Lagos is no doubt Nigeria’s biggest city with an estimated population of more than 20 million people which alone is bigger than countries like Malawi, Zambia, Chad, Somalia, Senegal, Zimbabwe and many others who have less than 20 million population. If anyone can survive in a city as busy and congested as Lagos then that person can survive anywhere in the world.
Having to wake up in Lagos feels like waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Lagosians are most times known to be passive aggressive and this is as a result of the state’s harsh conditions which includes congested traffic, high cost of living, stress from boss and colleagues, high level of expectations from family and friends, the lists can go on and on.
6 Helpful Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety in a Fast Paced City like Lagos
It’s the year 2024, and in this new year, we are all working hard to make ends meet, reach our year’s resolutions and strive towards making more money in our bank accounts, food in our bellues, and love in our hearts. However, one of the things that can rob us of all these good things is stress.
That being said, here are 6 helpful tips to help you keep your mental health intact even in the midst of all the craziness going on in this beautiful big city called LAGOS.
Change Your Job
Yes, it sounds brutal but it could be the best advice for you this year especially if your job is causing you frequent mental breakdowns. It might be high time you start looking for a more suitable job elsewhere. I understand that finding a job in this present economy can be a hassle but will you rather trade your job for your health? I leave you to answer that question yourself.
If you are in a toxic work environment where you feel less of yourself and are most times bullied by your boss and colleagues then it would be wise to consider other job options out there. The hard truth is that there will always be a job for you that beats your current job only if you are ready to take the bold step of walking away. Your mental health should be your top priority!
Recent statistics show that over 70% of employees are very unsatisfied with their jobs and this could most likely be as a result of no work/life balance, unnecessary meetings, lack of support, ambiguous job roles, lack of praise or recognition and last but not least, poor salary. Whatever the situation may be in your case, it is very important that you look for a job that caters to your needs.
Get a Job Close to Home
Lagos is not only a big city but a highly congested one at that. Having to go to work in Lagos may require you to wake up as early as 4:00 am in the morning because of its heavy traffic. If you must change your current job, make sure the new one has favorable conditions. Because working in a place that is 3-4 hours drive away from home is simply irrational and can drain you easily.
You find out you have to leave home very early in the morning and get back in really late at night without having time for yourself, family or other more productive activities. As an employee, you don’t want this for yourself so you need to work towards getting a job within close proximity to your home or better rent a house close to your workplace to save yourself from the traffic drama.
You not only save yourself from the high cost of transportation, but will also experience a new level of inner peace and satisfaction when you no longer have to spend hours stuck in traffic. The ideal kind of life should be doing less to achieve more and not otherwise. As a resident in Lagos everyday is already a living hell so you need to be strategic if you must cope with these stress.
Drive Less if Possible
Except your primary earnings come from driving, make plans to drive less for the sake of your mental health. There are way too many cars on the streets of Lagos and this is the major cause of endless traffic, accidents and car breakdowns. To be on the safer side you should limit your driving schedule to once or twice a week so you don’t have to experience a stressful day on the road.
It would be wise to consider hitching a ride with someone going your way, journey with public transportation or order an uber with a friend or two and split the fare. Not only does it take away the stress of you driving, it also reduces the risk of your car breaking down or getting smashed in all the traffic madness that are likely to occur when you drive your own car.
While driving may be a convenient way to get around Lagos, it can also take a toll on your mental health. The city’s traffic congestion and constant gridlock can be frustrating and stressful, leading to anxiety and stress for students, employees and business owners. However, taking a break can do wonders for your mental health and help you feel more balanced and in control.
Change Your Eating Habits
Lagos is really a busy city so it is normal for most workers to wake up early in the morning to beat the endless traffic to get to work on time. In most cases, this could mean skipping breakfast or just eating life savers in the bus which may include a combination of sausage roll and any soft drink of choice. This is what most Lagosians see as the ideal way to get started for the day’s work.
However, what many people don’t realize is that taking the time to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning can actually save them time in the long run. A nutritious breakfast gives you the energy and focus you need to power through your day. Without it, you may find yourself feeling sluggish and unproductive, which can actually end up costing you more time in the long run.
A quick and easy breakfast option could be a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit, or a smoothie made with protein powder and fresh fruit or tea and bread. It should be something you can quickly prepare so you don’t spend the whole time in the kitchen. Make it a call of duty to have a light but healthy breakfast every morning before setting out for the day’s work.
Get a Side Hustle
We all need money to survive and chase our dreams. However, we shouldn’t trade our health for money because health is priceless. Money worries can be a major source of stress and anxiety, especially in a high-cost city like Lagos. While it’s important to earn a good salary, it’s also crucial to have a side hustle that can generate extra income and help you achieve financial stability.
This could be something as simple as selling handmade goods online, or offering a service like content writing, tutoring or home cleaning. The extra income from your side hustle can help you meet your expenses, save for the future, and reduce your financial stress. However, if you’re considering starting a side hustle, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
First, choose something you’re passionate about and enjoy doing. After all, your side hustle should be something you look forward to, not a chore! Second, choose something that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. You don’t want your side hustle to take over your life! Third, make sure your side hustle is something you can do without having to invest a lot of money upfront.
Prioritize Relaxation
Whether you like to admit it or not, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Have sometimes to yourself, leverage on weekends to have staycation or getaway with your significant other, friends, family and loved ones. It could be to spend the day at the beach or just being home the whole weekend, sleeping and watching Netflix, finding time to do whatever makes you feel relaxed.
We only live once so you should cherish every moment you have. Whether it’s having a weekend getaway with your significant other, watching a movie at the cinema, spending the day at the beach or just being home the whole weekend, sleeping and watching Netflix, find time to do whatever activity helps your body, soul, mind and spirit sync with one another.
This can be something as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate or do some deep breathing exercises. It can also involve setting aside some time to do something you enjoy, like reading a book or listening to music. Incorporating these small moments of relaxation throughout your day can help to reduce stress and improve your productivity in the long run.
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