By Enitan Sawyerr
It’s great to see more Nigerians join the ‘healthy living’ express. With Kate Henshaw, Osas Ighodaro and others inspiring us to get healthy, the fit-fam army is recruiting more and more civilians to their cause. Outside of this, we do hope this is more just a fad. We hope that it is also the result of growing societal conscientiousness, encouraging us appreciate and care for our bodies. To whatever has started this trend, the fit-fam army salutes you and long may you continue your reign!
Being healthy isn’t just about burpees and salads
If you are yet to join the army but think it is all about burpees and eating salads (we love our pounded yam and egusi as much as the next person), fear not. There are a few things that you can do that will help you live life to the fullest. These are things that we love to say to ourselves especially when we discovered how these simple things have a big impact. Try them out and be sure to share your inspired healthy living moments with the world with the hashtag #LiveLoveDiscover!
“You people will not kill me”:
To those who say ‘I eat pressure for breakfast’…be careful. Chronic stress can cause or exacerbate mental or physical health problems, impact your your work and unsurprisingly negatively affect your relationships. From suffering a heart attack to undesired weight problems, the list of stress-related health issues is endless and fatal in some cases. That’s why it’s so important to avoid those things that stress you out. So no, you don’t have to visit the father-in-law who is never happy and no, things don’t always have to be perfect. Boost your ability to handle stress through simple activities – listen, catch up with a friend or even treating yourself to a nice meal.
“In this life, anything can happen”:
It’s a motto we Nigerians have somehow learnt to live by. Why? Because quite simply… anything, and we mean anything, can happen and it’s never a good idea to be caught unaware. With that said, get your loved ones equipped with the right safety and security precautions if you haven’t yet. Have an emergency first aid kit in your car, and most importantly, a reliable health cover like Avon HMO to take care of you and your family’s health needs or emergencies.
“Where my people at?”:
Speaking of family, it’s amazing the impact these individuals can have on our overall wellbeing. They help to boost our happiness, improve our self worth and sense of purpose amongst a long list of benefits. Make spending quality time with them a priority, despite the busy work schedules.
“Drink responsibly”:
There is a cheaper way to get that great skin glow some products claim to give – water. We lose so much of it during the day through perspiration in the hot Naija sun, and our urine, so replenishment is key. The Mayo Clinic recommends about 13 cups of water (for men) and 9 cups (for women) daily.
“My body is a temple…”:
Foodies and non-foodies alike can subscribe to the amazing benefits eating right does for their skin, body figures and even hair. So despite the temptations living in Nigeria comes with – puff puff and chin chin, anyone? – we must fight off the cravings at all costs and treat ourselves to healthy, nutritious and filling diets. Except on cheat day, of course, because everyone needs one of those every once in a while.
“Cleanliness is next to ….”:
This is a must for a healthier, confident you. From the boardroom to your bedroom, good hygiene habits like keeping your hands clean and body smelling fresh should be a part of your lifestyle to help you stay disease-free and fit to take on your world.
#beachbodyloading:
When it comes to popular exercise spots around town, it’s rare to find a Nigerian working out alone. Look at the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge (#relationshipgoals). Exercise and sports are best enjoyed with friends, so get your very own workout buddy if you haven’t and don’t carry last. You guys can burn those unwanted calories while jamming to the latest #AvonWorkOutJams.
Laughter does wonders for the soul. It’s been proven to lower those unwanted stress hormones and help increase infection fighting antibodies. We Nigerians are lucky to have our very own range of comedians to choose from. Why not leverage on the health benefits their talents have to offer, and laugh your way to a better you.
Read our https://www.avonhealthcare.com/blog/blog for more articles on healthy living.
