In Nigeria, where life can be demanding, self-care is often treated as a luxury, something only the rich or ‘soft life’ influencers talk about. But that’s not true. Self-care is for everyone, and it is not just about spa days or skincare routines. It is about taking intentional steps to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. It is about making sure you have what you need to stay healthy and thrive.
Many Nigerians think self-care means buying products like scented candles and face masks. While these things can be nice, self-care is healthcare, and it goes beyond what you buy. It includes daily habits, checkups, and even financial wellness. This self-care checklist will help you take control of your well-being—but as you’ll see, it is only the beginning.
Why self-care is important
Think about it—when was the last time you felt well-rested? When did you last go for a checkup without being sick? As Nigerians, a lot of us only take our health seriously when something goes wrong. But waiting until you are unwell before taking care of yourself is a dangerous game.
Self-care is important because:
- Nigeria is stressful: Lagos traffic alone is enough to raise blood pressure. Whether you live in Abuja, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else, daily life comes with stress that can affect your health.
- Healthcare can be expensive: Preventive care (like regular checkups) is often cheaper than emergency treatment. Self-care is healthcare, and investing in it now can save you money later.
- Your body is not a machine: Many of us treat our bodies like they have unlimited energy, but ignoring health warnings leads to burnout.
- You deserve to feel good: Self-care is not selfish. If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you show up for work, family, and the things that matter?
Now that we know why self-care is important, let’s get into the ultimate self-care checklist for Nigerians—things that go beyond just buying self-care gifts for yourself or others.
The ultimate self-care checklist for Nigerians
Here are 10 key areas of self-care that you should focus on as a Nigerian:
1. Prioritize sleep
Many Nigerians brag about grinding on 4 hours of sleep, but sleep is not a luxury. It is a necessity. Poor sleep weakens your immune system, affects your focus, and can increase your risk of heart disease. Your body repairs itself while you sleep, and skipping rest means you are running on empty. If you struggle with rest, try these:
- Set a consistent bedtime, even on weekends.
- Use an eye mask or blackout curtains if your room is too bright.
- Reduce screen time before bed—blue light from phones can keep you awake.
2. Stay hydrated
Water is one of the simplest self-care products you can give your body. Your body needs water to function properly—without enough of it, you may feel sluggish, have headaches, or even struggle with digestion. It’s easy to forget to drink water, especially with a busy schedule, but making it a habit can drastically improve your health. Here’s how to stay hydrated:
- Carry a water bottle if you are always on the go.
- Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily.
- Add fruits like cucumber or lemon to make it taste better.
3. Eat like your health depends on it
Food is fuel, and what you eat affects how you feel. Many Nigerian meals are packed with essential nutrients, but processed foods and excessively fried meals can impact long-term health. Instead of extreme diets, focus on eating balanced meals. Small changes can make a big difference. To practice self-care through food:
- Eat more vegetables (efo riro, ugu, bitter leaf).
- Reduce processed foods and excessive fried meals.
- Choose whole grains like brown rice or ofada over white rice.
4. Move your body
Exercise is not just about weight loss—it helps with stress, sleep, and heart health. Regular physical activity boosts your mood, improves your energy levels, and keeps your body strong. You don’t need to spend money on a gym; you can:
- Take brisk walks in your neighbourhood.
- Do simple home workouts (YouTube has great options).
- Dance to Afrobeats for 15 minutes—it counts as cardio!
5. Go for regular checkups
Many Nigerians avoid hospitals unless it’s an emergency. But checking in with a doctor even when you feel fine is self-care is healthcare in action. Routine checkups can help detect issues early before they become serious. Here’s what you should do:
- Get a basic health checkup every year.
- Know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
- If you have health insurance, use it.
6. Manage stress
Stress is a silent killer. It affects blood pressure, mental health, and even digestion. Chronic stress can lead to burnout and serious health problems. To manage stress effectively:
- Practice deep breathing or meditation.
- Take short breaks when working.
- Spend time with people who make you happy.
7. Take care of your mental health
Self-care is not just physical; your mind needs attention too. Many people struggle with anxiety and depression but don’t talk about it. If you are always anxious or feeling low:
- Talk to someone—a trusted friend or therapist.
- Reduce negative social media consumption.
- Journal your thoughts to help process them.
8. Invest in self-care products that actually help
The internet is full of self-care products promising to change your life. Some are just hype, but others can make a real difference. The key is to focus on things that improve your well-being, not just what looks good on Instagram. Some are genuinely helpful for your well-being:
- A good mattress or pillow for better sleep.
- Blue light glasses if you work long hours on screens.
- Essential oils or body care products that help you relax.
9. Set boundaries
Saying “yes” to everything might seem like a good way to keep the peace, but it can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. Many Nigerians struggle with people-pleasing, whether it’s from family expectations, work obligations, or social pressures. But setting boundaries is not selfish—it’s an act of self-care.
Protect your time and energy by:
- Saying no when you need to.
- Limiting toxic relationships.
- Prioritizing your well-being without guilt.
10. Plan for your financial health too
Self-care isn’t just about taking care of your body—it’s also about reducing stress in other areas of your life, and financial stress is one of the biggest burdens many Nigerians face. Worrying about money can affect your mental and physical health, making it harder to sleep, focus, and even maintain relationships. Set up good money habits by:
- Saving for emergencies—at least three months’ expenses.
- Budgeting so you know where your money is going.
- Investing in a Health Savings Account (HSA) so you have funds for health and wellness needs.
This self-care checklist is a strong foundation, but self-care is not a one-time thing—it is a lifestyle. One of the best ways to secure your health is by creating a Health Savings Account (HSA). It helps you prepare for health and wellness costs before they arise, so you never have to worry about unexpected bills. Plus, you get 10% interest and up to 30% discounts off health and wellness services like gym subscriptions, mental health care, spa, doctor’s visits, meds and much more. This means you save while taking care of yourself. Start now, and create an HSA at hsa.clafiya.com.
If you need help figuring out how to create an account, send us a message on WhatsApp, and we’ll guide you.
Remember: self-care is for everyone. Take care of yourself now so your future self will thank you. You deserve it.
