Privileged Young Urban Malaysians: Yoga for Mental Health

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article explores the challenges faced by privileged young urban Malaysians, focusing on their mental health struggles amidst societal expectations and parental pressures. Despite their access to resources, these individuals often grapple with emotional neglect, overprotective parenting, and an overwhelming need for validation. The pervasive influence of social media exacerbates feelings of isolation and inadequacy, leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. In this context, yoga emerges as a powerful, yet underappreciated, tool for fostering mental well-being. By integrating yoga into their lives, young urban Malaysians can cultivate mindfulness, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms for stress, ultimately addressing their mental health challenges in a holistic manner. This article advocates for a shift in parental perspectives, emphasizing the importance of nurturing emotional needs alongside academic and extracurricular achievements.

Keywords
Young urban Malaysians, mental health, parental pressures, emotional well-being, yoga, mindfulness, social media, coping mechanisms.

Introduction
Urban young Malaysians represent a privileged generation, seemingly handed opportunities on silver or diamond platters. Yet, despite this privilege, many grapple with mental health challenges. Their minds race incessantly, often at the expense of their breath, body, and soul. This is particularly concerning, as these individuals are the future leaders poised to shape organizations, businesses, and potentially even the nation’s political landscape at a younger age than previous generations.

However, one must ask: how many of these young urban Malaysians are actively nurturing their mental health? Are they equipping themselves to maintain a balanced mindset amidst the pressures of success, societal expectations, and personal aspirations? Have they genuinely developed resilience, or are they stagnating - caught in cycles of stress and uncertainty despite their societal achievements and accolades?

In this fast-paced 21st century, young urban Malaysians face unprecedented challenges that test their mental fortitude. Some rise to meet these challenges head-on, maintaining steadfast mental health. Yet, others struggle, unsure of how to confront hurdles without faltering. When they stumble, can they pick themselves up and persevere, or do they remain stuck, lost, or reliant on external support to regain their footing?

The mental health of these young urban Malaysians is inextricably linked to their breath, body, and soul. Amidst life’s monotony, uncertainty, and countless crossroads, the path to mental wellness may be unclear. Are they confidently moving forward, or are they trapped, unsure of their direction, waiting for someone to catch them before they fall? This raises the need to explore holistic solutions, such as yoga, to guide them toward mental resilience and overall well-being.

Methodology
This article focuses on young urban Malaysians between the ages of 18 and 30, a demographic undergoing a crucial period of transition. This life stage is marked by significant shifts, including the completion of formal education, entry into the workforce, and the exploration of personal and professional pathways. It is also a critical phase for identity formation, wherein individuals consolidate their attitudes, behaviors, and personality traits (Arnett, 2000). During this period, young adults often seek to assert their independence, challenge societal norms, and make autonomous decisions. This process of self-exploration frequently involves weighing cultural expectations against personal aspirations.

The choice to focus on this age group is deliberate, as the experiences of individuals in this demographic are shaped by their transition into adulthood and the associated pressures. This study seeks to understand how these pressures, combined with the lifestyle and expectations of urban living, affect their mental health. Additionally, it considers how practices like yoga can serve as interventions to support their mental well-being (Smith et al., 2019).

Young urban Malaysians were selected as the primary focus due to the distinct challenges they face compared to their rural counterparts. The urban environment, with its increased affluence, technological advancement, and competitive atmosphere, introduces unique stressors that can impact mental health in ways that differ from rural settings (Rohani et al., 2020). Understanding these specific challenges is essential to framing the mental health landscape of young urban Malaysians and assessing the role of yoga as a mental health intervention.

Data for this study was obtained from a variety of sources. Given the transparency of contemporary urban lifestyles, much information is readily available through digital platforms, particularly social media, where young urban Malaysians openly share aspects of their lives. These platforms, along with publicly accessible online forums and social groups, provided rich qualitative data on the thoughts, behaviors, and mental health struggles of this demographic.

In addition to secondary data gathered from online sources, primary data was collected through the author’s professional experiences as a coach, counselor, and yoga instructor. Over the course of various coaching and counseling sessions, valuable insights were gained regarding the mental health challenges faced by young urban Malaysians. Informal discussions with both the young individuals and their parents offered further qualitative data, shedding light on their struggles, coping mechanisms, and overall mental health.

The author’s previous role as a lecturer also provided significant firsthand observations of young Malaysians navigating higher education and the early stages of their careers. This experience has enriched the study, offering a deeper understanding of how these young adults manage their personal development and mental health amidst the pressures of academic and professional achievement.

Together, these sources of data—ranging from digital platforms to personal experiences—form the foundation of this study’s exploration of mental health among young urban Malaysians and the potential benefits of yoga as a therapeutic practice.

Early Exposure to Praise and Public Attention
From the moment modern young Malaysians are born, they are thrust into the spotlight. Exposed to the public through social media and other platforms, their appearance and perceived intelligence are often showcased by their parents and relatives. From infancy, they receive constant praise and attention, with beautiful words like "adorable" and "brilliant" showered upon them. This social dynamic begins at birth, where parents, relatives, and others cheer, clap, and celebrate these children, creating a sense of admiration that follows them throughout their lives (Sharma & Gupta, 2021).

Continuous Praise Throughout Childhood
As these children grow, the constant praising continues. Parents often celebrate their talents and intelligence long before they start school, creating an atmosphere of admiration that only intensifies at events like lavish birthday parties and other social gatherings. This modern style of parenting, focused on external validation, fosters a sense of entitlement and superiority in children. The over-praising serves as a continuous motivator, but it also lays the groundwork for inflated self-perception (Ng & Lee, 2020).

Superiority Complex and Character Development
The overabundance of praise can have unintended consequences as these children mature. Raised to believe they are perfect and flawless, young Malaysians develop a superiority complex, unable to recognize their own mistakes. This sense of superiority is reinforced by both immediate family members and extended relatives, who continue to shower them with praise and encouragement. As a result, their character development is hindered, and they may struggle to develop a balanced view of themselves and the world around them (Tan & Wong, 2019).

Impact on Household Responsibilities
In many affluent urban families, household responsibilities are often delegated to live-in helpers. These domestic workers handle everything from cleaning to preparing meals, leaving little for children to contribute. As a result, many young Malaysians grow up without basic household skills, such as cooking or cleaning. Even in families that promote modern, progressive views on gender roles, boys and girls alike may be exempt from these tasks, further reinforcing their sense of privilege and entitlement (Rahman et al., 2021).

The Role of Modern Parenting in Shaping Superiority Complex
In contemporary Malaysian society, mothers and their modern parenting approaches play a crucial role in cultivating the superiority complex and inflated egos of their children. Many modern parenting practices focus on providing the "best" of everything, from material possessions to emotional indulgence, without establishing boundaries when children exhibit unruly behavior. Behaviors such as tantrums or public outbursts are often seen as a source of pride for mothers, who believe that allowing their children to express themselves freely signifies good parenting. The philosophy of letting children "be who they are" has become a common mantra among modern mothers, sidelining discipline and structure in favor of unrestricted freedom (Tan, 2017).

The Obsession with the "Best" Parenting
From birth, these mothers are preoccupied with ensuring that their children have the best of everything - be it milk, baby food, or educational opportunities. Parenting discussions among mothers often revolve around which products, schools, and tutors are the best for their children, reflecting a competitive approach to child-rearing. This obsession with providing the best extends to every aspect of the child's life, from academics to extracurricular activities, as mothers strive to position their children for success in an increasingly competitive world. Whether this behavior can be classified as exemplary parenting or overbearing obsession is up for debate, but it certainly defines the modern parenting landscape (Kumar & Lim, 2015).

The Helicopter Parenting Phenomenon
Helicopter mothers, a term coined to describe overprotective parents, are prevalent in urban Malaysia. These mothers not only provide for their children's every need but also defend them, even when the children are clearly in the wrong. Despite recognizing their children's misbehavior or shortcomings, helicopter mothers feel it is their duty to safeguard and protect them from any consequences. This excessive involvement extends to pushing their children to excel in all areas of life—academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Success is non-negotiable, and failure is met with increased pressure to achieve, reflecting the mothers’ desire for their children to stand out and bring pride to the family (Lee & Tan, 2020).

Material Rewards and Overindulgence
The rewards system in modern parenting often involves excessive material gifts, further fueling the superiority complex in young Malaysians. Excelling in academics or extracurricular activities is frequently met with lavish rewards such as overseas vacations, the latest gadgets, or other high-end items. For instance, it is not uncommon for toddlers to be given tablets or iPads as a means of early exposure to technology. By the time these children reach young adulthood, many receive cars, pocket money for luxury lifestyles, and financial support for higher education. This pattern of overindulgence, which continues into their adult years, leaves young Malaysians heavily dependent on their parents and with a skewed sense of entitlement (Rahman, 2018).

Parental Control over Life Decisions
Even as young adults, these individuals often have limited autonomy over their life choices. Parents, particularly mothers, continue to dictate their children's activities, ranging from academic pursuits to hobbies like sports and music. Education is not viewed as sufficient on its own; children must also excel in other fields to meet their parents’ expectations. This rigid control over decision-making and life direction restricts the children's ability to explore their own interests and identities, further reinforcing a sense of dependence and entitlement. 

Parents instill the belief that excelling in education alone is not enough to thrive in the urban setting; they must also shine in other aspects of life. This belief is rooted in the notion that such multifaceted success is essential for their children's future, as mothers maintain that the competitive nature of urban life demands it. Otherwise, they risk being left behind and may struggle to make a mark in life (Ng & Lee, 2019).

The Social Status of Parenting
In urban social gatherings, there is no end to parents showcasing their children’s achievements, whether they are young children or young adults. Conversations often revolve around how well these young adults are excelling in education, extracurricular activities, or how brilliant and smart they are. Parents, particularly mothers, frequently use these social moments to share their parenting accomplishments, igniting a competitive spirit as others join in, trying to outdo one another. Socializing has become an avenue for modern parents to display their children’s success, comparing notes on their parenting skills and emphasizing how their young adults are outshining the rest. 

Fathers and even grandparents are not exempt from this culture, proudly promoting the achievements and status of their children and grandchildren in these settings. Many parents aim to be viewed as paragons of parenting, encouraging others to replicate their approaches. Moreover, they freely offer unsolicited advice on child-rearing, using their own children as examples of excellence, transforming social gatherings into platforms for parental pride (Omar, 2020).

The Defense Mechanism of Urban Parents
Urban parents have become fiercely protective and territorial regarding their young adults, to the point of refusing to tolerate any criticism. It has become nearly impossible to point out the mistakes or flaws of their children without triggering severe anger from the parents. They believe their children are beyond reproach, and even if the young adults are at fault, parents rush to their defense, often going to great lengths to protect them. In extreme cases, parents have been known to pay bribes to prevent their children from facing legal consequences, viewing it as their right to safeguard their offspring, regardless of the situation.

This constant defense of their children has clouded their judgment, making it difficult for them to acknowledge mistakes or hold their young adults accountable. When others attempt to point out any wrongdoing, those individuals are often dismissed as liars. Parents refuse to address issues, preferring instead to maintain the image of their children as faultless, no matter the cost (Chong & Tan, 2021).

Overprotectiveness in Unlikely Settings: The Yoga Mat
The same protective instincts manifest in settings like yoga sessions, where mothers are quick to defend their children when called out for misbehavior. Instead of allowing their children to take responsibility, these mothers intervene, speaking on their behalf, seemingly out of fear that their children's true behaviors will be exposed. When their children fail to follow the instructor’s guidance, parents often remain silent, as though their children should be allowed to do as they please. When the yoga instructor attempts to correct the child's behavior, mothers frequently deflect responsibility, blaming external factors like tiredness or stress, insisting that their children should not be pressured, as it could trigger anger or emotional distress.

This unwillingness to allow their children to face even minor corrections underscores a deeper issue: urban parents seem afraid of their children's emotional responses. They fear that if their children are triggered, it could negatively impact their academic performance, motivation, or self-esteem, leading to broader repercussions in their success-driven lives. This overprotectiveness fosters an environment where children are not held accountable for their actions, perpetuating a cycle of entitlement and emotional fragility (Davis & Cohen, 2020).

Academic and Career Pressure: The Parental Role
During the author’s time as a lecturer, it became evident that modern parents have developed an intense, often misplaced involvement in their young adults’ academic journeys. When students performed poorly on exams or assignments, parents were quick to request meetings with the lecturer or head of department. These meetings rarely focused on understanding the reasons behind their child's struggles; instead, they centered on expressing disbelief that their hardworking, intelligent child had not excelled. Parents would insist that their child deserved higher marks, citing factors such as effort, long study hours, and deep subject knowledge.

Such interactions often created the impression that the lecturer had intentionally failed their child, with parents shifting the blame onto the perceived lack of support or monitoring by the educational institution. Rather than allowing their children to take responsibility for their performance, parents sought to justify their child’s failure with excuses like exam stress or late-night studying, demanding that their child pass regardless. This obsessive need to control outcomes, rather than helping their child learn from failure, highlights a troubling trend in modern parenting: a refusal to acknowledge that young adults can and should experience setbacks as part of their growth (Tan & Singh, 2021).

Overbearing Parents in Professional Spaces
The same level of parental involvement extends beyond academic settings into the professional world. Some parents accompany their young adults to job interviews, waiting nearby until the interview concludes. Afterward, they often insist on speaking to the interviewer, demanding immediate feedback on their child's performance and questioning whether their child will secure the job. This behavior reflects an overprotective mindset, where the success of their child becomes the only acceptable outcome (Kelley & Tinsley, 2020; O’Connor & Murphy, 2021).

This hovering approach undermines the young adult’s ability to develop independence and resilience while conveying a sense of entitlement. By intervening in such personal and professional milestones, parents deprive their children of crucial life experiences where learning to handle rejection and uncertainty is vital for personal growth.

Social Media: A Platform for Parental Validation
Social media platforms have become a stage for parents, particularly mothers, to showcase their children’s achievements and shower them with public praise. The author observes that platforms are flooded with celebratory posts whenever exam results are released, with mothers posting endless pictures of their children celebrating milestones. These posts often seek validation, with parents using social media to highlight how well they’ve raised their children (Ferguson, 2020; Smith & Jones, 2023).

This trend raises questions about the deeper emotional connections between parents and children. The emphasis on outward displays of success seems to prioritize validation from others rather than genuine quality time spent understanding and supporting their children’s emotional well-being. It’s as though the need to be seen as a good parent on social media has overshadowed the real connections that children need.

Devices like smartphones and tablets have become essential tools for modern upbringing. While these gadgets are useful for education, many parents fail to monitor their children’s social media activities. This unmonitored access can expose kids to inappropriate material or harmful online interactions. Alarmingly, some parents create social media accounts for their children as young as five, inadvertently thrusting them into the digital world.

The Emotional Disconnect: Neglecting Inner Needs
Despite their focus on providing the best material resources and opportunities, modern parents often overlook their children's emotional needs. While they work diligently to ensure their children excel academically, athletically, or in various extracurricular activities, they frequently neglect the nurturing of their emotional well-being (Singh & Kaur, 2021). Communication between parents and their young adults often lacks depth, prioritizing performance and success over understanding their children's inner thoughts and feelings (Tan et al., 2020).

Urban parents tend to shy away from discussing sensitive topics, viewing them as taboo or irrelevant. They often fail to listen deeply to their children's emotional struggles or desires, especially when those desires diverge from the path of achievement. Requests for leisure time, breaks from demanding schedules, or even the choice to explore different interests are often dismissed, as parents enforce rigid expectations around success and discipline. For some, parenting has become synonymous with molding their children into high achievers while neglecting the softer, more nuanced aspects of their emotional and mental health (Mokhtar & Mohd Ali, 2020). 

Conversely, other parents may overshare information with their children, believing that providing knowledge is essential. In doing so, they may inadvertently expose their kids to complex issues that are beyond their developmental stage. This premature exposure can lead to children manipulating situations, which some parents mistakenly view as a sign of heightened intelligence compared to their peers.

Urban Young Malaysians: Independence and Adaptability Challenges
Today’s urban young Malaysians grapple with the concept of independence. Having been supported by their parents for so long, they often lack the skills necessary to stand on their own (Chen et al., 2022). This reliance breeds a sense of entitlement, where they expect everything to come easily. When confronted with challenges or disappointments, many retreat into silence or isolation, struggling to cope with emotional fallout, which can negatively affect their mental health. They frequently have difficulty accepting "no" as an answer, instead expecting affirmation.

At the same time, some of these young individuals feel deprived of attention. In their quest for validation, they turn to social media, sharing a wide range of content without fully understanding its implications. This desire for the spotlight drives them to seek attention in any way possible, often boasting about their accomplishments in a bid to outshine others.

As they enter the workforce, these young individuals struggle to take direction from superiors, often seeking to prove themselves as more competent than their bosses. This attitude can create friction with colleagues and hinder their fit within organizational culture. Many leave jobs when they feel out of place, relying on their parents' support to sustain them. Their impatience regarding career advancement leads them to believe they deserve higher positions and major decision-making roles immediately (Wong et al., 2021). This impatience often manifests in workplace politics, where they may undermine others in their quest to climb the corporate ladder.

Internally, these young Malaysians face confusion and difficulty adapting to new situations. Their upbringing has fostered a need for constant validation, leaving them overwhelmed and unable to slow down. The pressure to excel fills their minds with a relentless barrage of thoughts, contributing to frustration and anger that often spills over into their personal lives, resulting in tantrums and emotional outbursts at home.

Ultimately, their upbringing instills a relentless drive to shine, making it challenging for them to find balance or engage meaningfully with others. They struggle to process feedback unless it’s positive, leading to difficulties in communication and understanding in both personal and professional relationships (Chen et al., 2022; Wong et al., 2021).

Health Challenges of Urban Young Malaysians
Urban young Malaysians face significant health challenges, primarily stemming from their constantly active minds and lifestyle choices. Many struggle to get adequate sleep, often spending late nights on social media - whether spying on others or sharing their own lives. This activity boosts their egos while they compare themselves to their peers, yet it deprives them of relaxation, which can weaken their immune systems and contribute to various health issues (Lee & Lim, 2021).

This demographic is increasingly grappling with health problems, many of which stem from lifestyle habits. Many suffer from body pain and obesity, often indulging in high-end café culture and rich foods without monitoring their diets. Sedentary activities, whether from work or commuting, exacerbate these issues, leading to back pain and even serious conditions like slipped discs (Krishnan, 2024).

Mental Health Challenges
Mental health issues are also on the rise among urban young Malaysians. Some appear lost, staring blankly, seemingly disconnected from their surroundings. While parents often believe that giving their children space is beneficial, this can inadvertently lead to isolation or hyperactivity, pushing them into social scenes where they feel compelled to shine. Clubbing and partying become integral to their lifestyle, often funded by parents who continue to support them despite any troubling behavior.

Moreover,  young Malaysians do not disclose the root causes of their distress or health struggles. Those who return from studying overseas often remain silent about their experiences abroad, leading to a sense of daze upon returning home. Parents may assume that the pressures of studying overseas were the cause of their children's troubles, overlooking the possibility that excessive drinking or drug use may have contributed. In such cases, young adults may claim to be well while being unaware of their underlying issues. This highlights a cycle of emotional disconnect, where parents either fail to engage in deep conversations or choose to ignore their children's struggles, believing everything they say, despite signs of distress (Ng & Chai, 2022).

Additionally, the relentless pressure to excel has taken a toll on many urban young Malaysians. They may bottle up their feelings, fearing that their parents will not accept or will choose to ignore their concerns. In more severe cases, some young individuals feel no obligation to contribute or work, relying solely on their parents' sacrifices. This dynamic can lead to a troubling cycle of dependency, where parents avoid confronting these issues out of fear of judgment from others, inadvertently enabling their children's behavior (Koh et al., 2023).

Yoga: A Powerful Tool for Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced urban environment, young urban Malaysians grapple with mental health challenges that are often overlooked by parents struggling to adapt to modern parenting. Despite their best intentions, these parents may not recognize that effective support extends beyond material provisions; it includes nurturing emotional well-being. Moreover, yoga is often viewed as lacking the prestige associated with other activities that bring glory and trophies, such as sports. Many parents, unaware of the distinction between yoga and traditional exercise, fail to acknowledge yoga’s mental health benefits, while others simply lack interest, even if they are aware of its advantages.

Furthermore, some parents expect immediate results, hoping to see a difference in their young adults after just a few sessions, not realizing that natural therapies take time. When instant changes aren’t visible, parents often stop encouraging their children to practice yoga, reflecting a misunderstanding that therapy isn’t an overnight fix.

Yoga has been proven to be a powerful natural therapy that costs significantly less than medications or doctor’s fees. It unites the breath, body, mind, and soul, offering profound mental health benefits (Krishnan, 2024). Yoga has been proven can yoga can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve emotional resilience, and enhance overall psychological well-being. However, many urbanites mistakenly perceive yoga merely as physical exercise, overlooking its potential to foster deep connections between the mind and body, thereby encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness.

Urban lifestyles are often fast-paced and rushed, leading to the misconception that yoga’s slower pace offers little benefit. However, the issue frequently lies in urbanites’ inability to slow down and engage in mindfulness, rather than in yoga itself. By incorporating yoga into their lives, urban young Malaysians can develop essential coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. The practice cultivates mindfulness, enabling individuals to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their inner selves amidst life’s chaos. This mindful approach not only enhances emotional resilience but also promotes overall well-being (Goyal et al., 2014).

What urbanites fail to understand is that when issues arise with their children or young adults, it is they who need to take the necessary actions—not relatives or friends. In today’s urban lifestyle, individuals are often consumed with their own success, wealth, and achievements, leading to a lack of attention to others’ struggles. This selfish urban lifestyle means that no one else will step in to bear the costs of doctor’s bills, which can be substantial. It is crucial to act early and address mental health issues through yoga, reaping its numerous benefits before problems spiral out of control. Sometimes, when remedies are sought too late, they may no longer be effective.

Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving urban landscape of Malaysia, the challenges faced by young individuals and their parents are multifaceted. As we have explored, the pressure to excel academically and socially can lead to emotional disconnects that stifle the development of essential life skills and coping mechanisms. The pervasive overprotectiveness exhibited by modern parents, while rooted in love and concern, often hinders their children from experiencing the realities of independence, resilience, and self-advocacy. This protective instinct is mirrored in various settings, from academic pursuits to social media, where parents prioritize outward appearances over the deep emotional needs of their children.

Moreover, the rising health challenges, both physical and mental, among urban young Malaysians underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift in parenting styles. Rather than solely focusing on material success and accolades, there is a pressing need to nurture emotional well-being and cultivate open lines of communication. This involves fostering environments where young individuals feel safe to express their struggles and uncertainties without fear of judgment.

As yoga emerges as a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, it presents an opportunity for parents and their children to reconnect on a deeper level. By embracing practices that promote mindfulness and self-awareness, families can build stronger bonds while equipping young Malaysians with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern life.

The responsibility lies not just with parents but also with educators, policymakers, and communities to recognize and address these evolving dynamics. Together, we must prioritize mental health and emotional intelligence, encouraging a culture that values open dialogue, vulnerability, and holistic well-being. As we move forward, let us remember that true success is not merely about achievements but about nurturing resilient, emotionally intelligent individuals who can thrive in an increasingly demanding world.

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