Everyone seems to agree that the economy is really hard on Nigerians right now. But, there is no doubt that it would be far worse if the poor economy combines with a poor health for any individual. And, what if there is a way to improve your personal health and economy together amid it all?
Thinking about this question, I was inspired to share a few tricks that can help Nigerians cope through the heavy stress of the economy by spending less while living healthier EVERYDAY. Because, you know what? This is the ugliest time to pay hospital bills or take a break from your hustles due to a bad health.
What are possible options you have for spending less money while even improving on your health on a daily basis? Here we go!
1. Walk To And/Or Fro Some Of Your Destinations
Late Dr. Leonie McSweeney, Image credit: Facebook
Then Ibadan-based nun and physician Dr. Leonie McSweeney recommended this in one of her books that I read once. For better health, she says, one can form the habit of not always driving or hopping on a bus or okada. Instead, one can walk to and/or from some destinations from time to time.
This measure makes sense when it's not an urgent situation you're dealing with. Alternatively, you can use a bicycle.
Now, I must say, while this is still valid as an opportunity for outdoor sports with its attendant perspiration and other health benefits, YOU CAN ALSO USE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE ON FUEL AND FARE, haha! Now, if anyone sees you trekking and tries to shame you for it, tell them that a medical doctor "prescribed" it for you. And that won't be a lie of course because, as I just said above, a Nigerian-based Irish medical missionary recommended it to everyone.
2. Form The Habit Of Going Totally Cashless Often
They've been telling us that going cashless is more environmentally friendly than handling cash. In case you don't understand this, let me explain it with a graphic illustration: every currency note that comes into your hand has been in circulation for some time. This is to say that all sorts of people in different kinds of environment have been touching that note.
For instance, if a COVID-19 patient had handled a currency note back in the days and the note came into your possession next, imagine the possibilities! And while you might argue that Covid is no longer here, it can also happen with cholera or any other disease. And these are just examples.
Just know that currency notes have a high probability of bearing and transmitting a wide range of disease-causing microbes. So learn to wash your hands anytime you handle cash before you eat or drink.
Now also, you can be sure that if you form the habit of going cashless often, your health could be better enhanced. And, apart from helping your physical health, it can also promote your economic health. See how...
Let's say you are 'legging it' across town as recommended on item 1 above👆 and you don't have any cash in your pocket, the chances of impulse spending would be zero. But if you carry your ATM card with you instead, the chances of spending only on the things that matter will be higher.
You can hardly understand how impulse buying destroys you until you learn how it puts people into debt traps. Now, you understand how going cashless can help you to control impulse buying, therefore making you spend less while improving your health status.
3. Become A Vegan Or A Vegetarian Even If Temporarily
A depiction of veganism, Image credit: Wikipedia
Do you know that you'd be far healthier - and therefore happier - if you consumed only plant-based food? Research after research has proved that beaf, chicken, egg, and even milk and fish are less healthy options than pods, cereals, tubers, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Now, if you heed this advice, you will not only save the money you'd have spent on the exorbitant animal-based food items, you're likely to also spend less on medicare. Beyond this, you'd feel healthier, happier, and therefore more economically productive.
NOTE: A Vegan abstains from animal-based foods completely while a vegetarian abstains only from food resulting from animal slaughter. So, while a vegetarian may not eat beef but may consume milk, a vegan consumes neither beef nor egg nor milk. Therefore, based on what you can manage, you can choose between veganism and vegetarianism. Practice either of these for a year or two and see if you have a better life or not.