By Welcome to June; the halfway point of the year.
In Lagos, it’s easy to wake up one day and realize you’ve been surviving, not living.
From jumping buses and driving in traffic, to kindly find attached the grind is real. But so is the burnout.
This month, we’re turning the spotlight inward not on to-do lists or targets, but on the one thing often overlooked in the chaos of Lagos life:
Your mental health.
The Silent Burn of the Lagos Hustle
Medical research from the World Health Organization confirms that chronic workplace stress without adequate rest is a major risk factor for:
- Anxiety and depression
- Hypertension
- Digestive disorders
- Poor sleep and memory issues
In Lagos, where everything is “urgent,” we normalize exhaustion. But mental fatigue is not a badge of honor. It’s a warning light.
Work-Life Balance Isn’t a Myth, It’s a Lifeline
Whether you work in Chevron towers or run your own salon in Surulere, these science-backed tips will help you reclaim control of your mind and your minutes:
5 Lagos-Proof Work-Life Balance Tips for June
1. Create Non-Negotiable Boundaries
Designate specific hours where work ends, especially if you work from home.
Your brain needs structure to regulate stress hormones.
2. Take a Daily “Mind Break
Just 15–30 minutes of quiet (no phone, no screens) can reduce cortisol levels and improve your focus.
Step outside. Breathe. Pause.
3. Don’t Confuse Movement with Progress
Overworking doesn’t always equal output. Research shows that regular breaks improve productivity. You’re more valuable when you’re well.
4. Book a Mental Health Check-In
See a therapist, counselor, or mental health coach at least once this month, even if you “feel fine.” Prevention is cheaper than breakdown.
5. Prioritize Joy Like You Prioritize Work
Joy is therapeutic. Schedule what makes you laugh, dance, or feel human, whether it’s karaoke in Yaba or a quiet walk on Lekki’s shoreline, please go for it.
Mental Health Is the Real Wealth
The year is halfway gone, but you don’t have to be.
This June, say no to overdrive.
Say yes to balance!
Yes to boundaries!
Yes to better!
Dear Lagosians,
- Your body is not a machine.
- Your mind is not a dumping ground.
- You deserve peace, not just on Sundays, but every day.
May this month bring you clarity, calm, and courage to choose yourself.
Remember, balance is not laziness, it’s wisdom.