How can I manage stress (Especially Lagos-induced stress)?

Living in Lagos, as a daunting challenge, could be synonymous to manoeuvring a tanker. Lagos is one of Nigeria’s smallest cities in size, but biggest in commercial and operational activities. Like New York, Lagos never sleeps, activities are always happening; they never stop. Traffic in Lagos could last for hours, regardless of where you work. It is popularly said that “Lagos traffic would not teach you patience, rather, madness”

Lagos stress has been responsible for making people lose inner connection, since everyday is a struggle and everyone is fighting for the best position for themselves, personal time has been a mirage. Practically everyone is frustrated and ready to vent aggression in Lagos, as a result of the stress inherent in the city.

You can manage your stress by

1. Living in the moment. You owe yourself a time out to enjoy your present moment, without bringing the hurt of the past and uncertainties of the future.
2. Accept things as they are. It is a norm to wish for better things, no one wants things to get ugly and bad. Do not try to change things because you do not accept them, change the things you derive joy in the process of learning new things. It does not mean you resign to fate when things happen to you, but reduce the stress you give yourself worrying over things you know too well you have no power over.
3. Exercise the power of visualisation. When stress of whatever source sets in, take a deep breath and take yourself on a rollercoaster of dreamland; dreaming while awake. Try to imagine positive things out of your bad days. Doing this often would help reduce your stress rate.
4. Practise helathy/mindful eating. Ensure you chew your food more than swallowing to reduce the workrate of your digestive tracts.
5. Take small steps. It is said that the journey of a thousand mile begins with a step. Do not try to overload yourself with too many steps. As much as you should succeed in your endeavors, pay close attention to the steps you take. Do not choke yourself with too many activities that might throw you off balance with time. So take it step-by-step.
6. End your day on a positive note. Do not make life difficult for you and others, this is enough stress. Endeavor, as much as possible, to end your day on a peaceful and positive note. Take time out to appreciate the people you have in your life and be thankful for everything.
7. Ease yourself off any distracting thought. Thoughts are guest with a temporary stay. Thoughts would cross your mind, choose carefully the ones you know might disturb you and take your mind off them.You have the power to diffuse or infuse thoughts crossing your mind-path.