How to Thrive Amid Uncertain Economic Times.

The economic crisis gripping Nigeria tightens its hold with each passing day.

Basic necessities, including food, have seen prices skyrocket, creating a volatile environment where every purchasing decision demands careful consideration to avoid regret.

Across social media platforms, citizens are calling for an intervention from the government to relieve the hunger in the land. The circulation of videos depicting the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians underscores the urgency of the situation. It’s a challenging period, and I fervently hope for its swift resolution.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’m disheartened to find that the struggles I faced as a teenager over two decades ago persist today. The relentless power outages exacerbate the difficulties, posing a significant obstacle to the success of businesses. How can one thrive when a substantial portion of earnings is diverted to fuel generators?  Last week, I struggled to shoot my video content because of loud generator noises and the persistent honking of okadas. The current economic uncertainty is one that we must recognise as is and devise strategies not merely to survive but to thrive amidst adversity.

It’s a sobering truth that challenges are part of life, albeit varying in intensity across the globe. While Nigerians endure economic upheaval, some others enjoy a more stable existence elsewhere. This reality compels us to proactively safeguard our well-being, recognizing that securing happiness demands concerted effort in environments where basic necessities are not readily available.

In this article, I aim to redirect our focus and restore a sense of equilibrium in these trying times. It is our duty to self-preserve and elevate ourselves, and I offer practical suggestions to achieve this goal.

Take control of what you can: A big energy shift happens when you make a clear distinction between what you can control and what you can’t. Focusing on things you cannot change is an uphill battle with no end in sight, instead you are filled with worry and anxiety. These two emotions take you down the path of panic which can impact the way you show up in your family, business and in life generally.  Collaborating with an anxious person is challenging, affecting not just business dynamics but also personal interactions. Yes, the prices of household items have gone up and it means you will spend more money to get the same quantity than you did a few months ago.

Can you explore other alternatives (cheaper)? I remember when a friend made a switch in her detergents. She said the popular big brand was no longer affordable for her. she said, “It’s just soap at the end of the day”. These small changes reinforce your own power, and you should exert it when the need arises. By focusing on what you can influence, you channel energy productively, fostering resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

Strive to live realistically: Reality lies in discerning between desires and necessities. It’s crucial to differentiate between luxuries and essentials. Rather than seeking collective opinions on your spending choices, trust your own judgment based on what fits within your budget. While indulging in what you enjoy is important, if you feel burdened by your expenses, it might be wise to pause and reconsider your financial habits.

Explore new income streams with readily available opportunities: Often, we underestimate the plethora of skills we possess. These abilities may not fit traditional moulds like coding or marketing; sometimes, it’s about how well you can serve others—I call it resourcefulness. For instance, I recently secured a contract from an Oil and Gas executive to enhance their social media visibility, leveraging my unique content creation approach. This endeavour has proven lucrative. If boosting your income could ease the challenges of the current economic climate, it’s worth tapping into your untapped talents and pitching your services.

Ride the wave quietly: “This season will pass. Na how long e go last be the matter” The exact words I texted my friend as we chatted about the current economic situation.  I’ve chosen to ride this wave quietly, focusing on inner resilience.  It’s tempting to overlook practices like meditation or visualization due to their intangible nature. We tend to favour behaviours with immediate, tangible results. However, when faced with persistent disruptions beyond our control, it’s crucial to engage in activities that offer a sense of refuge. While these practices may not alter external circumstances instantly, they profoundly impact our internal landscape, providing solace amidst the storm.  In the words of Albert Einstein “Imagination is more important than knowledge” change knowledge to reality.

Discover Happiness Through Movement: If I were to prescribe one “drug” to help you escape from turmoil and into bliss, it will be exercise. While I can’t fully articulate its myriad benefits, I wholeheartedly encourage you to experience them first-hand. Exercise profoundly influences both physical and mental well-being, empowering you to confront disruptions with greater resilience. Delight awaits in purposeful movement, and you don’t need to confine to any fitness rules you can absolutely create yours. Dedicate at least an hour daily to moving intentionally, embracing any form of expression that resonates with you: whether it’s running, walking, dancing, playing sports, hitting the gym, cycling, or any other activity that suits your preferences.

Stay healthy: As much as you can eat less processed foods, less refined sugars, less alcohol, less cigarettes, less sodas, and other similar foods. Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, reversed his Type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes, particularly in his diet. He was on a concerning health trajectory until 2016, when he transformed his eating habits. I’ve been fortunate to come across numerous stories worldwide of individuals who have significantly improved their health through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Given the state of our healthcare, safeguarding your health is paramount, and adopting a whole food diet appears to be a promising starting point.  Since 2020, I’ve been an advocate of whole foods. In the middle of the pandemic, I modified my typical Nigerian diet to align with some of the healthiest diets globally, and in under 90 days, I shed almost 5kg. By adhering to this eating pattern, my forties have become my healthiest years yet.  I’ve delved into this topic in another article; feel free to reach out if you’d like to read it.

Though we may lack all the answers to address our present economic challenges, we can approach this season with greater mindfulness and purpose. As I mentioned before, the crucial aspect is the duration of this phase. Continuously reassessing and refining our strategies can lead to improved health and well-being outcomes. Let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of health, happiness, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. I extend my best wishes to you during this time, and as I consistently remind my fellow Nigerians, “May we never lose hope.

Take care and stay well.