Let’s be honest, living in Nigeria can feel like a contact sport. The sapa is aggressive, the traffic is disrespectful, the cost of diesel is high, and some days, it feels like everything is trying to steal your joy. But somehow, people are still glowing. Still posting soft life content. Still saying “God did.”So, how exactly are people staying soft in a country that feels like it runs on chaos?
The answer isn’t always money or a one-way ticket sometimes, it’s the daily habits, small boundaries, and tiny pleasures that keep people sane, grounded, and soft.Here’s how Nigerians are preserving their peace, one day at a time:
Create a Morning Routine That’s Just for You
Before the day starts fighting you, claim a little space for yourself. Light a candle. Stretch. Drink tea slowly. Read a Psalm. Sit in silence. Even 15 minutes can shift your energy before the noise begins.
Curate Your Own Peace (Headphones Required)
Sometimes the best way to block out stress is literally blocking it out. Build playlists that calm you. Podcasts that inspire you. Audio devotionals. Or just white noise. Protect your mind, especially on that third mainland traffic stretch.
Romanticise the Little Things
Drink your coffee in your favourite mug. Plate your food like it’s a restaurant. Light incense. Wear perfume to sit at home. Soft life isn’t always big, it’s in the details.If NEPA won’t give you light, at least give yourself a vibe.
Say No (Without Explanation)
You don’t have to be everywhere. You don’t have to please everyone. Start saying “I can’t make it,” “I need to rest,” or simply “No” with your chest. Protecting your time and energy is peak softness.
Indulge Without Guilt
Soft life doesn’t mean reckless spending, but it does mean intentional enjoyment. Order that shawarma. Buy that candle. Take that 5k Uber. Every now and then, choose joy over guilt.
Softness is buying what your 2018 self couldn’t afford.
Curate Your People
Be around people who pour into you, not drain you. The friends who make you laugh, listen to you rant, and send you memes at midnight — keep them close. Community is emotional skincare.
Rest Is Not Laziness
Rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Sleep well. Take naps. Log out. You’re allowed to be tired. This country will keep moving. Don’t let it move over you.
