With reference to the case below, answer the following question.
Deepak is a class 12 student who is unable to decide which course to pursue after 12th. He is having difficulty in deciding between Physics and Economics as he likes to study both the subjects and wants to pursue them in undergraduation. Due to this he is unable to focus on any other goal. His friends and family are also posing demands on him which is making him feel frustrated. To overcome this he started deep breathing and following a diet.
Which life skill was used by Deepak to deal with the situation effectively?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Self care
Option (1) Assertiveness — Incorrect. Assertiveness helps a person communicate feelings, needs and thoughts in a clear and confident way, including the ability to say no to a request. Deepak could have used it with the demands of his family and friends, but the case does not say he did.
Option (2) Time management — Incorrect. Time management means planning time and delegating, and spending time on the things one values. Deepak’s steps have nothing to do with how he plans his time.
Option (3) Rational Thinking — Incorrect. Rational thinking means challenging distorted thinking, since many stress-related problems come from the selective bias of a stressed mind towards negative thoughts. Deepak changed his breathing and his diet, not his way of thinking.
Option (4) Self care — Correct. Self-care means keeping oneself healthy, fit and relaxed, so that one is better prepared to tackle stress. Slow, deep breathing from the diaphragm is the most relaxed way of breathing, and a proper diet keeps the body fit (lack of a nutritious diet is itself a physical stress). Deep breathing and a diet are self-care.
NCERT (2025-26): “Life Skills … Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life. Our ability to cope depends on how well we are prepared to deal with and counterbalance everyday demands, and keep equilibrium in our lives. These life skills can be learned and even improved upon. Assertiveness, time management, rational thinking, improving relationships, self-care, and overcoming unhelpful habits such as perfectionism, procrastination, etc. are some life skills that will help to meet the challenges of life.…” “Life Skills … Self-care : If we keep ourselves healthy, fit and relaxed, we are better prepared physically and emotionally to tackle the stresses of everyday life. Our breathing patterns reflect our state of mind and emotions. When we are stressed or anxious, we tend towards rapid and shallow breathing from high in the chest, with frequent sighs. The most relaxed breathing is slow, stomach-centred breathing from the diaphragm, i.e. a dome like muscle between the chest and the abdominal cavity.…” |