Unconventional Ways to Boost Your Mental Health: A Guide to Staying Sane

In a country where the standard response to “How are you?” is “I’m fine” even when it feels like your village  people have settled down on your matter, mental health often takes a backseat. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s explore some unconventional ways to keep your mind sharp and your spirit unbroken.

1. Turn Traffic Jams into Your personal Classroom

You know how Lagos traffic can make the holiest amongst us forget our home training? What if you reframed those hours spent in go-slow? Instead of blasting your horn at the danfo driver cutting you off, pack a small “traffic survival kit.” Your favorite playlist, a podcast, or an audiobook. That daily 3-hour commute becomes your personal development time. When everyone else arrives at work looking stressed, you’ll stroll in having finished half a book, learned a new skill, or simply enjoyed some quiet time with your thoughts.

2. Create a “No-Wahala” Zone at Home

Designate a small corner of your home as your “No-Wahala” zone. This doesn’t need to be fancy. Even if you live in a One-room-apartment, claim that one chair or corner of your bed where stress is not allowed. Add one item that brings you joy (a photo, a small plant, your favorite mug) and spend 10 minutes there daily with no phone, no bills, no thinking about that colleague who’s always giving you headache.

3. Use “African Time” to Your Advantage

We all joke about “African time,” but what if you flipped the script? When someone keeps you waiting, instead of getting vexed, use those extra 30 minutes as a gift. Carry a small notebook and jot down thoughts or ideas when people run late. Some of the world’s most successful people swear by journaling, and you’ll be surprised how therapeutic it can be to write “My boss is a complete mumu” rather than saying it out loud. Just ensure they never read your little book.

4. Turn Complaint Sessions into Comedy Nights

We Nigerians are world champions at enduring difficulty, but sometimes we need to vent. Next time your friends gather to complain about fuel scarcity, politics, or the economy, add a twist: each problem must be delivered as a joke. This isn’t about dismissing serious issues but transforming that energy. Laughter releases endorphins, and finding humor in our shared struggles has been a Nigerian survival tactic since forever.

5. Normalize Being Your Brother’s Keeper

In Nigeria, we already understand the value of caring better than most, but we can take it further. Once weekly, do something unexpectedly kind for someone. Pay for a stranger’s Coffee, or just genuinely listen to your security guard’s story. The science is clear: helping others boosts your own mental health dramatically. 

Remember, taking care of your mental health isn’t “doing too much” or being unnecessarily soft. In a country where external stressors are constant, your mind needs maintenance just like your generator. You service your car regularly, why not your brain?

So the next time someone asks “How far?” instead of the automatic “I dey,” maybe try “I’m working on my mental health today.” Who knows? You might start a revolution. This Mental Health Awareness Month, make your peace of mind a priority. No be say na by force to dey Ok all the time. Also don’t forget to chat with Naya anytime about your finance related issues.