Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 08:31 am
To encourage the practice of wellness, this guest series features different individuals with different personalities here on the blog.
Inculcating wellness practices and making our well-being a necessity rather than a luxury or fad is a guaranteed way to thrive rather than just exist. By reading from and relating to others, it’s my hope that we’re encouraged to practice habits that serve our well-being no matter how little—not forgetting that the body keeps the score.
In this episode, Blessing and I have an in-depth conversation about wellness. As a Social Worker, she shares her informed views and knowledge on mental health, its importance, and how to improve it. She also asserts that given her faith, and her professional skills, she’s not affected by her environment. Seeing as our reality is hugely affected by our perspective, I can resonate with her affirmation. In all, this episode is a synergy of Blessing’s faith and work experience.
“I’d say the happening in Nigeria has zero effects on me. I am a Christian and my beliefs play a huge role in how I have managed to stay sane regardless of all that is happening.”
–Blessing, 2023
Q: Hi, Blessing 😊. It’s nice to have you here. What do you do and how busy would you say you are?
A: Thank you for having me here, it’s so thoughtful of you. Okay, so I am privileged to work as a Social Work Lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Being a Lecturer and a mum is a handful especially when I imagine how I am poorly paid as a lecturer. However, I love the fact I am opportune to tutor young minds and breed the future leaders of our great Country.
I am extremely busy because my profession does not end in just teaching students, there are other non-academic duties that can be assigned to me, I also have to write and publish manuscripts in reputable journals and also attend conferences. These activities/duties can be tiring especially if I lack the motivation to persevere.
Q: Do you consider yourself to be strongly or weakly affected by the happenings in Nigeria? I ask this because some people have managed to create a bubble for themselves mainly to preserve their mental health.
A: I’d say the happening in Nigeria has zero effects on me. I am a Christian and my beliefs play a huge role in how I have managed to stay sane regardless of all that is happening. As a social worker whose duty is to solve problems to enable people to maintain a better social functioning, I can say that my knowledge and skills as a professional have also helped me grow past the worries and anxiety most Nigerians face, from the numerous issues such as fuel subsidy removal which has created untold hardship in the country, insecurity, poor infrastructures and poor health care leading to poor health and poor well-being. My mental health is so important to me and my family so I have learned to embrace each day as it comes and be grateful.
Q: If you’re not so affected, then what are some of your stressors? I reckon many are probably still linked to the situation of the country 😊
A: Well like I explained previously I am least affected by the happenings in Nigeria but I feel burdened by my family. So here, I’m talking about my immediate family; my mum, sister, brothers and in-law. Thoughts of how they are coping with this condition stress me out at times. Another stressor is how can I give my son the best and protect him and his siblings from all these happenings. I guess it’s my mother’s instincts doing the needful.
Q: What would you say are your 3 nonnegotiables regarding managing your finances? For me, it’s budgeting, tracking my expenses, and saving.
A: Firstly, I’d say it’s contentment. The Bible says godliness with contentment is great gain. My dad and mum helped instill that virtue in me. I never saw them go for what was not theirs and they would always appreciate the little or much they had. Secondly, it’s saving. I run a joint savings account with my husband because we have our projects as a family. Having these projects helps us curtail what we spend our hard-earned money on. Personally, I try to keep track of my expenses too. These nonnegotiables have helped a lot.
Q: Rain or shine, what three things must you do daily to optimise your wellbeing?
A: The three things I do are:
Pray and study a chapter of the bible and a chapter of a Christian book daily.
Eat (Especially when I’m not fasting). I love good food and thankfully my husband loves good food too.
Chat and go through funny stuff on FaceBook or WhatsApp.
Q: Now that we’ve come to the end of the session, what do you want to leave us with concerning well-being and mental health?
A: I just want to say that you owe it to yourself to protect and promote your mental health in Nigeria. Do what makes you happy. It could be eating, singing, dancing, taking a stroll, or watching a funny video. The philosopher says: Man know thyself. So, know what makes you happy, do it, and live life to its fullest because you are all that matters. If you still have issues then seek help, and talk to a counsellor, therapist, or a social worker.
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Thanks for joining us, stay tuned for more! #projectwellness
