Embedding wellness into youth education and lifestyle

In an era where academic pressure, digital distractions, and societal expectations weigh heavily on young minds, a panel of leading experts gathered at the Dhaka Flow Youth Wellness Festival to redefine youth development through a wellness-first approach. The session, themed "embedding wellness into youth education & lifestyle: physical, emotional & nutritional well-being", called for integrating wellness into every aspect of a young person's life—education, lifestyle, and even career preparation.

Mental health: starting early, thinking big - Ms Salma Ikram, Senior Psychologist at United Hospital, stressed that emotional challenges in youth often begin around age ten. "If we wait until university to address emotional well-being, we are already too late," she warned. She advocated for embedding mental health literacy into school curricula and training teachers to spot early signs of distress. "We need to normalise asking for help as a strength, not a weakness."

Nutrition: food as fuel for focus - Ms Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin, Chief Clinical Dietitian at United Hospital, highlighted the growing impact of diet culture and misinformation. She urged schools to adopt canteen policies, workshops, and student-led wellness clubs. "Food is self-care—it is not just calories, it is chemistry."

Wellness and employability - Fahmidur Rahman Oni, Co-founder and Principal of DMR Institute of Skill Development and Local President of JCI Dhaka United emphasised that physical and mental well-being are key to academic and professional success. "Wellness increases a student's ability to learn, collaborate, and persist through challenges."

Financial literacy: a wellness imperative - Lowell Campbell, financial expert highlighted financial stress as a hidden source of youth anxiety. "When youth understand budgeting and goal-setting, they gain control—boosting mental health."