adults to ‘take everything for granted’. This attitude if unchecked can grow into a toxic element. In fact this can be a demon that can rob them later of the happiness quotient. So how about inspiring them to be grateful for the little things, so that it can slowly permeate their nature. A simple thank you delivered even to a stranger creates an uplifting vibe. More than the words, it’s the enriching of the heart

that goes a long way in creating lasting joy. As they say, "the more grateful you are, the luckier you get!"

Breathe right

Our breath is the core of our existence. Any disturbance there can affect the equilibrium of the body and mind. Notice when the breath races in anger or, fear or anxiety and is calm in peaceful moments. Moreover, at a time when we are breathing in toxic air, there is a greater need to create more oxygen in the lungs. Therefore any kind of ‘breath work’ is essential for both physical and mental health. The younger one nourishes the breath, the better. How

about signing up the young girls and boys for a basic pranayama workshop. It’s about inhaling goodness!

Neeraa Maini Srivastav is a writer of several children's and YA books including 1 Friend Request sent from Hanuman, The Adventures of the Bubblegum Boy and The White Crow and also 150 Brilliant Ideas to Keep Young Minds Fit and Fine. All her books have been included as an additional curriculum in International schools.While Neeraa contributes to various publications regularly, she has recently forayed into screenwriting for both television and cinema.