91����

It’s easy to get into a wave of sadness as a Nigerian living in Nigeria. The inflation is threatening to choke you, Tinubu’s government and adulthood are taking turns to suck every ounce of joy in you, you’re losing loved ones to death and the list goes on and on. How do you rise above it all and fight for your dear life? I asked some Nigerians, and they had useful tips for their fellow citizens.

Call people you love

“Hearing my mum’s voice makes me smile. It doesn’t matter how bad of a day I’m having. And I know she’ll end the call with a prayer that’ll most likely send the spirit of sadness away.”

Comfort eat

“Food is my go-to whenever I’m having a bad day. It’s the case for me and my siblings. I remember when we lost my mum some years ago, my brother ordered food that night, and we all just sat together, eating in shared silence.”

Ask God to make me happy

“I pray about everything, and this includes my happiness. Whenever I feel a wave of sadness coming, I mutter a bible verse under my breath or just ask God to make me happy. It works.”

Tailor your expectations 

“The saddest moments in my life have been when people break their promises. It pierces through my heart and leaves me a wreck because I’d never do that. But I’ve learnt to always tailor my expectations of people or things, so I don’t get as sad when they falter.”

Watch cartoons

“At my big age, you’ll still find me watching or jumping on the next animated movie that hits the cinema. There’s something about that make-believe world that excites my imagination and makes me feel like a kid with no worries.”

Some physical activity

“Could be running, walking or just doing chores around the house. I’ve found that doing something gets me out of my sad zone. There’s that thing about an idle mind and the devil.”

Including “genital meet and greet”

“The quickest way to get me out of a sour mood is sex—or the thought of it. If I have immediate access, I’m going for it. If I don’t, I’m texting my babe and just fantasising about the good time ahead.”

Find your tribe

“Loneliness almost finished me in uni even though it was by my own doing. I was so invested in my studies, and it just made people gravitate away from me. But it got better during my NYSC service. I made friends turned family, and being around them makes me happy. Our virtual calls are just as sweet as physical meetings.”

Speak words of affirmation 

“I’d have rolled my eyes at anyone who told me I’d be an advocate for positive speaking two years ago, but that’s who I am now. That shit works. I wake up every morning and chant “It’s going to be a good day” for as long as I can, and the universe answers. I think more people should do this.”

Next up, take this quiz to know your happy place:

Where’s Your Happy Place?