BALANCING HUSTLE AND YOUR HEALTH AS A NIGERIAN

There is no denying that the economic situation in Nigeria has contributed to the daily struggles of an average citizen. An average Nigerian wakes up everyday with little to no option but to begin hustling.

Nine-to-five 9-5 jobs are the most common, while hard labour accounts for a large portion of the workforce. 

Stress has become a daily routine. Noise pollution, rushing to hail cabs, standing in long queues to get to work, and enduring crowded transport systems all contribute to a consistently stressful lifestyle. 

Amidst all these, less attention is paid to personal health and well-being. Nigerians have picked survival over self-care, forgetting that they can't even survive without good health. If you break down today, the work activities in your officeoffice will continuecontinues as usual. Everyone would go about their daily activities as usual.

Health, they say, is wealth. Amidst the “hustle” and “tussle”, take a pause and check your health. How do we balance the hustle life and being healthy? Here are practical things you can do to manage stress, keep working and staying healthy. 

1. Prioritize Sleeping and Resting: 

Sleeping is not laziness — it is recovery. Try to get at least 7–9 hours of rest when possible. 

Don't allow anything to eat into your sleeping time.

Your body needs to rest and recuperate! Even short naps after work can help the body recharge and reduce stress.

2. Eat What Nourishes You: 

You don’t need expensive meals to eat healthy.

Reduce excessive junk food, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Go for meals with more vegetables, fruits, fibre-rich food, protein and so on. A simple balanced meal can greatly improve your energy levels without even needing an energy drink. 

3. Make Movement Part of Your Routine:

 Health practitioners have it that sitting in one place is very hazardous to our health. Walk whenever possible, stretch in the morning or before bed, in your office or at home, use stairs instead of lifts when available. Always exercise. Even 20–30 minutes of daily exercise can help the heart and reduce stress.

4. Manage Stress Intentionally:

 Stress is unavoidable, but it can be controlled. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Do not overwork yourself and do not do too much. Focus on one thing at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.Don't multitask, ‘focustask’. 

5. Stay Hydrated: 

Drink water! Drink Water! With the hot sun in Nigeria, you can't afford not to always drink water. Many people underestimate water. Dehydration causes fatigue and headaches. Carry a water bottle if possible and sip regularly. Don't drink soda, Drink water. Take in more water than you take soda drinks. 

6. Learn to Say No and Set Boundaries: 

This particular point is a close relative of point 4. Say No when needed. Not every job, favor, or overtime shift must be accepted. Overworking leads to burnout. Learn to say no to offers that are beyond you. 

7. Go for Regular Health Checkups: 

Check your blood pressure regularly, check your blood sugar regularly, check your weight and so on, so as to be able to detect anything strange on time. Even these simple checkups help detect problems early. Don’t wait until you are seriously ill before seeking medical attention.

8. Build Support Systems:

 If you are mentally drained, talk to someone. If you are overwhelmed, talk to someone. If you feel like giving up, talk to someone. If you feel lost, talk to someone. Talk to family, friends, or trusted people. Emotional support reduces stress and prevents depression.

In summary, as a Nigerian you deserve to be healthy. As you go about your daily hustle, learn to prioritize your health. Although the economic situation of the country demands it, health should never be the price we pay to survive. Sleep well, eat well, take strolls, exercise, meditate, read books at your leisure, go for regular checkups, etc. These little steps are important in keeping ourselves healthy and staying alive.