September 7, 2024 | 4:13 PM
Nigerian cultures are wealthy in artwork types similar to music, dance and storytelling that go far past leisure. They function highly effective instruments for bettering psychological well being, offering a solution to handle stress and reconnect with your self. Many Nigerians discover solace in these conventional artwork types and use them as a manner to deal with stress…
Nigerian cultures are wealthy in artwork types similar to music, dance and storytelling that go far past leisure. They function highly effective instruments for bettering psychological well being, offering a solution to handle stress and reconnect with your self.
Many Nigerians discover solace in these conventional artwork types and use them as a method to deal with the stresses of day by day life. Music, with its rhythmic beats and soulful melodies, gives a way of calm and luxury, whereas dance offers a bodily outlet for releasing stress and expressing feelings.
Storytelling, whether or not folktales or private, fosters a way of neighborhood and connection. It reminds folks that they don’t seem to be alone of their experiences.
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The therapeutic energy of music
When Pelumi, a younger skilled, feels harassed, she typically listens to conventional Nigerian music. The rhythmic beats and acquainted melodies assist her chill out and unwind.
For Ismail Obadimu, music resonates along with his feelings on a deeper stage. “My music selections are sometimes based mostly on my temper,” he tells Guardian Life. “I’m drawn to songs with significant lyrics, particularly older ones that talk on to the soul. Music for me is extra than simply leisure; it’s a reflection of my ideas and emotions.”
Peter Olatunji, one other music lover, shares an analogous opinion. “The music I take heed to defines me. I’m cautious concerning the songs I take heed to as a result of typically they have an effect on my temper. After I take heed to pleased music, I really feel pleased; once I take heed to motivational songs, I get motivated.”
Visible arts as remedy
For some, visible artwork is a soothing balm. Even a easy go to to a gallery could be transformative. “Though I’m not an artist myself, I discover gallery visits inspiring,” says artwork lover Chioma.
“The colours, intricate particulars, and thought-provoking themes at all times depart me feeling refreshed and renewed. It's like taking a journey by way of totally different worlds with out leaving the room.”
Adeshina Afeez, an area artist from Abeokuta, finds solace in portray. “After I really feel overwhelmed, I discover solace in portray. The colours and textures assist me categorical my feelings and discover a sense of steadiness.”
The facility of tales
Along with its leisure worth and fostering a way of neighborhood, storytelling serves as a strong psychological well being instrument. These tales are handed down from technology to technology, offering consolation and knowledge throughout tough instances.
“My grandmother used to inform us fairy tales each evening,” says Obadimu, a current graduate of the College of Lagos. “The tales taught me values similar to honesty, kindness and perseverance. Now, once I assume again, they supply a comforting escape from the challenges of day by day life, and assist me deal with stress and anxiousness. In addition they helped me perceive our tradition and heritage.”
Dance as an emotional launch
For Francis Nwabueze, a dancer from Imo State, dancing is a type of emotional launch and psychological rejuvenation.
“Dance has numerous psychological well being advantages,” he says. “It helps me scale back stress, anxiousness and melancholy by growing the manufacturing of endorphins, that are generally known as feel-good hormones. Mentally, dance is a strong instrument for emotional launch, self-expression and total psychological well being.”
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Coping mechanisms for psychological stress
In relation to methods to alleviate psychological stress, Dr. John Adenle, affiliate professor on the Division of Artistic Arts on the College of Lagos and fellow in artwork drugs, recommends actions similar to inventive arts, meditation and listening to music.
“A few of these actions are exterior and a few are inside. “It’s your thought that you’re going to work on, a type of meditation to be within the current.”
“As we get older, we should be childlike in some areas and have interaction in actions similar to sports activities, artwork, music or dance,” he suggested.
