Seunfunmi Joshua
The ember months are upon us once again—a special season in Nigeria marked by joy, anticipation, and the festive spirit leading up to Christmas. These months are filled with expectation, fulfilment, and hope, but they also bring a unique set of responsibilities as the year draws to a close. Unfortunately, the current situation in Nigeria has turned what should be a time of anticipation into a period of concern and reflection.
In today’s blog, we’ll discuss seven essential tips for navigating the ember months in a time like this.
- Budgeting:
The ember months come with a lot of joy, happiness, and celebration as the Christmas season approaches. But with celebration comes financial strain if mismanaged. To avoid this strain, create a budget for the holiday season. Start by recording your everyday expenses to better understand where your money is going. Then, create a realistic budget for holiday expenses and prioritize your purchases. Take advantage of any sales or promotions that you see so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your holidays.
- Reflect on Previous Goals:
Before you go ahead and set new goals, reflect on your previous goals and ask yourself questions like: What goals did I set this year? Have I been able to achieve those goals? What goals did I struggle with? What obstacles did I face? Reflecting on your past goals helps you identify areas for improvement, learn from your experiences, and build a stronger foundation for future success.
- Set Goals for the Ember Month
As we enter the ember months, take the time to set realistic goals for the year’s end. Set personal goals, relationship goals, financial goals, and professional goals. Identify your goals and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused, maintain momentum, and make consistent progress toward your objectives.
- Prioritize Your Safety
While the ember months in Nigeria are a happy time for many, they are also a critical period for increased caution. During this time, there tends to be an increase in opportunistic activities as some individuals take advantage of the busy season. It’s important to stay vigilant and prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time during these months. Stay informed, be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling at night, and use reputable means of transportation when traveling. Your safety should always be a top priority.
- Prepare for Emergency Situations
Stock up on non-perishable foods, bottled water, and first-aid supplies. Having an emergency pack on hand can be extremely useful in unforeseen events like fuel shortages, strikes, or severe weather conditions.
- Fuel Management
Fuel scarcity and price hikes are common in Nigeria during the ember months. Keep your car’s petrol tank full at all times to avoid last-minute problems, and try to get fuel ahead of time. If you rely on generators, ensure you have adequate fuel stored safely to prevent power outages.
- Prioritize Your Self-Care
The ember months can be emotionally draining, especially with Nigeria’s economic and safety issues. Take care of yourself by making time for rest, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring you happiness and calm. Don’t let the country’s challenges dictate how you live—live within your means and avoid overstretching yourself.
Final Thoughts
It is important that we put our health, safety, and financial security first as we move through Nigeria in this ember month. Despite the difficulties, we should make the most of this season and remember to make deliberate, informed, and focused decisions.
Happy New Month!
