While researching article ideas for this issue of Career Paths, we spoke in depth
with various groups of youth to learn about the challenges YOU face on a
daily basis. Discussions were open and honest and touched on a whole bunch
of topics, like school, relationships, family, work, politics, media and
parenthood. With these sessions as a basis, we've come up with a top-10
list of the challenges you deal with, complete with creative solutions submitted
by other youth.
Getting to life activities, such as work, school and appointments,
on time.
Developing a healthy sleeping routine to get eight hours of sleep
every night.
Creating a living space that's organized, funky and affordable.
Staying in shape outside expensive gyms.
Preparing healthy meals on a budget.
Stretching money so it goes further and lasts longer.
Snapping out of a bad mood when life's getting you down.
Dealing with friends who are pressuring you to do something you don't
want to do.
Finding ways to have "healthy" fun with friends.
Getting around without a car.
Mind-body-soul is an expression used often to describe the intellectual, physical and spiritual elements widely believed to make up a complete person. By grouping these elements together, the message is that mind, body and soul are somehow connected.
When our mind is suffering, our body gets run down, or when our soul is hurting, our mind sees the world negatively. Sometimes it's easy to neglect a certain part of ourselves-we pull all-nighters, replace water with coffee, ignore relationship problems or fall silent even though we've got something to say. But when one element isn't doing well, the others may also be affected. Here are some quick daily tips on taking care of your whole self: mind, body and soul.
"I always have my clock set five to 10 minutes fast. Often, I forget
it's fast, or at least just how fast it is, and it gives me an extra
few minutes in case of an unforeseen circumstance." Ashley Bayles, 19,
Surrey, BC
"You may laugh, but sleep is the most important part of my day. If
I don't get enough sleep, I'm useless, so I plan for it. It's always
easier when you're in a routine. Try to get up at the same time every
day, even on weekends. The more routine your sleeping hours are, the
better you sleep and the more alert you feel during the day. I don't
need coffee; I just need a good night's sleep!" Catherine Brink, 24,
Vancouver, BC
"To make your pad your own, go to garage sales once in a while to
pick up unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for great prices." Anthony Choy,
16, Vancouver, BC. Laura Hoskin, 21, of Nelson, BC, adds, "Three words:
Second. Hand. Stores."
"I try to join different sports teams, like rugby or soccer. It's
a couple of hours, only two or three times a week, so it doesn't take
up that much time but it still keeps me fit. Plus, it's free!" Kimberley
Brown, 17, Kelowna, BC
"Truth be told, those pizza pockets and fast meals aren't healthy.
Always buy some fruits and veggies, even if they're in the freezer section.
Write a list before you shop and make sure you stick to it, even if
those gummies are two-for-one!" Natalie Van Apeldoorn, 21, Victoria,
BC
"I try to keep as many bills as possible and use up all my change
before I break a bill." Grace Lo, 21, Vancouver, BC
"Talk to someone who makes you laugh and happy. Always remember that
life has its lows and highs and there are better times ahead. The occasional
chocolate bar helps as well." Robert Kwei, 18, Coquitlam, BC
"Find someone who supports you and how you feel and, when those around
you pressure you to do stuff, have that friend by your side so you don't
feel alone. It's harder to pressure people when you have numbers working
against you." Amanda Wong, 16, Richmond, BC
"Communication! Be sure to talk about what you want to do. If you
think of any consequences of doing something, talk about it. Share the
worry and the fun." Fontaine Ma, 18, Richmond, BC
I'm always walking around enjoying the fresh air. I love to walk-but
if I'm going to work, I catch the bus in the morning to get to work
on time." Rena Johnson, 20, Port Alberni, BC
