It is a brand new year and the perfect time to learn to do things better, especially things that directly affect one’s health and happiness. In the world of today, stress has become an inevitable aspect of day-to-day existence. For many Nigerians juggling careers, family obligations, and social commitments, managing stress is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. With several towns and cities buzzing with activity, the pressures of traffic, deadlines, and societal expectations can be overwhelming. Here’s how you can manage stress effectively while handling the challenges of a busy lifestyle.
1. Determine What Stressors Affect You
Knowing what causes stress is the first step towards treating it. Is it the never-ending traffic bottlenecks in your city? Work deadlines? or striking a balance between your work and family obligations? You can take proactive measures to lessen the effects of your stressors once you’ve identified them.
2. Prioritize and Organize Your Tasks
The “work culture” in our communities often leads to overcommitment. To reduce stress, learn to prioritize. Write down your daily tasks and focus on the most critical ones. Utilizing organizing tools and apps or even a simple notebook can help you structure your day. Delegate where possible, especially with household chores or minor work tasks.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness is a proven way to reduce stress. Dedicate a few minutes daily to activities like deep breathing, meditation, or prayer. Some people find solace in religious practices, so use your faith as a source of calm. Alternatively, try yoga or progressive muscle relaxation to relieve tension.
4. Stay Physically Active
Exercise is a natural stress reliever. You don’t need to hit an expensive gym to stay active. Take a brisk walk in your neighborhood, play football with friends, or dance to your favorite tracks at home. Physical activity not only reduces stress but also improves your mood and energy levels.
5. Maintain a Good Diet
Incorporate more vegetables, fruits, and grains into your diet. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
You can pair a rich and flavourful plate of vegetable soup with Ayoola Poundo Yam to get in all the nutrition without compromising on taste. Kunu shinkafa made with Ayoola Rice Flour can serve as a healthy drink to go with your lunch and for breakfast, you can have a velvety and light mashed potato made with Ayoola Potato Flour with ugu and tomato sauce by the side.
It is important to eat well as not doing so can hinder your body from working properly thereby causing you to feel stressed.
6. Build a Support System
Stress can feel overwhelming when faced alone. Share your concerns with friends, family, or trusted colleagues. As a country, we are known for our strong communal ties; lean on that community. Joining local support groups or seeking professional help from a therapist can provide valuable relief.
7. Schedule Time for Rest and Recreation
Even the busiest person needs downtime. Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s watching movies, attending a comedy show, or exploring new places in your city. Sleep is equally important; aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind.
8. Avoid Overcommitting
It’s common in Nigerian culture to say “yes” to everything—events, favors, and even unnecessary work obligations. Learning to say “no” respectfully can free up time for self-care and prevent burnout.
9. Embrace Local Stress-Relief Practices
Explore traditional methods of relaxation. For example, spend time in nature, visit a nearby beach,park or simply enjoy herbal teas like zobo or ginger tea, which have calming properties.
10. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
Sometimes, stress can escalate into anxiety or depression. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. In Nigeria, organizations like Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) provide affordable resources and counseling services.
Conclusion
Managing stress in a busy lifestyle is about creating balance. While the Nigerian hustle is admirable, your health and well-being should come first. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can reduce stress, improve your productivity, and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Remember, life is not just about survival; it’s about thriving. Take a step back, breathe, eat and give yourself permission to enjoy the journey.
