Category: Lifehacks & Tips

The holiday season often conjures images of sparkling lights, cozy family gatherings, and joyful celebrations. But for many people, Christmas can bring feelings of stress, loneliness, a need to do too much or even sadness. Whether due to personal struggles, loss, or simply not being in the holiday mood, it’s okay if you’re not feeling festive this year. That doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to make the season a little brighter.

Here are ten practical strategies to help you have a happier Christmas, even when it feels difficult.  

Cut down on your Expectations  

The pressure to create a picture-perfect Christmas and New Year can weigh heavily, especially if you’re not feeling cheerful. Instead of trying to meet unrealistic expectations, focus on what truly matters to you. Let go of traditions that feel obligatory or burdensome, and embrace a simpler, more meaningful approach to the holiday.

Ask yourself: What would make this season feel manageable and fulfilling for me? That answer might be as simple as staying in your pajamas or house clothes all day, eating your favourite comfort food, or spending time with one or two close friends. Give yourself permission to prioritize your needs.  

Create New Traditions

If old holiday traditions no longer bring you joy or if they feel tied to painful memories it’s time to start fresh. New traditions can be small and personal, like baking a treat you’ve never tried before, watching a movie marathon, or writing a reflective journal entry about the past year.  

Alternatively, you can start traditions that focus on giving back, like volunteering at a local shelter, donating gifts to a charity, or leaving surprise treats for your neighbours. At first this might also feel like too much, but the intention behind it and the joy that it will bring you is nothing compared to that effort put into it.

Creating something uniquely yours can make the holiday feel special in a way that resonates with your current emotions.  

Reconnect with Loved Ones

While big gatherings can feel overwhelming, smaller, more personal interactions may be just what you need. Reaching out to a trusted friend, sibling, or mentor for a heartfelt conversation can provide comfort and remind you that you’re not alone.  

You don’t have to organize an elaborate get-togethersometimes a phone call, a video chat, or even a text exchange can lift your spirits. Sharing how you’re feeling, or simply reminiscing about good times, can create a moment of connection that brings joy.  

Practice Gratitude

When life feels heavy, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing or going wrong. Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can help shift your perspective. Gratitude doesn’t have to be very big it can be as simple as appreciating a hot cup of tea, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a sunny winter day.  

Writing down three things you’re thankful for every day can serve as a powerful reminder that even in tough times, there’s still light to be found.  

Limit Social Media

Social media can amplify feelings of inadequacy, especially during the holidays. It’s easy to compare your own experience to the seemingly perfect lives of others. But remember, most people share only their highlights not their struggles.  

Take a break from scrolling if it feels draining or triggers negative emotions. Use the time you’d spend online to do something restorative, like reading a book, taking a walk, or calling someone who makes you smile. Protecting your mental space is an act of self-care.

Set Boundaries

The holidays often come with obligations family events, work parties, and gift exchanges that can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to set boundaries and say no to activities that don’t serve your well-being.  

Be honest with yourself and others about what you can handle. For example, if a large family gathering feels too stressful, suggest a smaller meetup or opt for a virtual check-in. 

The fact that it’s a celebrative period and all your extend family members are around the visit the larger family doesn’t mean you have to be a part of their gathering. Simply doing the little things that matters to you and protecting your energy doesn’t mean you’re letting others down; it means you’re taking care of yourself.  

Engage in Acts of Kindness

There’s something undeniably uplifting about helping others, especially during the holiday season. Acts of kindness don’t have to be grand; small gestures can have a big impact. Consider donating to a food bank, giving and receiving food from a neighbour, or writing a thoughtful card to someone who might be feeling lonely.  

If you’re up for it, volunteering your time at a local charity or shelter can provide a sense of purpose and connection. Seeing the joy your actions bring to others can help you rediscover some of the magic of the season.

Indulge in Self-Care

The holidays can be hectic, but prioritizing self-care is crucial; especially if you’re not feeling your best. Think about what soothes and restores you. It might be taking a warm bath, listening to calming music, meditating, or treating yourself to something indulgent.  

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Taking time for yourself can help you recharge and face the season with a little more energy and resilience.  

Focus on the Present Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday stress or dwell on past disappointments, but practicing mindfulness can help ground you in the here and now. Pay attention to the small details of the season: the smell of pine trees, the taste of a festive treat, seeing the happiness of others just having you in their life.

You don’t need to feel 100% joyful to appreciate these moments. Simply noticing them can bring a sense of calm and connection, even if you’re struggling.  

Seek Professional Support If Needed

If your feelings of sadness or stress become overwhelming, know that it’s okay to ask for help. Speaking with a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable tools and strategies to manage your emotions and navigate the holiday season.  

The holidays can stir up complex emotions, especially if you’re dealing with grief, anxiety, or depression. You don’t have to face these feelings alone professional support can help you find clarity and relief.  

Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Whether you’re embracing quiet moments, setting boundaries, or finding joy in small, intentional acts, the holiday season can still hold moments of light and warmth.  

Be gentle with yourself this Christmas. Let go of the pressure to feel a certain way, and focus instead on what feels right for you. Even if you’re not in the holiday spirit, you’re still deserving of peace, love, and happiness—this season and beyond.

Christmas in Nigeria is a time of joy, celebration, and sharing, but it doesn’t have to stretch your budget. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can give meaningful gifts that will be appreciated without spending too much. Here are 10 affordable gift ideas to make your Christmas celebration with family and friends worthwhile without your overburdening yourself.

Locally Made Snacks or Treats

Food gifts are always appreciated. You can package locally made snacks like chin chin, puff-puff mix, groundnuts, plantain chips, or kilishi in decorative bags or containers. These are budget-friendly, delicious, and perfect for sharing.  

Ankara Accessories

Ankara fabric is versatile and affordable. You can gift small items like Ankara tote bags, headbands, scrunchies, wallets, or even a set of matching face masks. These items are stylish, practical, and showcase Nigerian culture.  

Custom Framed Photos

Printing and framing a memorable photo is an affordable and sentimental gift. Visit a local photo studio to print a favourite picture and pair it with an inexpensive but attractive frame. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate special memories.  

Recharge Cards or Data Bundles

Most friends and family spend a whole lot of their time either online or making phone calls on. Staying connected is essential, and gifting airtime or data is both practical and thoughtful. It’s a gift that everyone can use and appreciate, especially during the festive season when people love to connect with loved ones.  

Locally Sourced Beauty Products

There are many affordable, high-quality Nigerian-made beauty products, like shea butter, black soap, or essential oils. You can create a small care package of these items and present them as a pampering gift.  

A Mini Food Basket

Put together a small food basket with everyday staples or festive treats. Items like rice, spices, seasoning cubes, palm oil, groundnut oil, pastes, salts, and canned drinks can make a thoughtful and practical gift for families.

Handmade Cards with Personal Messages

A heartfelt message can go a long way. Create handmade cards with your personal touch, using affordable craft supplies. Write meaningful notes expressing your love, gratitude, or best wishes for the new year.  

Rechargeable or Solar-Powered Gadgets

Affordable rechargeable lanterns or mini solar-powered lamps are practical gifts for Nigerian households, especially in areas with erratic electricity supply. They are useful, thoughtful, and will be appreciated for their functionality.  

Traditional Food Ingredients

Gifting fresh or packaged traditional food items, like crayfish, dried fish, spices, or a small pack of locally grown grains like beans or garri, can be a unique and thoughtful gesture. Wrap them in a festive way to make the gift more special. 

A DIY Hamper

Understanding the state of the economy, you don’t have to spend a lot to create a lovely hamper. Buy a small basket or bowl and fill it with affordable goodies like biscuits, chocolates, sachets of coffee or tea, and maybe a small bottle of zobo or kunu. Add a bow or ribbon for a festive touch. 

The value of a gift lies in the thought behind it, not its cost. Don’t do too much trying to impress friends or families and then end up breaking the bank. These affordable ideas cater to local tastes and needs, ensuring that your friends and family feel loved and appreciated without putting a strain on your finances. After all, Christmas is about the spirit of giving and sharing moments of joy with those who matter most.

In our fast-paced world, the way we start our mornings can set the tone for the entire day, as starting your day with intention is a powerful way to set the tone for a productive and mindful day. Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, find peace of mind or set yourself up for success, establishing a morning routine can transform your life by incorporating intentional practices into your morning, you can cultivate a positive mindset, boost your energy and prepare yourself for whatever it is the day may bring.

Beginnings are quite important. They set a tone for what’s to come, and mornings are no exception. Establishing a morning routine can be the perfect way to start your day off on the right foot. We may end up asking ourselves, “what are the right morning routine to take, How do we take these steps, what are the benefits of a mindful morning routine?” Here’s a guide:

Mindful Morning Routines

Starting Your Day with IntentionIn our fast-paced world, the way we start our mornings can set the tone for the entire day. A mindful morning routine can transform your life by grounding you in the present moment, fostering a sense of calm, and8 setting clear intentions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating a mindful morning routine that you can integrate into your daily life.

Wake Up Early

Waking up early gives you the quiet time you need to start your day without rush. Aim to wake up at least an hour before your usual time. This not only gives you ample time for your routine but also allows you to experience the tranquility of the early morning.

Hydrate with Intention

Starting your day by drinking a glass of water. Hydrating first thing in the morning helps your metabolism and flushes out toxins. As you drink, take a moment to feel gratitude for the water, appreciating its role in nourishing your body.

Practice Gratitude

Spend a few minutes reflecting on what you’re grateful for, you can start by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day to cultivate a positive mindset. This practice can be as simple as thinking of three things or writing them down in a journal.

Gentle Movement or Exercise

Including some form of physical activity or exercise into your morning. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or a light jog, movement helps to wake up your body, improve circulation, and release endorphins. Choose an activity that you enjoy and that feels good to you.

Mindful Breathing or Meditation

Take at least 5-10 minutes to practice mindful breathing or meditation. Maintain a good sitting posture, close your eyes, and focus on only your breathing. Inhale deeply and hold on for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. This practice centres your mind and reduces stress, preparing you for the day ahead.

Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast

Prepare a nutritious breakfast that fuels your body. Eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. As you eat, practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, noticing the flavours, textures, and how the food makes you feel.

Set Intentions for the Day

Define your goals and priorities for the day, create a to-do list to help you stay focused. Ask yourself what you want to achieve, how you want to feel, and what mindset you need to maintain. Writing these intentions down can make them more concrete and help you stay focused throughout the day.

Personal Development

Dedicate some time to personal growth activities such as reading, journaling, or listening to a podcast. Choose content that inspires you, expands your knowledge, or helps you grow personally and professionally.

Plan and Prioritize

Review your schedule and to-do list for the day. Prioritize your tasks and set realistic goals. This not only organizes your day but also reduces anxiety by giving you a clear roadmap to follow.

Embrace Silence

Before diving into the noise of the day, spend a few moments in silence. This could be during your meditation, while drinking your morning tea, or simply sitting and enjoying the quiet. Silence helps you connect with your inner self and reinforces a sense of peace.

Tips for creating a sustainable morning routine:

1. Start small and add new practices gradually
2. Be consistent and make it a habit
3. Make it enjoyable and personalized
4. Be gentle with yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day.

Benefits of having a mindful morning routine:

1. Improved mental clarity and focus
2. Enhanced self-awareness and Mindfulness
3. Increased energy and motivation
4. Better time management and Productivity
5. Reduced stress and anxiety
6. Improved overall well-being

Let’s face it, most of us don’t like reading school books and that is because of the obligation attached to it. And some subjects are just plain difficult. For Example, Mathematics. I’m sure you guessed it too. But the thing is you have to pass the subject and not liking it is a problem for you.

So, I am going to be explaining the best way to study a course or subject even if you don’t like it or find it difficult.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

You know that you are the boss of your mind? Well if you don’t know, I am telling you now. Whatever you want your mind to believe, trust me, that’s what it’s going to believe. So all you have to do is tell your mind that if you don’t read, you won’t pass. It’s that simple. Let me be honest, at first, you’d feel like it’s not working but if you continue saying it, one day you’d believe it. You won’t realize when, but you’d just see yourself believing it.

Cultivate the habit of reminding yourself and your mind(most especially) that if you don’t read, you won’t pass. And trust me you’d be getting better. You can also bring up other things to tell your mindset to help you read. And if for any reason you have a mindset that gives you the motivation not to read, try reversing it.

Example of the mindset that motivates one not to read: school na scam School isn’t a scam. A simple question you’d be asked, you’d start stuttering, cause you don’t know it. So see education as a means of being respected and seen as smart in the future. So you can say things like Education will make me smart Education will take me places. Education will help me improve my skills. And if you continue saying it, you’d one day believe it. And once you believe it, it is possible.

CREATE YOUR INTEREST

Teachers or any other person would be like “for you to study well you have to put interest in the subject” Which interest? Like where is the interest coming from? I don’t like this subject and you are telling me to have an interest in the subject. If I had an interest in the first place I wouldn’t hate it! That aside, the truth is if you don’t have a reason to Like a subject, you won’t like it. And in this case, you must pass the subject or the course. So you must like it. Someone might ask, How do I create interest? Look for how that subject connects to your future ambitions. Example: Mathematics; you might think you don’t need maths for anything, how will maths help me as a Dancer? Or an Actor? Not directly, but indirectly though. According to psychology, Maths helps in sharpening your brain. You need a sharp brain to memorize scripts, you need a sharp brain to memorize dance moves. You don’t have to settle for less, Let maths help you become better than average. If you have not figured out what you want to be in life, that’s okay as long as you’re not over 20. You can create reasons to love maths. Probably to make you smarter. You could create other interests, passing a subject or a course depends mostly on you.

LISTEN MORE ATTENTIVELY IN CLASS

This is an unpopular truth, but if you want to pass any subject or course you must attend classes and not just attend classes but also pay attention. Some of the things the teacher or lecturer would say, are going to come out in your exams. Especially if he says something like “Listen carefully” or “It’s not on your note” This is something you’ve heard before, but it’s the truth. Another reason why you should pay attention in class is when you listen to a teacher, not just listening, understanding, and asking questions in class. You won’t forget. It is probably not something that works big time for everyone but it works. Then when you go home and read, my dear, forgetting it isn’t an issue. During exams, you’d remember most of the things the Lecturer said. Especially if you were actively participating in class. So don’t be shy, ask questions, and make contributions, and you’d surely pass.

REVISE THE COURSE OR SUBJECT

It’s just a catchy way to say study. Even if you don’t want to. I don’t know how best to spell it out, but once you forget a subject it will forget you, once it forgets you, you will fall. Times that are best to study.

1. After the teacher has taught: when you get back home and have rested.
2. probably a week or two weeks later.
3. any other time you want.
4. before the exams.

Don’t make excuses by saying the subjects are much, make a timetable, and be disciplined enough to see it through. No one can teach you how to be disciplined, it’s a personal decision.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STUDY FOR HOURS

I know our teachers have probably bragged about studying for five hours, six hours, etc and they expect you to do the same. But the truth is, even if you study from now until eternity, if you don’t understand what you are reading, you are just stressing yourself unnecessarily.
I am not saying it’s not okay to do so, but that’s not for everyone. As long as you are true to yourself, and you understand what you studied, you can stop or take a break.
Look for better methods to help you.
Ask a friend that you know, understand the subject better than yourself.
Watch videos on that particular topic (I do this very well)
Read articles on it.
Pretend you’re teaching someone the subject, so you’d read like you’re going to teach.

In conclusion, school isn’t a scam. No subject is greater than you. If you want to pass a subject you will. It is up to you to make that decision.

WRITTEN BY FAVOUR AWANA

Jordan Peterson once said, “Make your bed.” As short and simple as that quote is, it is important. If you wake up daily feeling sad or in a bad mood, sometimes no one’s fault but yours. Walk with me. Your habits or daily routine, no matter how small, may affect your mood.

You hear these frequently; stop doomscrolling and resist the urge to check your phone first thing in the morning. This advice may be inconvenient, but it is for your good. Aside from making your bed, here are other habits you should practice:

Wake up at a consistent time

Your day starts the moment you wake up. Yours can be as early as 3 am or 8 am; regardless of what it may be, waking up early is a sign of discipline. Rising early might feel bothersome, but this habit is an effective way to condition your mind. Use an alarm, If you can’t wake yourself up at a consistent time.

Waking up at a consistent time every day can positively impact your health, this includes:

• Good sleep.
• Ability to concentrate more.
• Better digestion.
• Reduced pain.
• Increased productivity

A regular sleep routine can enhance your mood and leave you happier and more content.

Exercise

Exercise is a net positive for you, it’s a simple fact backed by science. Interestingly there are multiple types of exercise and going to the gym isn’t compulsory. At home, you can select an exercise routine, simple and slightly difficult, follow the routine and keep your body healthy.

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Regular exercise can help improve physical health, and improve mood.

Digital Detox

Giving your time off screen is a good idea. On average, we 3 to 4 hours a day on our phones this means you’re exposing yourself to complications like eye strain, depression and anxiety. To keep yourself in a good mood, it can be advisable to take a walk than to watch another TikTok video. Your phone is a good source of information but absorbing information without action is damaging, mentally and emotionally.