Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Lifestyles | Zikoko!
  • I’m convinced that youth is a thing of the mind; you can be young, yet feel quite old. It all depends on your lifestyle and how you take care of yourself.

    Whether you’d like to admit it or not, many things are going to change in your 20s – your body will change and your responsibilities to yourself and others will change. Relationships will grow and die, money stress becomes more real, and your life really becomes your responsibility.

    Although this decade can feel like you’re independent and consequence-free, how you spend your 20s will have a massive impact on the rest of your life.

    So, I’m going to give you seven highly underrated tips to help you maintain a balanced, inspired life.

    listen love

    Stop eating junk

    It’s so unfair, I know. When you can finally afford to eat all the junk you want and not be told off by your parents, you have to stop? Unfortunately, junk food only puts toxins in your body. The older you get, the slower your body can get rid of toxins.

    Try to include healthier food into your diet like fruits and vegetables. Looking young even while young takes work.

    Drink more water

    In your 20s, it’s very easy for your fluid options to start to range between coffee for energy, soft drinks for refreshment and alcohol for fun. Please don’t do this. Remember the toxins.

    Drinking one to two litres of water every day can help maintain your energy levels, improve your mood, prevent headaches, help with weight loss and better your skin. Take care of yourself.

    Exercise regularly

    The older you get, the harder it is to exercise. It’s easier shedding that extra Christmas 5kg than it is trying to lose an accumulated 20kg. Trust me, I know. The older you get, the slower your metabolism gets, and the harder you have to work to keep everything together.

    You don’t have to pass out at the gym; you just need to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine. Health is the most important thing.

    Get regular health checks

    Taking care of your health at this age cannot be overemphasized. Ít’ll make the rest of your life easier. Always remember to get medical and dental check-ups every once in a while. Your body is fully developed in your 20s, and so are your teeth.

    If you’re stuck with the same teeth for the rest of your life, you’re going to want to take care of them early, before repairing years of neglect becomes even more expensive. Same goes for your body.

    Protect yourr skin

    The gif above is literally what the sun does to your skin over time, regardless of your race. Your skin is not going to remain supple and wrinkle-free forever – especially if you don’t protect it.

    Use sunscreen, moisturise, drink water and mind your business – your glow is going to be insane.

    Read more books

    Reading is so essential for growth! It broadens your horizon and helps you think of things from a new perspective. Challenge yourself to read as many books as possible, even if it’s fiction.

    You can set a goal of one book a month. There’s a lot to be learned from them, and they’re fun.

    Set standards

    It’s important to use your 20s to learn about yourself and set standards. Whether from a relationship or job, it’s vital to know what you are willing to accept or tolerate, lest you fall victim to people that would end up doing nothing for you.

    Don’t settle; you have your whole life ahead of you.

    Have any other life hacks for twenty-somethings? Drop a comment or tweet us @zikokomag.

  • 15 Things Nigerians Who Live Abroad Can Relate To
    Almost every Nigerian that moves overseas either for school or work has faced most of these situations. It’s hard to admit but they are true.

    1. When you convert your salary to Naira

    Rich Gang. Money Squad!

    2. But then realize the amount you are left with after taxes and bills

    Well, let us thank God for life.

    3. And then you realize you are just working to pay bills

    Well there is light, fresh air, good food and good internet. All that matters.

    4. After you pay bills and you get a long WhatsApp text and you spot “Western Union” in it

    Not today please.

    5. When you hear the current exchange rate and its time to go for a brief visit to Nigeria

    We about to make it rain!

    6. When you are trying to do Nigerian bank transactions and they are being difficult

    What do you mean I should send my passport,  drivers license, utility bill, admission letter, left thumb and right eyeball so I can get ordinary ATM card?

    7. You consider moving back but remember that there are no jobs

    I don’t think it is entirely necessary to make that move.

    8. And you remember you may have to queue for fuel and fan yourself to sleep

    I think overseas is beginning to feel like home.

    9. When your non-African mates are always asking if they will be millionaires in Nigeria with $100/£100

    Are you serious? It’s not your fault. What an embarrassment.

    10. But then you have to console yourself that things will change soon

    Because it is okay to deceive oneself.

    11. When you were hoping for change but your president is only changing planes on various trips

    Oshey Mr. World Tour 2016. Gathering Frequent Flyer Miles.

    12. When people start asking “when are you returning”

    Excuse me, are you sending me away? My visa has not expired biko. They aren’t complaining about my presence in the abroad.

    13. Or you hear “come back home and change things”

    Hold on, let me get back to you on that issue.

    14. When you plan a ten-day trip home and your parents say “spend some more time”

    What do you know?

    15. When you are visiting Nigeria and everyone wants you to help bring “something small” back

    What do you mean PlayStation4, a TV and four car lights is “something small”???