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When we talk about sustainability, we usually think about protecting the environment, but there is so much more.
Sustainable Development Goals
The UN has defined 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that describe these in more detail. I would like to talk about one connected to my work with the youth and show how we can all play our part to look after each other and the world we live in.
Besides the most talked-about ones such as climate action, protection of life underwater, renewable energy and clean water, mental and physical health is also a key goal of sustainability.
Ways to Master Life
In my work as a family coach, I help children, teens, young adults, and parents increase their self-awareness, build confidence and find ways to master life challenges healthily. This enables them to access their inner strength and courage when needed and allows them to become independent and self-reliant. The healthier they are mentally and physically, the better they will show up in the world with whatever they choose to do.
Happy, healthy people make better life decisions. Contributing to creating healthily, balanced individuals will certainly positively impact the world. It all starts with self-awareness, allowing us to make conscious choices that serve us, protecting us and the world around us.
The uncertainty of the last year, which affected us all, mainly harmed the younger generation. Children, teenagers and young adults spent more time than ever relying on technology as they chose to study at home due to safety precautions. This resulted in increased feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, stress, pressure and procrastination.
Based on my research and experience of giving interactive workshops at schools and universities and one-on-one coaching with this age group, this is a very concerning development. However, the solution to prevent these adverse effects is a lot simpler than we might anticipate.
Tips to Parents
Here are some valuable tips that you as a parent can implement straight away:
– Being an active listener – taking a step back and really listening to what your child has to say without any judgement or need to change or fix
– Creating a safe space – allowing your child to feel safe enough to trust and open up
– Being there for them – providing guidance instead of control
– Accept them for who they really are – allowing them to be seen and heard and allowing them to express themselves in a way that feels right for them.
– Avoid comparisons and exerting high pressure – supporting their efforts instead of criticising has been proven to lead to be more motivating and lead to productive results
The small habits we do every day make a real difference long term.
So if you want to contribute towards the Global Sustainability Goal (GSD) of “Good Health”, start with you and your family. Everything else will follow.
Lucubrate Magazine January 2022
The photo at the top of the article: Adobe Stock
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