- Soft life for a Nigerian isn’t always about money
- It’s about mindset, intention, and treating yourself with kindness daily
- Here are 8 ways you can pamper yourself as a Nigerian without spending too much
Between the hustle of 9-to-5 jobs, traffic, electricity issues, and the never-ending responsibilities of adulting, it's easy to forget that you deserve a break.
However, pampering yourself in Nigeria doesn’t require deep pockets, just intentionality.
You don’t need to spend thousands at a spa, book a flight to Zanzibar, or buy designer skincare to feel special.
In Nigeria, where the economy can sometimes test your sanity, pampering yourself on a budget is not only possible, it’s necessary.
Here’s how you can treat yourself like royalty without spending like one.
8 ways to pamper yourself on a budget
1. Have a home spa day
You don’t need to go to an expensive spa to feel refreshed. Turn your bathroom into your mini oasis with items you already have at home.
You can light a candle or spray your room with an air freshener, play soft music, and unwind like you're in a five-star spa.
2. Take a social media detox day
Unplugging from Instagram, X ( formerly Twitter), or TikTok for a day can work wonders for your mental space.
Instead of scrolling, spend that time journaling, reading, or simply lying on your bed doing absolutely nothing, guilt-free.
3. Have a movie or book marathon
If pampering yourself means chilling with your favourite Nollywood drama or diving into a good novel, go all in.
Whether it’s rewatching your best movies or binge-reading your books by your favourite authors, immersing yourself in a good story is the ultimate escape.
4. Cook or order your favourite meal (on a budget)
Cooking a delicious meal for yourself can be therapeutic. You don’t need to make jollof rice with goat meat unless you want to.
Even a simple plate of well-made noodles with fried plantain can feel like a treat.
And if you don't feel like cooking, many local vendors offer affordable dishes where you can treat yourself to something delicious without guilt.
5. Try low-cost beauty treats
Sometimes, a fresh hairstyle or mani-pedi is all you need to feel like a baddie again.
Looking good doesn’t always require MAC or Fenty. Your confidence is key.
6. Go for a walk or chill outdoors
There’s something relaxing about evening strolls when the sun is setting and the breeze is gentle. Visit a nearby park, waterfront, or even your street corner to sit and watch people.
If you live in places where there's access to natural scenery, take advantage. It's free therapy.
7. Create a vibe in your room
Rearrange your space, change your bedsheet, play some music, and just vibe. Light a candle, spray on your favourite perfume, or wear a nice outfit, just for you.
When your space feels peaceful, you feel pampered.
8. Say no and rest
One of the most underrated forms of self-care in Nigeria is simply saying "no."
No to that extra shift.
No to that event you’re too tired to attend.
No to stress.
20 ways you can romanticise your life
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 20 ways to romanticise your life to make every moment meaningful. Romanticising your life is centred mainly around finding joy, love, and peace within yourself. It is a way of celebrating yourself, making an ordinary day feel extraordinary, and making life more enjoyable.
They include reading a book, walking in nature, making a playlist, rearranging your space and others.