A clinical psychologist at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital,  Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye has provided beneficial insights to how Nigerians could survive the current economic hardship to prevent health failure.

Speaking on your health and well-being, a virtual programme organised  by the Heritage Crew ‘ 91, Dr. Ajiboye presented a comprehensive approach on different aspects of human lifestyles that can affect Holistic Health of individuals.

Dr.  Ajiboye emphasized that after God, health should be the next priority for individuals. Highlighting the multifaceted nature of well-being, Dr. Ajiboye provided crucial insights on maintaining overall health, which include mental and emotional health, financial and social wellness, physical and spiritual wellness, and Intellectual and Occupational Wellness.

On how to achieve physical wellness, the psycho-social development health expert underscored the importance of starting each day rightly by taking timely breakfast , saying “Your body needs energy after fasting all night”.

“Breakfast should be eaten by 8 am at the latest. Eating well in the morning sets the tone for a healthy day.” Dr. Ajiboye advises.

Dr. Ajiboye who stressed that physical wellness is only a small part of overall well-being, identified Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and mental stimulation activities like playing games as very important to achieving wholeness.

He particularly enjoined those who are above 45years old to be conscious of  the lifestyles they practice,  noting that body system begins to undergo diminishing returns at that age. “Don’t bottle up your emotions. Maintain a balanced diet, hydrate regularly, limit processed foods, and avoid excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Exercise appropriately for your age and ensure you get enough sleep.” He counseled.

He  underscored the importance of joy for mental health, noting that losing one’s joy is akin to losing one’s mental health, as he described joy as a natural medicine for the body.

According to him, negative emotions like anger, anxiety, fear, worry, malice, and bitterness can burden individuals  emotionally and threaten their health. He recommended settling quarrels before sleep and practicing self-love to maintain a healthy emotional state.

Defining financial wellness as the ability to maintain a balanced financial status, he advised individuals to avoid overspending or spending on unnecessary things, in order to reduce financial burdens.

Social wellness, according to Dr. Ajiboye, is crucial, while highlighting the need to avoid social withdrawal, noting that social connectivity and interactions with colleagues, families and friends are vital for one’s health.

He maintained that continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for intellectual wellness. “Avoid low self-esteem by upgrading yourself regularly,” says Dr. Ajiboye. For occupational wellness, he advised against overworking. “Work will continue if you die. Practice work-life balance to avoid retiring into sickness.”

According to him, lots of evidence-based research indicated  strong relationship between spirituality and health, noting that those who are religious had been proven to enjoy certain confidence and faith in their religion that contribute to peace of mind for them.

Dr. Ajiboye referred to the scriptures to buttress the research, quoting passages in the Bible that says, “A merry heart does good like medicine, but a sad heart dries the bones. A sound heart is the light of the body.”

On Environmental Wellness,  he charged individuals to pay attention to their environment, noting that sane environment that is devoid of noise or any other activities that can affect one’s health is crucial in achieving Holistic Health wellness.

He advised on the need to utilize environmental laws, and ensure cleanliness in what we  eat and drink, and also address disturbances promptly.

The programme’s moderator,  Mr. Martin-Mary Falana informed that Heritage Crew ’91 is a group of students who finished from Annunciation School and St Louis Grammar School Ikere-Ekiti in 1991.

He said: “These like mind students came together to advance their physical and social wellbeing as well as giving back to their Alma maters.

“The group has embarked on numerous projects in the two schools, ranging from annual extra lessons in English Language and Mathematics for the SS3 students in preparation for the Senior Secondary School Examinations to annual cash prize to the top three students at all arms. Also, annual Heritage Trophy and cash prize for overall Inter-house Sports winner among other developmental initiative”.