Living in the UK as a Nigerian can be rewarding — but also mentally demanding.
Whether you’re juggling work, school, immigration paperwork, or just missing home, life in diaspora takes its toll. Add the unpredictable UK weather and the fast-paced lifestyle, and it’s no surprise that many of us silently struggle.
But here’s the truth: mental health matters — and taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s smart. We’re often told to “man up” or “pray it away”, but real self-care goes deeper.
Let’s break it down. What is self-care, and how can you start showing up for you today?
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care simply means the things you do — big or small — to stay physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually well. Think of it like topping up your emotional fuel tank so you don’t crash.
It’s not always soft life and spa days — sometimes it’s saying “no” to draining people, drinking water instead of Fanta, or taking a walk instead of scrolling on TikTok for hours.
The 5 Areas You Should Focus On:
1. Mental Self-Care
Keep your mind sharp and balanced.
Try:
- Listening to a podcast on your commute (like “I Said What I Said”)
- Reading a book instead of just social media
- Enrolling in a free online course to level up professionally
2. Emotional Self-Care
Understand your emotions and manage stress.
Try:
- Journaling before bed — it clears your head
- Talking to a therapist (there are Black and African-focused options in the UK now!)
- Letting yourself cry if you need to. It’s not weakness; it’s release.
3. Physical Self-Care
Take care of your body — your engine.
Try:
- Taking a walk in your neighbourhood
- Eating real food, not just quick junk from the corner shop
- Registering with a GP and actually going for check-ups
4. Spiritual Self-Care
Connect with your faith or something bigger than yourself.
Try:
- Attending a local Nigerian church or fellowship
- Practicing mindfulness or short daily prayers
- Joining an online prayer group or Bible study
5. Social Self-Care
Build and maintain relationships that give you joy.
Try:
- Joining a Naija community event or meetup
- Calling home regularly
- Making time for real convos, not just group chat memes
7 Practical Self-Care Tips for Naijas in the UK:
1. Practice Mindfulness (Even If It’s Just Deep Breathing)
Being present helps reduce anxiety. Try breathing in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale slowly. You can even do this on the train or during lunch breaks.
2. Move Your Body
Not everyone is into gym life — and that’s fine. Try:
- Dancing to Afrobeats in your room
- Walking in your local park
- Joining a community football group or yoga class
3. Spend Time in Nature
The British weather can be gloomy, but when the sun shows face, go outside. Even gardening or chilling at your local park helps.
4. Practice Self-Acceptance
You’re doing the best you can — and that’s enough.
Talk to yourself like you would your best friend. No more “I’m not good enough” talk.
5. Journal or Do Inner Work
Ask yourself real questions:
- What’s really stressing me?
- What do I need today?
Start with just 5 minutes of journaling a day.
6. Understand Your Mental Health
You don’t have to wait for a crisis.
Look into free NHS resources or check out books like The Daily Stoic or Who Moved My Cheese?
7. Find Your Flow
Do something you love — and lose track of time doing it. That’s flow. For you, it might be cooking jollof, braiding hair, DJing, coding, or organizing your space.
Final Thoughts: You Matter.
Being far from home can be lonely. But you’re not alone. Self-care helps you manage the pressure, reconnect with your roots, and thrive — not just survive.
Let’s normalize checking in on ourselves and each other. We rise by lifting others, but we can’t pour from an empty cup.
Need community, connection, or more mental wellness tips?
Visit NaijaUKConnect.co.uk — for job tips, visa info, events, and more life advice for Naijas in the UK 🇳🇬🇬🇧
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