Putting Yourself First is the First Step
Many of us who have made the move to the UK—whether for work, study, or family—know that the hustle can be real. From long shifts in the NHS to managing businesses and studying while raising children, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Back home in Naija, we’re raised to hustle hard and help others, often at the cost of our own well-being. But in the UK, especially with the fast-paced lifestyle and isolation that sometimes comes with migration, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
A pre-pandemic survey in the US showed that 67% of people felt guilty taking time for themselves. We know many Nigerians feel the same. But 68% wished they’d made more time for self-care. So, if you’ve ever felt burnt out, exhausted, or just not yourself, this is your reminder: taking care of yourself is part of the assignment.
What Is Self-Care, and Why Does It Matter?
Self-care means taking deliberate steps to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s how we maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially in a country where the system often demands more than it gives.
We’ve seen our people working 12-hour shifts, supporting extended families back home, attending church, side hustling, and still showing up for others. But if you’re constantly running on empty, your body, mind, and even your relationships will eventually take the hit.
Work-life balance isn’t just about taking holidays (though those help). It’s about creating a lifestyle where your professional goals don’t cancel out your personal joy.
10 Self-Care Practices That Work for Nigerians in the UK
Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. Here are some practical self-care strategies that you can build into your life here in the UK:
- Sleep like it matters – Prioritise rest. Even if you’re doing night shifts, protect your sleep like your life depends on it—because it does. Herbal teas and calming music can help.
- Practice mindfulness – You don’t need incense or a special app. Even 5 minutes of silence in your car or lunch break, just breathing deeply and checking in with yourself, can reset your mind.
- Take nature walks – Explore UK’s parks or countryside walks. Whether it’s a stroll in your local Derby park or a weekend walk in the Peak District, nature is healing.
- Say “No” without guilt – Whether it’s extra shifts, community roles, or favours, sometimes “No” is the most loving word you can say to yourself.
- Unplug from social media – Too much bad news from back home or comparisons on Instagram? Set limits. Use apps like Digital Wellbeing or take weekly digital detoxes.
- Set clear boundaries – Whether it’s with your boss, flatmate, or family members, communicate what you need to protect your peace.
- Connect with people who get you – Community matters. Surround yourself with fellow Africans or understanding allies. Join groups like Naija UK Connect to feel seen and supported.
- Let go of perfectionism – Your worth isn’t in your output. Learn to celebrate progress over perfection.
- Explore your new home – Try out new places: visit a museum, try a new cuisine, or check out a local Nigerian event. Discovery is part of self-care too.
- Nurture your hygiene and appearance – It’s not vanity. Taking time to look after your skin, hair, and general appearance boosts confidence. From shea butter to scented candles, indulge in little rituals that bring you joy.
Overlooking Self-Care Will Cost You More Than You Think
Ask yourself: How do I feel at the end of a workday? Energised or completely drained? If you’re constantly tired, irritable, or disconnected, your body might be telling you something.
Burnout doesn’t always show up loudly—it creeps in slowly. And for many Nigerians in the UK, it’s normalised. But that doesn’t make it okay.
Neglecting self-care affects not just you, but your relationships, your productivity, and even your ability to stay grounded in your vision. Take time to recharge. Rest is resistance in a system that expects us to keep going no matter what.
You Don’t Have to Be Busy to Be Valuable
We come from a culture that praises busyness. If you’re not “hustling”, people assume you’re wasting time. But doing nothing is sometimes the best thing you can do for your health and creativity.
Schedule rest like you schedule work. Block out “me time” in your calendar. Let it be for prayer, relaxation, sleep, or simply doing nothing. You’re allowed to breathe.
Your Emotions Are Valid—All of Them
You’re not a machine. You’re allowed to have ups and downs. Whether you’re missing home, navigating racism at work, or dealing with the mental toll of being far from your family, your feelings are valid.
Feel it, don’t suppress it. Self-care also includes speaking up, seeking support, and learning what works best for your unique experience as a Nigerian living in the diaspora.
Want Help Figuring This Out? A Coach Can Help
Navigating life in the UK as a Nigerian comes with its own unique pressures. A coach or mentor—especially one who understands your background—can help you build resilience, stay grounded, and live more intentionally.
At Naija UK Connect, we believe in peer support, cultural awareness, and community-driven wellbeing. That’s why we offer access to mentors and coaches who understand your journey and can help you create realistic, sustainable self-care plans that actually work for your life.
You don’t have to do it all alone. And you definitely don’t have to burn out trying to prove your worth.
Final Word
Remember: You’re allowed to take care of yourself. You’re allowed to rest, to say no, to enjoy your life—even while you’re chasing your dreams. Your wellbeing matters, and so do you.
Let’s normalize self-care in our community. Let’s redefine success—not just as what we do, but how well we live and feel while doing it.
#NaijaUKConnect #WellbeingInDiaspora #SelfCareForNigerians
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