Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to effectively handle the demands, challenges, and problems encountered in everyday life. They include a broad range of psychosocial and interpersonal skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, communication, self-awareness, empathy, assertiveness, resilience, and stress management. These skills help people make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and cope with their environment in a healthy and productive manner. Life skills vary depending on social norms, culture, and individual circumstances but are fundamentally essential for well-being and active, productive living in society.
Key life skills identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF generally include:
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Creative and critical thinking
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-awareness and empathy
- Assertiveness and self-control
- Resilience and coping with stress
They are vital not just for personal development but also for social responsibility and employability in modern society.
In short, life skills are the practical and emotional competencies that everyone needs to navigate life successfully and thrive both personally and socially.
