By Sakariyah, Ridwanullah
Life in Nigeria often feels like a marathon without a finish line. From Lagos traffic and unstable power supply to rising inflation and recurring fuel scarcity, daily stress weighs heavily on citizens. Yet amid the chaos, simple coping strategies can offer calm, health, and hope.
Firstly, it is pertinent to be aware that stress itself is not entirely avoidable. Like many human experiences, it comes with living, working, and interacting with others. The American Psychological Association reported that “stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Stress involves changes affecting nearly every system of the body.” What matters is how we respond to it.
Read Also:
Ned Nwoko confronts Regina Daniels over work stress, reports her to mother
Kwara NMA warns many doctors suffer mental distress but lack access to care
Fela Durotoye rejects N5bn fraudulent deal, stresses integrity
Nigerians, in particular, must understand that small steps can go a long way. Something as simple as pausing to breathe properly when pressure is mounting can help reset the body. It may be easy to dismiss such acts as insignificant, but research shows that mindful breathing lowers heart rate and reduces anxiety.
Moving on, Nigerians must be wary of the habit of bottling up everything. Many people, especially young men, have been conditioned to “man up” and endure in silence, while women are sometimes told their worries are exaggerated. This culture of internalising pain and pressure only makes stress a silent killer. Talking to a friend, a trusted family member, or even seeking professional help should not be seen as a weakness. According to a study on Nigerian healthcare professionals, “access to spiritual support and opportunities for physical activities should be prioritized in the workplace to promote stress management,” underscoring that sharing struggles and being social eases emotional burden.
Moving forward, another simple stress reliever available to Nigerians is exercise. You do not need a gym subscription to keep your body active. Walking, stretching, or even dancing in your room to your favourite Afrobeats track can ease the tension in your muscles and release endorphins—the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. A brisk walk in the evening after work in a quiet street or estate could do more for the mind than hours of scrolling through stressful news updates online.
Furthermore, diet also plays a huge role. The stress of rising food prices has pushed many Nigerians to unhealthy eating patterns: skipping meals, surviving on instant noodles, or consuming excess fried food. But healthy eating is not always about expensive items. A plate of beans, vegetables, or fruits can nourish the body in ways that reduce fatigue and enhance resilience. Even water— simple, clean water—is often underrated. Dehydration worsens stress symptoms, yet many Nigerians go through the day without drinking enough.
What is more, sleep is another overlooked, yet important stress reliever. In a country where many chases multiple jobs and side hustles, sleep is often sacrificed. But insufficient rest only compounds stress, affecting mood, concentration, and even immune strength. The APA notes that while acute stress may motivate, prolonged stress—or chronic stress— “negatively impacts health and well-being.” Seven hours may seem like a luxury, but creating a sleep routine (even if shorter) goes a long way. Turning off screens before bed, keeping the room dark, and maintaining a consistent schedule are practical steps anyone can try.
What is also worth mentioning is the role of faith and spirituality in Nigeria. For millions of Nigerians, prayer, meditation, and religious gatherings provide a cushion against the harshness of daily living. Beyond the spiritual benefits, such practices often create community, a sense of belonging that reassures people that they are not alone. Whether Christian, Muslim, or traditionalist, many Nigerians draw calm and courage from their faith practices, and that in itself is a coping mechanism.
Then, technology, too, should not be overlooked. While social media is often a source of stress, perhaps through bad news, unrealistic comparisons, or cyber-bullying, it can also be used positively. Streaming calming music, using meditation apps, or simply curating one’s online space to filter toxic content are ways Nigerians can reclaim the digital environment for peace of mind.
And of course, the economic and political realities of Nigeria mean stress cannot be entirely eliminated. Long queues for fuel, job insecurity, and rising costs of living are beyond individual control. But within personal spaces, Nigerians can choose healthier responses. The International Journal of Innovative Healthcare Research (2023) highlighted that stress is the body’s and mind’s reaction to perceived challenges when coping mechanisms feel inadequate—affected by physical, psychological, and social factors. Stress may be everywhere, but relief is often closer than we think: sometimes in a deep breath, a good laugh with a friend, a walk under the evening sky, or simply drinking enough water.
As said from the beginning, this is not an exhaustive guide. It is intended as a conversation, one that should continue among Nigerians about how to cope better with the daily pressures of life in a country that often demands more than it gives. Stress may be constant, but how we manage it will define how fully we live.
