Saving Smiles: Financial Literacy for Kids PDF

# Saving smiles: ## The power of financial literacy Have you ever wanted to buy that cool toy or game but found your piggy bank a little too empty? Imagine if you could save up your allowance and buy it all on your own. That's the magic of understanding money. Financial literacy is all about knowing...

# Saving smiles: ## The power of financial literacy Have you ever wanted to buy that cool toy or game but found your piggy bank a little too empty? Imagine if you could save up your allowance and buy it all on your own. That's the magic of understanding money. Financial literacy is all about knowing how to use money wisely. It means learning how to save, spend and plan for the future. Just like learning to ride a bike, understanding money can help you make smart choices and achieve your dreams. By getting a handle on your finances early, you'll be better prepared for big decisions later in life, like buying a car or going to college! ## Understanding money Money is like a special tool we use every day to get the things we need and want. It can come in different forms, such as coins, bills, or even digital currency. You can use money to buy groceries, clothes, toys, and even pay for fun activities like going to the movies. Understanding how money works means knowing where it comes from, how to spend it wisely, and why it's important to keep track of what you have. ## Importance of saving Think of it like planting seeds in a garden, the more seeds you plant (or money you save), the bigger your garden will grow over time. When you save you learn how to set goals for things you really want, like that awesome toy or a cool new bike. Saving also helps you make informed choices. When you have some money saved up, you can think carefully about what to buy instead of making impulse decisions. For instance, if you see a toy that you like, but you know you want to save for a special event you might decide to wait and save instead of spending your money right away. ## Incorporating Financial Literacy Setting budgeting goals helps you plan how to use your money whether for a small treat or saving up for something bigger. Start with short-term goals, like saving for a book and long-term ones, like buying a bike by summer. Saving in banks, instead of a piggy bank, also allows your money to grow. Many Indian banks offer kid-friendly accounts where, with a guardian's help, you can learn about banking and manage your savings Investing is another way to grow your money. Options like the National Savings Certificate and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme are government-backed choices suitable for young savers, providing steady returns and teaching financial growth basics. This is a fixed-income scheme offered by the Indian Post Office. It provides a regular monthly income, making it a suitable option for those seeking a steady stream of income. A minor who is 10 years or older can open a POMIS account but can only access the funds when they turn 18. ### Spending wisely: The concept of Needs vs. Wants - Needs are things you must have to survive, like food, water, and shelter. - Wants are things you would like to have, but can live without such as toys, games, or candy. For example, you need food to grow and stay healthy. But a toy is a want - something you would like to have but can live without. ## Budgeting Games - **MONOPOLY:** This classic game teaches players about buying properties, managing money, and making smart investments. As they navigate through the game, they learn to budget their money wisely and understand the value of assets. - **THE GAME OF LIFE:** In this game, players make decisions about their education, career, and family life while managing their finances. It helps children understand the importance of making informed choices and planning for the future. ## Resources for Financial Literacy - **Flab India Activities:** This platform offers engaging activities designed to introduce children to essential financial concepts through fun and interactive learning. - *Expect creative games and activities that make learning about money enjoyable.* - *Activities cover budgeting, saving, and basic investment principles.* - **NISM Financial Literacy Course for Bharat:** The National Institute of Securities Markets provides a structured course aimed at enhancing financial knowledge among children and young adults. - *A comprehensive course that covers various aspects of finance, including savings, investments, and financial planning.* - *Interactive modules designed to engage learners with real-life scenarios and practical tips.* - **RBI Financial Education:** The Reserve Bank of India offers a wealth of information on financial education tailored for students and educators. - *Expect easy-to-understand content on banking, saving, and smart money management.* - *Resources include educational videos, infographics, and downloadable materials that simplify complex financial topics.* ## Expert Advice Aniket Dani, Director-Research at CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics, offers a compelling perspective on financial literacy for children. **Why do you believe it's essential to introduce financial literacy at a young age, and how can it impact children's future financial well-being?** > Financial literacy is crucial for young minds as it builds the foundation for responsible money management. The discipline and ability to plan, manage, and monitor one's own finances leads to financial well-being. Children, in their formative years, absorb information and discipline most effectively, which stays with them for a long time. The world of finance has become increasingly complex in the last few decades, therefore, introducing financial literacy from a young age will prepare them for this ever-evolving field, develop reasoning capabilities, and make better financial decisions. This, in turn, will help them later in their adult life to make informed decisions independently, in their day-to-day life as well as for life-changing events, without solely relying on others for advice. **In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to teach children about money management, and how can parents and schools collaborate to build these skills early on?** > Experiential learning is the most effective way to teach about money management. A formal education system should include basic content-related planning, budgeting, reviewing, etc. The teachers and parents then can work together to create practical projects at home or school to implement this learning. For example, budgeting for a monthly allowance or household expenses or school events. Gamifying such projects could give children an incentive to perform better. These experiential learning and activities should vary across stages of youth, considering their ability to process complexity. ## Digital Budgeting for Smart Financial Management Open-source budgeting apps are a great way to track your spending and learn budgeting skills. - **Splitwise:** This app is ideal for tracking shared expenses, making it perfect for roommates, friends, or family members. - **Notion:** While primarily a note-taking app, Notion can also be used to create databases for tracking income, expenses, and savings. # Cooking Up confidence Imagine standing on a stool, peering over the kitchen counter with a mixture of excitement and determination. With a spoon in one hand and a bowl of colorful ingredients in the other, they mix flour, sugar, and eggs, hoping to create a delicious masterpiece. This scene isn't just about making a tasty treat; it's a small step towards independence and self-sufficiency. Cooking is more than fun for kids; it's a key life skill boosts creativity, confidence, and healthy habits. Learning to cook helps children take charge of their nutrition and sets them up for lifelong healthy living. ## Cooking as a Life Skill - Cooking builds confidence, self-reliance, and skills like following instructions, measuring, and problem-solving. - It promotes healthier eating, as kids learn about ingredients and nutrition. - Experimenting with flavors and techniques also nurtures creativity and resourcefulness. ## Basic skills to start - **Knife Safety:** Begin with child-safe knives and proper cutting techniques to build confidence. - **Measuring Ingredients:** Using measuring tools teaches math and precision. - **Following Recipes:** Simple recipes improve reading and organization skills. - **Fire Safety:** Learning safe handling of heat and flames is crucial. Cooking together can be a great family bonding experience, bringing everyone together over a shared activity. ## Meet this young chef Meet Baby Chef Sabhya and Mommy on Instagram, whose feed will inspire you to whip up mouth-watering dishes. **What inspired you to start creating cooking content with your child?** Sabhya's love for cooking started when he was just nine months old, mimicking the whistle of a pressure cooker and playing with my kitchen utensils. By 1.5 years, he was already experimenting with fireless cooking. His early fascination naturally grew, and watching him develop his skills inspired me to create content that captures his passion. It's been an amazing journey to see him evolve from pretend play to real cooking! **In what ways do you think learning to cook at a young age helps children build confidence and independence?** Cooking has helped Sabhya become fearless. He takes risks without worrying much, whether it's trying a new recipe or making decisions for himself. This has made him more decisive, and he's left behind any hesitation to try something new. He often tells me, "If I hadn't tried this, I would've missed something great!" He takes charge, like when he carefully measures ingredients, fully owning the process. Beyond cooking, he has learned to share love through food - a beautiful love language he expresses effortlessly. It has helped him connect with people and spread joy in a unique way. **What advice would you give to other parents who want to introduce their children to cooking?** Let them explore and make mistakes - don't rush to correct them. Start with simple tasks and build up as they gain interest and skill. It's important to let kids take ownership of their little kitchen experiments. Sabhya started with fireless cooking and now prepares full dishes. Patience and encouragement are key. **How do you see the future of cooking as a life skill for children in the digital age?** With so much digital content available, kids can easily access tutorials and get inspired by watching others. But it's the hands-on experience that truly matters. Cooking will always remain a valuable life skill, helping children understand health, culture, and self-sufficiency. I believe Sabhya, like many others, will carry this skill confidently into adulthood, blending both digital learning and real-life application. But with so much data available online, children can not only learn from it but also create their own content after mastering skills, inspiring others in the process. Sabhya is already doing this, and it's wonderful to see him grow through it. # The art of making choices Choosing between spending the Saturday lying in bed or determining the next internship to chase is a quest at every corner of a student's life. It is one of the most crucial skills for students navigating their academic tour and prepping for adulthood. Making a decision might sound daunting but it can be a journey filled with personal growth and confidence, shaping one's academic journey and future career. The future depends on what you do today. - **Mahatma Gandhi** For students, it is crucial to hone decision-making skills to prepare for life challenges ahead. Each decision one makes - academic, relationships or extracurricular activities - shapes an individual's character and influences their life. To assess options, consider the results and learn from mistakes is an ability to develop confidence. With strong decision-making skills, one can easily navigate the complexity of life with clarity and purpose. ## Building confidence The daily choices might seem trivial but every decision one makes boosts their confidence. Whether deciding to stay in and watch a movie or go out for your swimming classes, having the ability to make an informed decision empowers an individual to take control of their life. Effective decision-making skills build confidence, which is immensely important during adolescence, a period of rapid changes and self-exploration. ## Important Tips to make informed decisions - **Always think of long-term benefits:** Are you deciding whether to go to the same college as your best friend? The short-term benefit is that you will spend more time together, but the long-term consequence might be that the school isn't the right one for you and you have a poor educational experience. - **Gather information:** You will never know all there is to know about anything, and so once you have just enough information to be well-informed, make your decision. - **Consider the impact:** If you are confused choosing a career between English Literature and Linguistics, the end result will impact only you. But when you are choosing between a state university and private college, then the decision will impact you and your parents as well. So consider making a thoughtful decision when several people are getting impacted by it. - **Set a deadline:** Set time limitations for yourself on each decision you make. Assess the importance of your decision and if it has a large impact, you might need a longer time frame to decide, which can help you improve your time management skills. - **Weigh the options:** Writing a pros and cons list can help you look at your decision in a structured format and objectively at all the advantages and disadvantages. This can help you improve your analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. ## Fostering responsibility Have you ever chosen to go out with your cousins during peak exam time and as a result received poor grades? Lesson learned. Every decision an individual takes instils a sense of responsibility in them. When one makes a choice, they learn to accept the consequences of it, good or bad. Each choice is a lesson in disguise, teaching an individual about the value of prioritisation, time management, and the world around them. This understanding is crucial for a student's personal growth and also fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability to make informed choices in the future. ## Becoming future-ready With the transition to adulthood, the decisions a student makes become more consequential and can be extremely daunting. In the formative years, it is essential to develop strong decision-making skills to be prepared for future challenges such as choosing a career path, managing finances, doing household chores, etc. One learns to assess risks and opportunities and make more informed choices that match their values and be future-ready. ## Knowing values The core of every decision-making skill lies in the significance of one's understanding of their values. Be it academic success, personal growth, extracurricular activities, or a mix of all three. One must take the time to reflect and understand their priorities to help them gain clarity when faced with choices to make. While making any decision it is important to not underestimate the power of your intuition. For instance, while applying for colleges, you choose the one which is far from home but you are drawn to its extracurricular activities and several clubs. Trusting your instinct can lead to a more fulfilling experience than solely focusing on future homesickness. Most of the time our gut feeling guides us towards the right choice. ## Home Work that you must not miss Keeping the space in which you stay clean - be it your room at home, hostel, or school - is not rocket science. It does not require technical skills. All you need is a conscious awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, and a commitment to routine. Home-making skills help prepare individuals to face life challenges. It comes in handy when children transition from school to college or to work, and leave home to live in another city for the first time. Learning how to do laundry and dishes, cook healthy meals, clean and repair stuff helps them become independent. ## The Power of Hygiene Imagine entering your home to a fresh, flowery scent and gleaming surfaces. Hygiene is a critical part of home-making, and goes a step beyond achieving mere cleanliness. It is important to focus not only on personal hygiene but also on our surroundings. Sweeping to remove dust, mopping the floors, dusting shelves and cabinets, disinfecting bathrooms, kitchens, and sinks, is important for your health. Several studies have found that the better the hygiene standards at home, the lesser the chances of children and the elderly falling sick. ### Tips and Tricks 1. When you wake up in the morning, make sure to make your bed first thing. 2. Every day spend 10-15 minutes tidying up your room/space by sweeping and mopping 3. Keep your bathroom supplies handy and make sure to disinfect every surface. 4. Store everything in air-tight containers and always make sure to check the expiry date on the products. 5. Create a monthly/weekly cleaning schedule to mop and sweep every corner of your space. ## Wash, Rinse, Fold Learning the basics of laundry can save a lot of time and prevent you from smelling foul. While there are many laundry shops in big cities and towns, washing your clothes at home prevents their exposure to harsh chemical-based detergents, polluted water, etc., thereby keeping your skin safe from allergies. ### Tips and Tricks - Always sort clothes according to the color to prevent color bleeding. Use a mesh bag for frail clothing items. - Set a regular laundry day to keep your clothes clean and to avoid last-minute mishaps. - Learn basic and quick stain removal techniques using baking soda and vinegar. Always keep them handy. - Make sure to air-dry your clothes to extend the life of your clothes. - Master the art of basic folding to save space and keep clothes wrinkle-free. ## Fix it yourself Just as a first-aid box, a toolbox is also a must-have in every house. Learning and understanding basic home repairs is one of the vital skills to live independently. From learning how to change a bulb to fixing an overflowing sink, one can prevent significant issues by fixing them early. Besides being one of the vital home-making skills, learning basic repairs also helps in enhancing problem-solving abilities to handle everyday challenges and contributes to maintaining a safe environment. ### Tips and Tricks - Start small, like changing bulbs, tightening screws, etc. - Know how to use basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, etc. - Watch YouTube tutorials for visual guidance. - Build a repair kit by assembling all the essential tools for quick fixes. - Always make sure to read manuals before using any appliances on your own. ## Clear the clutter Decluttering the house helps enhance productivity, reduce stress, and fosters a calm mindset. People save significantly more time in an organized household, where they do not have to search for stuff. Decluttering promotes minimalism and improves decision-making skills. While decluttering a space, one understands how to prioritize quality over quantity. Over time these skills help an individual build a comfortable and inviting environment. ### Tips and Tricks - Schedule a monthly or quarterly cluttering session. - Always start small. Focus on one area at a time, such as a room, drawer, closet, shoe rack, etc., to avoid being overwhelmed. - Buy types of furniture that serve multiple purposes. - Make sure for every new product, get rid of an old item to have more space. - Invest in organizers, bins, or shelves to help keep items sorted and accessible. Vertical storage can save space. ## Budgeting It is an essential life skill to know how to allocate a budget for groceries, household expenses, and personal needs. Mastering finances at home contributes vastly to one's understanding of financial management. From juggling tuition to everyday expenses, students often face challenges and developing budgeting skills prevents stress and promotes financial literacy. One can start by tracking monthly expenses which will instill discipline and provide a sense of empowerment to make more informed financial decisions. ### Tips and Tricks 1. Create a spreadsheet and list your expenses + income to understand how much you spend monthly, which helps in identifying unnecessary spending. 2. Focus on the needs (food, rent, utilities) before splurging on wants (dining out, movies, etc.) 3. Make the most of all the discounts available for students such as transportation, food, entertainment, etc. 4. Try to cook in batches to reduce the cost of food and try to not eat outside. # Nation's Pride ## Bal Diwas Every year on November 14, India celebrates Children's Day with enthusiasm and joy. This day honours our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, a visionary and beloved leader. Born on November 14, 1889, Nehru is remembered not just for his role in the freedom movement and nation development but also for laying the foundational principles for child rights in India. Deiva Abirami takes us through the great leader's life and contributions. Nehru's five-year plan included a commitment to provide free and compulsory primary education for all children in India. To achieve this, he oversaw the construction of thousands of schools and the creation of mass village enrolment programs. Nehru established many institutions of higher learning including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and the National Institutes of Technology. ## Books for his daughter Apart from his contributions to politics and national development, Nehru also nurtured a passion for writing. He wrote many books. One of his most cherished works is a collection of heartfelt letters written to his daughter, Indira Gandhi. This compilation of letters, titled *Glimpses of the World History*, covers 196 letters that reveal not only his thoughts but also his emotions during a challenging period. The collection opens with a "Birthday Letter," in which he expresses his inability to present her with a material gift as he is in prison. Instead, he gifted her these letters as a symbol of his love and connection. In these letters, he affectionately mentions Indira Gandhi with the nickname "Indhu." In addition to this, his other work is a compilation of letters he wrote to his daughter in 1928, titled *Letters from a Father to His Daughter*. ## A jumbo gift The love and respect children had for Nehru extended far beyond India. For instance, there is a heart-warming story from Japan as well as Berlin (Germany) that illustrates this connection. Children in Japan were troubled by the lack of animals in their country zoos. They wanted to see an elephant! They decided to reach out to the Indian Prime Minister. In a letter written to him, they said, "At Tokyo zoo we can only see pigs and birds which give us no interest. It is a long cherished dream for Japanese children to see a large, charming elephant. Can you imagine how much we want to see the animal?" Nehru received many letters like this, all echoing the same reason. He arranged for an elephant - which he named Indira after his beloved daughter, and sent to Japan. This lovely elephant not only fulfilled the children's dreams but also became a cherished symbol of friendship between India and Japan. In his response to the letters written by the children, Nehru said, "I hope that when the children of India and the children of Japan will grow up, they will serve not only their great countries but also the cause of peace and cooperation all over Asia and the world. So you must look upon this elephant *Indira* (by name) as a messenger of affection and goodwill from the children of India. The elephant is a wise and patient animal, strong and yet, gentle, I hope all of us will also develop these qualities." ## World Children's Day World Children's Day is celebrated annually on November 20. This day marks the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. This day highlights the importance of promoting the rights of children everywhere. World Children's Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of children; it encourages governments and individuals to take action to improve their lives. Celebrations include activities such as events, educational programs, and awareness campaigns. Many cities go blue, organise marches, and illuminate places blue, as a representation of children's rights. This day is about empowering young voices and advocating for their rights. The UN Convention on child rights is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. # Life Skills 101: The key to conquering communication Connection is critical! Communication is like an invisible bridge between the minds and hearts of people. It holds more power than superheroes like Superman. Without it, we would live in a world where people would just walk aimlessly, like a zombie apocalypse. Society in itself would collapse. One of the most important aspects of communication is the connection it forms between people. A connection that comes from perspective, empathy, and knowledge. One which forms a bond that builds trust. Unlike its counterparts, interpersonal communication is more complex due to the influence of many aspects, like emotion, perspective, history, and ideals. In short, this communication can be defined as a conversation that is held between people with close relationships. ## Being a good listener Communicating with others is a skill everyone must develop over time. But what exactly would entail "good communication?" Well, the first necessity, would ironically be the exact opposite of "speech." That is listening. To have a good conversation, one would first have to be a good listener Listening will allow the context of the conversation to flow into the mind so that a proper response can be formulated. However, one must learn to differentiate between hearing and listening. Hearing would be words flowing in one ear and out the other. Listening would mean the words of the other person flowing towards the mind, indicating an understanding. When the act of listening is strong in a conversation, not only does it bring clarity, it also builds a powerful sense of trust between the interlocutors. They say that listening is one of the loudest forms of kindness. ## Understanding Emotion When it comes to good communication, emotion must also be given value. One must know how to receive and convey messages. So how exactly can the emotion of a conversation be understood? Well, that comes down to two things: empathy and tone. While listening, you must try to understand the perspective of the speaker. This can be achieved by listening to their words and tone. The connection between their words and the overall topic will help provide an emotional understanding between the group. When it comes to an interpersonal conversation, listening should apply to everyone. The emotion can only be understood if time is taken to decide whether or not your opinions would add onto the conversation, or drive it somewhere else. ## Clicking with clarity Just like how web slingers are powerful weapons for Spiderman, when it comes to communication, words are the most powerful tools in its arsenal. But similar to how Spiderman needed to practice using his slingers with accuracy, words must also be used in a proper manner. With clarity and conciseness. The requirements to achieving this are as follows. First, when you are speaking in a conversation, don't beat around the bush. It is more important to get to the point so that you don't stray from the topic. Second, use simple language. Using active voice will ensure the subject is emphasized. And finally, avoid repetition. Bringing up the same point will prevent you from getting to the crux of your thought. ## The Unspoken Before the spoken word was created, sign language was used to communicate, but how exactly can one communicate sans speaking? Three terms: gestures, eye contact, and posture. Gestures like nodding or shrugging would display your thoughts in the conversation, whether it be confusion or intrigue. Eye contact will strengthen the connection with the other person. As for posture, leaning forward would display interest, while slouching would show neglect. It is important to be wary of your body language whilst in a conversation, as it may accidentally display offense. It's as Stephen Hawking said, "Quiet people have the loudest minds." # EQ: Magic word in life skills EQ (Emotional Quotient) has become one of the most valued interpersonal skills. It is a skill that helps build healthy relationships, helps you navigate through the multitude of challenges life throws, both in personal and professional worlds. A few decades ago, IQ was the buzzword. It appeared to reign our industry, with this quotient being a major deciding factor in the professional world. Or so people thought. Until, an abstract concept was discovered. This happened when it was noticed that mere IQ wasn't enough to succeed in life and that there was something else that ended up being the strongest predictor of performance. Enter emotional intelligence or EQ. So, what's EQ? EQ or emotional intelligence is the ability to manage our emotions as well as those around us. Now you can understand why this is important in the professional world. When you are able to understand, manage and govern emotions well, it fosters a safe and collaborative environment which ensures more productivity. It is also a skill one should have to respond well to the many emotions we may encounter in this journey called life. How does EQ help you? Having good EQ translates to having good social skills. It plays a direct role in how well you can interact with people, collaborate with them, and manage stress, ensuring a holistic well-being. It has a direct bearing on our success in the personal and professional arena and ensures better mental and physical health. ## The Four Components of EQ Experts agree on four major components of emotional intelligence. These core competencies include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. ### **Self-Awareness** EQ governs our state of awareness. Self-awareness is key to everything. It helps us understand ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses, and also our emotions. This knowledge or awareness empowers us with the ability to regulate and manage our emotions which will have a direct and positive bearing on the environment we work or interact with. It is all about being able to pause, take a breath, and then respond to the situation rather than getting carried away by the emotion. ### **Self-Regulation** Self-regulation pertains to the ability to manage one's emotions. This plays an important role in any professional or personal environment, when you are under stressful situations. It determines how we react to setbacks and stressful scenarios. When you are equipped with good EQ, you will be able to respond well to challenging situations. This allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves, bringing out the best in others, and this is in turn seen to improve a team's performance. ### **Social Awareness** Being aware of one's own emotions and managing that well isn't just enough. The larger picture involves your role in the society or the societal fabric you are involved with. This can be school, the community group you are part of, or your family. In short, it governs the roles you play in society. Social awareness refers to being able to understand your peer group's emotions, being empathetic, understanding (feelings and perspectives) and having healthy communication with them. This improves the morale of the group and helps in overall growth. ### **Relationship Management/Social skills** Relationship management is all about the ability to influence others. This comes into play when you are in a leadership role where you will have to mentor others or where your actions have a direct bearing on the group/team you are managing. ## How to Improve EQ - **Write down emotions:** Journaling can be a good way to reflect daily on yourself. This helps you record your emotions and how they impact you. This analysis helps in understanding your behavior, your decision-making, interactions, and so on with respect to the emotion and understand whether the outcome was positive or negative. This self-reflection will help you respond well in the future. - **Ask your peers:** While this can feel a bit intimidating, it can also give you a third-party perspective on yourself. - **Listen to your emotions:** When faced with emotions, sit with it, ponder on why you are feeling that way and how well you can "respond" to it instead of "reacting" to it. This helps you understand your emotions and prevent it from negatively impacting others. - **Take up a course:** There are many courses that help you with developing your EQ, and eventually, your life skills. EQ can be learned and developed. ## Keeping ANGER at bay Anger is a normal, healthy emotion that each of us experience at times, irrespective of age, gender, or whatever differentiator that you can think of. The rush of energy that accompanies uncontrolled anger makes it feel unstoppable, but the consequences of giving in to that urge make problems worse than better. Let's take a look at anger and how best we can deal with it. ## The Anger Cycle We've all been through this. A triggering event - a difficult situation, frustration, or having been treated badly - leads to a series of negative thoughts. These thoughts are usually beliefs, ideas, or interpretations of the events. While not always rational, negative emotions stem out of those interpretations. Irrespective of whether or not they are true, these emotions lead to physical symptoms. Feeling your heartbeat racing, clenching your fists, or having flushed cheeks are some of the typical symptoms. These symptoms normally lead to certain behavioral reactions, ranging from fighting and criticizing to completely shutting down. If someone exhibits an aggressive behavioral reaction, it normally tends to be a triggering event for those at the receiving end, thereby creating a cycle and escalating the situation. ## How Do You Deal With Anger? - People in general, and teenagers in particular, deal with anger in three broad ways: outward aggression, inward aggression, or passive aggression. > - Physical violence, belligerence, resisting direction, shouting, swearing, and losing control are ways in which outward aggression can manifest. > - Stuffing anger and blaming oneself is typical inward aggression, often leading to guilt, shame, and self-criticism. It in turn leads to behaviors like disordered eating and self-harm, and stops one from getting the things they need. > - Passive aggression is neither here, nor there, and can be seen in practice when teenagers make snide comments to parents, teachers, or adults; engage in manipulative behavior, or even resort to bullying. - What we've listed here are usually said to be unhealthy ways of angry behavior. It easily hurt and scare the people around us, including those who mean the most to us, and can create a lot of problems. Awareness of such behaviour is the first step to learn ways to handle one's feelings. ## Anger in the brain Anger is associated with the fight-or-flight response. Associated with a near-instantaneous sequence of hormonal and psychological effects, it prepares the body in threatening situations to react quickly. The prefrontal cortex, which is the reflective, rational part of our brain involved in planning and decision-making, takes a back seat when you get angry. The emotional survival-oriented amygdala is tasked with protecting us from the immediate danger and takes over in such situations, overriding everything else. Even if there is no actual danger, the amygdala makes us react based on what it perceives as danger, and this is what makes us say and do things when angry that we might regret later. It is only with time that we can learn to recognize these signs, enabling us to slow down the next time when we are going through it, or even stop the process. Patterned responses with time become habits. If we are able to slow down and reshape our habits through practice and awareness, it then gives us more time to decide how we want to react to the situation. ## Where to Start Regardless of one's age, losing control when in a situation and letting anger take over can feel very scary. There are, however, healthy ways to deal with anger that ensure your safety and that of those around you. Self-soothing, self-awareness, rethinking the situation, healthy self-expression, and continuously building resilience are at the heart of managing your anger. There are short-term goals that you can set yourself in terms of managing your anger and those that you can work towards achieving long-term results. ### **Tips to manage anger in the moment:** - Try to spot the signs leading up to the outburst - When you feel the heat of the moment, take some time out. Counting to 10 and breathing slowly are classical ways of exercising this, often with immediate positive results. - Speak to someone, preferably an adult who will be empathetic. Try to discuss about what the trigger was, how you could have reacted better, and what you could do if faced with such a situation again. - Distraction too can help. Listening to music of your choice, trying to express your feelings through words or art, can all help as a way to let out your anger in a healthy way. ### **Techniques to manage anger in the long-term:** - Recognise your triggers, better understand your feelings, and learn to accept what is truly out of your control. - Start listening to others and better express your feelings. Misinterpretation is often at the heart of perceived reality, as opposed to actual reality. - Build your self-esteem and confidence. Find out how to assert yourself, while at the same time thinking through the consequences of your actions. - This might be a cliché, but being more active and taking care of your well-being is crucial to managing anger. Get enough sleep, take a well-balanced diet, and engage in some form of physical activity. - Always be open to reaching out for help if things seem out of control. Remember that the goal with anger management is not to stop feeling angry. These techniques help interrupt the anger cycle and enable each of us to better express our anger in ways that serve us rather than hurting ourselves and those around us. # Minimalism as a way of life In a world filled with plenty of options and choices, is it possible to be content and happy by focusing only on what is truly important and intentionally living with fewer possessions? Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy that calls your attention to these practices. Read on to find out more. ## What is minimalism? Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy or choice wherein you emphasize on simplicity, clarity, and intentionality in all walks of life. It involves reducing unnecessary clutter and focusing only on what's important, and what adds value and meaning to one's life. It is definitely not about depriving oneself of things, but instead, is about intentionally curating a life that completely aligns with one's values and priorities by being mindful of one's choices and commitments. When done correctly, minimalism can create a space for freedom, creativity, and fulfillment while living a more meaningful and intentional life. ## Are they saying less is more? Indeed. Even though it might sound counter-intuitive, the idea suggests that life isn't about collecting possessions - physical or otherwise - but instead is more about focusing on those few important things and staying true to them. In addition to intentional living and simplifying all aspects of life, choosing quality over quantity is another important principle in the practice of minimalism. ## Where can I start? Even though minimalism as a way of life is all-encompassing, it might be intimidating to go all-in right away. Think about the facets of life where you might need it most, and get started there. - If your shelves are a mess, decluttering them, retaining only what is necessary, and getting rid of the rest might be a good place to