The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Prof. Taiwo Obindo has emphasised the importance of resilience and positive stress management for Nigerians to cope with the nation’s challenges.
In an interview on Monday, Obindo stated that there were no shortcuts to success, likening it to the effort required to reach the top of a palm tree.
“We must accept that we need to go through some of these challenges to build a better Nigeria for our children,” he said.
While acknowledging the government’s challenges in cost-cutting, Obindo emphasised the importance of Nigerians taking proactive steps to reduce unnecessary household expenses.
“While encouraging the government to be more humane in the execution of its policies, Nigerians must also find legal ways to become more productive and create multiple streams of income,” he added.
Managing stress, according to Obindo, requires setting realistic expectations, sharing burdens with trusted individuals, and avoiding stress-inducing foods like coffee and chocolate.
He also recommended avoiding long periods of hunger, using humour to cope, and finding joy in everyday events.
Obindo further suggested practical steps to manage stress, including ensuring personal happiness in spite of difficult times and taking time for leisure.
He said regular exercise was also important, as it helped release pent-up psychic energy that, if accumulated, could lead to breaking points.
He also advised Nigerians to pick up hobbies such as bird-watching, gardening, or walking to provide a sense of relaxation and calm.
The World Health Organisation defines stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by difficult situations.
“Stress is a natural response that encourages us to address challenges, but how we manage stress greatly impacts our overall well-being.”
NAN
