Living in Lagos has taught me that this city is not for the faint-hearted. Between the endless traffic jams, the unpredictable power supply, the daily hustle, and the sheer pace of life, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed. But at the same time, Lagos is vibrant, full of opportunities, and buzzing with energy. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key is not trying to avoid the chaos, but finding ways to stay grounded and protect my peace right in the middle of it. Here are some of the ways I personally cope with stress while living in Lagos:
1. I Manage My Time Around Traffic
Traffic is probably my number-one stress trigger. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you about the time I was stuck in traffic for 5 hours! So, to alleviate this stressor, I only travel outside of peak hours and I check Google Maps for the best routes before I decide to go on an adventure. Thankfully work and church are positioned against traffic. And If necessary, I can work from home.
2. I Create Quiet Spaces
Lagos is noisy, but I’ve found ways to carve out my own calm. Sometimes it’s sitting in a corner of my house with my favorite music, other times it’s going to the beach, or just stopping by a quiet café. Having those little “safe zones” gives me a chance to reset and breathe.
3. I Celebrate Small Joys
Life in Lagos can feel like a grind if I don’t pause for the little things. So, I make it a habit to celebrate small joys — maybe it’s enjoying a cold drink after a long day, laughing with a friend, or even watching a hilarious skit on Instagram. These little things remind me that stress doesn’t get to have the final say.
4. I Lean on My Community
I don’t try to do Lagos life alone. My family, friends, and church community are my lifelines. Sometimes just sharing my experiences with people who “get it” makes the stress feel lighter. Lagos can be tough, but it feels less heavy when I’m surrounded by people who encourage me.
5. I Keep My Body Moving
Exercise helps me more than I expected. I don’t always hit the gym, but I take walks, stretch at home, or sometimes join a dance session. Moving my body really helps me release tension and puts me in a better mood.
6. I Protect My Mental Space
Honestly, with the amount of drama that flies around in Lagos (and online), I’ve had to learn to guard my mind. I limit how much negative news I consume, mute things that trigger me on social media, and keep certain boundaries with people. Protecting my peace is non-negotiable.
7. I Draw Strength From My Faith
Above all, my faith is what keeps me steady. Prayer, worship, and reading scripture give me peace when everything else feels loud and out of control. Reminding myself that I don’t have to carry the weight of life alone helps me release stress and find calm again.
Final Thoughts
Lagos is intense, no doubt about it. But it’s also beautiful — it has taught me resilience, creativity, and how to find joy in the middle of chaos. Stress is part of the package, but how I handle it makes all the difference. By being intentional, leaning on my support system, and staying grounded in faith, I’m learning not just to survive Lagos, but to thrive here.
What about you? How do you cope with stress in Lagos? I’d love to hear your own strategies — your tip might be exactly what someone else needs today.
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