There is a saying we all know too well: “Health is wealth“, but in the hustle and bustle of life in Nigeria, with the never-ending wahala of PHCN, traffic, and everything in between, it is easy to push our health to the back burner.
What if I told you that the road to better health is not as complicated as it seems? You do not need to spend hours in the gym or empty your pocket on organic this and keto that.
Some of the best healthy habits are simple, cost-free, and can easily become part of your daily life.
So, whether you are a Lagosian fighting the daily battle with danfo drivers, a student juggling classes, or even a 9-5er, here are five healthy habits you can start today.
Jump in as we take you along.
Healthy Habits to Imbibe
1. Drink Water Like You Mean It
I know we have all heard it a million times; “Drink more water!” There is a reason every medical practitioner keeps saying it.
Water is life. It flushes out toxins, keeps your skin glowing (who does not want that?), helps digestion, and even boosts your energy.
I used to feel sluggish every afternoon, depending on sugary drinks to stay awake, but when I started carrying my water bottle around, my energy levels shot up, and my skin started to glow.
I now feel more awake, even without my afternoon snacks combo.
So get a reusable bottle, fill it up, and keep it by your side. Aim for at least 8 cups a day. Your future self will thank you.
2. Move More, Sit Less
It is easy to get caught up in sitting all day, whether at work, school or in front of the TV watching Nollywood dramas, but our bodies were not made for endless sitting.
Sedentary lifestyles lead to stiff joints, poor posture, and even a pot belly.
It is advisable to take short breaks every hour to stretch and walk around. When we do this, we feel more active, and productivity skyrockets.
Set an alarm to remind you to move every hour. Even a quick five-minute walk around your space can do wonders. Do you have stairs at home or work? Use them.
3. Eat Real Food, Not Just Packaged Snacks
We all love chin-chin, biscuits, and the occasional small chops, but if we are being honest, relying on processed snacks can leave us feeling drained.
Eating real, whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, and traditional Nigerian meals (like the beloved jollof rice)—can significantly improve your overall well-being.
Next time you feel snacky, try reaching for a piece of fruit or roasted plantain.
And when you cook, focus on real, natural ingredients rather than pre-packaged foods. You will feel the difference.
4. Sleep Like Your Life Depends on It
Nigeria’s hustle culture can sometimes make us feel like sleep is a luxury. Trust me, without good sleep, you are just running on empty.
Poor sleep leads to stress, weight gain, and even illness. Staying late to work can get you feeling productive, but you might wake up groggy and irritable.
Sticking to a sleep schedule and prioritising getting seven to eight hours a night will make you feel sharper and improve the quality of your work.
Set a bedtime and stick to it. Put your phone on silent, dim the lights, and give yourself time to unwind before you sleep.
Your body will reward you with more energy and focus during the day.
5. Take Time to Breathe
Life can be stressful—between traffic jams, family responsibilities, and the constant hum of generator noise.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking time to slow down and breathe can have a powerful effect on your mental health.
Find a quiet moment in your day, close your eyes, and take five slow, deep breaths. Inhale through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth.
This simple act can reduce stress and help you feel much better.
The bottom line? You do not need to overhaul your entire life to start living healthier.
These small habits, done consistently, can create ripple effects in your overall well-being.
So, whether it is drinking more water, moving your body, eating real food, sleeping better, or just taking a moment to breathe, start today. Your body—and mind—will thank you!
Read Also: Healthy Eating: Debunking Common Myths
Discussion about this post