Life Skills

Negotiating life.

 -Brian Mendonca

Who doesn't need life skills? In the journey of life any help is always welcome. At every stage of life we need different life skills. 

Life skills are ways of behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. (2) These abilities keep refining themselves to figure out life. Life skills can be divided into the following. 

I. Life Skills (1-50)

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II. Self Awareness (51-82)

III. Critical Thinking (83-120)

IV. Creative Thinking (121-150)

V. Effective Communication (151-190)

VI. Interpersonal Relationships (191-216)

VII. Managing Emotions (217-252)

VIII. Coping with Stress (253-280)

IX. Empathy (281-312)

X. Decision Making (313-342)

XI. Problem Solving (343-380)

These 10 life skills may be further classified into 3 broad categories. (11) They are usually used in a combination.

THINKING SKILLS: self awareness, critical thinking, creative thinking, decision making and problem solving.

SOCIAL SKILLS: interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and empathy.

EMOTIONAL SKILLS: managing feelings and emotions, and coping with stress.

Enhanced life-skills in an individual help in developing improved self-esteem; self-confidence; assertiveness; ability to establish relationships; ability to plan and set goals; and acquisition of knowledge related to specific content areas. (I,13)

Self Awareness is a key life skill. To find out who you are trying to describe yourself. As you describe yourself you can put your statements into three categories, viz. External Me ('I am tall.'); Social Me ('I have many friends.') and Inner Me. ('I like dancing.') (II, 56)

Critical Thinking means not accepting anything at face value. One needs to critically evaluate gender stereotypes. The pressure to conform to these assumptions can lead to stress. (III, 91) Stereotypes are destructive because they limit our potential. (92)

Creative thinking implies that there is more than one way to approach a situation. (IV, 135) Nothing can be 100 per cent perfect. (130) We are all different and need to be accepted for who we are.

Communication is the act of transmitting messages and sharing thoughts, feelings and ideas through verbal and nonverbal means. To communicate, we need a sender, a receiver, a medium and a message. (V, 152) 

Effective Communication is possible when we are clear and speak steadily; control the tone and pitch of our voice; use good vocabulary; keep the message short and simple; and get feedback. (154) Non-verbal cues help to improve communication. They include facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and appropriate physical distance. (154-55)

Interpersonal Relationships can often define our lives. They can be personal, social, and relating to family. (VI, 193) We need to care for relationships we value.

Experiencing emotions means we are human. (VII, 237) Some emotions are anger, grief, hurt, fear worthlessness, sadness, loneliness, and depression. (227) Managing Emotions can be tricky. In order to do this we need to first identify them. Next, we can analyze why the situation bothers us. Analyze the effect the situation has or can have on your life. Decide what you can or cannot change. Select a positive way to react. Think of something positive you can learn from the situation. (220)

Stress can be positive or negative. Positive or Eustress can help motivate. It creates an energy to meet a challenge in life. (VIII, 255) Negative stress is what prevents you from performing.

Coping with Stress is a critical life skill. Stress causes reactions in the nervous system; increase in heart beat; and increase in blood flow to the muscles. (256) Other symptoms of stress are sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and lack of patience. (257) 

Some stress relievers are, relaxing; taking a break; setting aside quiet time for yourself everyday; taking the time to do things you enjoy; breaking down big tasks into smaller ones and doing them one at a time; trying to find alternative ways to do things; talking to someone; and focussing on your strengths. (259)

Empathy is the ability to understand what life is like for another person. Empathy can improve social interactions. (IX, 295) It makes you sensitive to another 's need.

Decision-making is an important life skill. It emerges from confidence in oneself and awareness of the situation. It involves identifying the problem; analyzing the problem; thinking of alternatives; and deciding on a course of action. (X, 315)

Problem-solving enables us to deal constructively with problems in our lives. Significant problems that are left unresolved can cause mental stress and give rise to accompanying physical strain. (XI, 344) Problem solvers will always be needed by their friends who require their skills.

On life's journey we can try to develop these 10 life skills and get a handle on life.

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Unit and page references are to the CBSE Teacher's Manual On Life Skills. Classes IX-X. (2010). Pic courtesy Mathrubhumi. Updated 22/4/26.