In recent times, life and survival have been challenging given the challenges facing the Nigerian economy. The prices of goods and services are on the high side, and the sources of income are not regular. Individuals, communities, and states are struggling to adapt to these difficult times. This economic situation necessitated our topic for today. Below are some of the responses of our contributors:
Blessing Okpara
Things have not been going well. If one is not careful, one would lose their mind. Is it the way things have been expensive in the market or the way the naira has been falling anyhow? It is not easy to do things that make you genuinely happy again. Nowadays, one thing I do not play with is good, quality sleep. It helps me to remain sane and have a clear mind.
Tolulope Agbeja
Having more than one source of income is the key, especially in this period. I have learnt to cut down expenses, make a budget plan, and ensure I stick to it. I also avoid comparison. The list goes on like that.
Kerstin Sparkles
The survival strategy is finally getting out of survival mode. If your nervous system is still in survival mode, your ‘sympathicus’ is not working properly. The current Nigerian situation would cause you not to see possibilities where they are. One is just functioning. It is capable of causing many illnesses. So my advice is emotional freedom technique, breath work, progressive muscle relaxation, energy work, yoga and meditation. No caffeine, alcohol, drugs, and sugar — because it causes double the amount of cortisol whenever you pause using them.
Adesope Faith
God is my only hope. And, also, management of resources to the barest minimum is necessary. That is, being an economist and strategist even though I am an English Education student.
Roseline
Try to minimise expenditure, reduce the population in the house and always pray to God for his provision and blessings.
Mira Maidabo
The first thing I am doing is to take whatever comes my way. It does not matter whether I like it or not − I would manage with it. The second thing is prayer. Prayer could defeat even the things you are thinking might not be defeated.
Bolanle Akinwande
The grace of God and hope is what is sustaining me. I pray that everything will change for the better. Things are too expensive. Feeding myself and my children has not been easy since early this year.
Franca Opeoluwa
I have cut down on expenses. I attend to priorities alone. I also practice contentment.
Sabi Lawyer
I concentrate on God, family and work. I buy only necessary things and go to only important places.
Maduakolam Bekee
I try as much as possible to maintain my sanity. As for cash outflow, I spend on necessities. Whenever I am spending, I make provisions for budget deficits. If a product was sold for N5 last week, when I go to the market the next time to get the same item, I go with an extra N9, given that the item is a necessity.
Maintaining one’s sanity could even be more of a priority because one could wake up one day and run mad.
Hamzah Abubakar
I apply the choice theory it is very hard nowadays, but I manage to choose between the necessary things and the most important things.
Adesola Lydia
It has been stressful. What I do now is to make sure that I do not spend above my budget, because I make a budget. I also make sure to exercise more by trekking some distance before I take public transport. That way, I could save money.
Adebola Olanike
I have been focusing on maintaining a strong support network. Talking to friends and family regularly has been a big help in coping with the challenges.
Chinwe Dera
I have found that sticking to a routine helps to maintain a sense of normalcy. Setting daily goals and sticking to them has been a lifesaver.
Ganiyat Agboola
I believe in adapting to change. I have been learning new skills and exploring different opportunities, which has given me a sense of empowerment and resilience.
Micheal Olabode
I do not cook beans with gas. I use charcoal every day. I also trek a few kilometres before I board a bus.
Ayomide Oladipupo
What I currently do is to focus only on necessities, while managing the little I have. I have also started looking for how to get a side hustle to help with my needs. I hope everything will be better in time.
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