Lifestyle

Beyond Spa Days: What Self-Care Looks Like Now

Published

10 months ago

12 July 2025

Not long ago, self-care was something people associated with indulgence. A face mask here, a long bath there, maybe a glass of wine and a playlist that made you feel like the main character. It was something you did on Sundays to reset before the chaos began again. But something’s shifted. These days, taking care of yourself doesn’t always look relaxing—or even enjoyable. Sometimes, it’s hard. Sometimes, it’s awkward. But it’s also more honest than ever.

For many people, self-care now means paying closer attention to what drains you—and choosing to step back, even if it’s uncomfortable. That could mean declining a group hangout because your energy’s shot. Or staying off your phone past 8 p.m. because you’re tired of bad news and dopamine loops. It’s noticing that you’re snapping more than usual, and asking why, instead of brushing it off as stress.

It’s also in the quiet routines that don’t make it to social media. Taking your meds every morning. Cooking enough food for the week because you know your future self will thank you. Booking a therapy session after putting it off for months. Tidying up—not to impress anyone—but because clutter makes it harder to think.

And there’s more nuance to it now. Resting doesn’t always mean lying on the couch all day. For some, it’s waking up early to walk before the streets get noisy. For others, it’s dropping a workout that used to feel good but now feels punishing. It’s adjusting—not quitting—when your body or brain tells you something’s off.

People are also learning that being constantly available isn’t sustainable. Ignoring texts for a while isn’t rude—it’s a boundary. Logging off isn’t lazy—it’s necessary. We’re not designed to be “on” all the time, and more people are beginning to live like that’s actually true.

Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore, and maybe it never was. For a new mother, it might be asking for help without feeling guilty. For a college student, it might be dropping a class they can’t mentally keep up with. For someone grieving, it might be just getting through the day with basic hygiene and food. It’s different, and that’s okay.

The idea that self-care has to be pretty or peaceful is fading. Sometimes it looks like letting go of people you’ve outgrown. Sometimes it’s admitting you’re not okay. These aren’t feel-good moments—but they are real, and they’re part of what care actually looks like.

So no, it’s not all candles and bathrobes anymore. And maybe that’s a good thing. Because self-care shouldn’t be something we earn after burnout. It should be something we build into our lives, day by day, even if it’s messy.

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Five New Spots Worth Visiting in Abuja

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Lifestyle

5 Restaurants in Abuja to Bookmark This Weekend.

Published

5 days ago

18 April 2026

Bridget Samuel

Ready for a weekend in Abuja?
Whether you’re planning a business lunch in Maitama, a weekend brunch, or a romantic dinner, the capital’s culinary map has never been more exciting. This weekend, we’re stepping away from the usual and diving into five spots that are currently influencing Abuja’s dining scene. These are locations you need to visit and take photographs when you get there.

BluCabana Restaurant & Cafe

Photo – Instagram

As you pull off Shehu Yar’adua Boulevard, the noise is replaced by the sight of swaying palm trees and the cool, blue-lit pool. This place has long been recognised as a staple of the Abuja lifestyle scene, not just for its food but on leisure dining experience. Whether you’re lounging poolside or stepping into their newly revamped indoor space, this spot gives that experience.

BluCubana has an international menu. Mediterranean and Continental cuisine, Lebanese-inspired dishes, are also included in the menu. If you’re visiting this weekend, their Hummus Shawarma or Mixed Grill Platter is a recommended dish. For that local twist on International food, BluCabana Pizza or Suya Fire Steak Sandwich is something you should try. Their service remains top-notch and attentive.

Saffron Cafe

Photo – Instagram

Located at Ajesa Street in a quiet corner of Wuse 2, the spot gives a relaxed cafe setting. Perfect for solo coffee dates and professional meetings. One of their features is the selection of pen-and-paper games on the tables. This is a good spot for breakfast. Their foreman breakfast (yam, plantains, and egg sauce) is a local staple. Saffron Cafe is also family-friendly.

City Creamy at No. 7 Cape Town Street.

Photo – Instagram

They specialise in creamy desserts, velvety textures and creative mix-ins. They have a variety of ice cream flavours from chocolate to fruity, loaded with toppings. City Creamy thick milkshakes and waffles are a popular choice. Their hot and crispy waffles are a dessert you can pair with a cold scoop of ice cream. The spot is located in Wuse Zone 4 and is known for quick service delivery. Their menu is affordable and consistent to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Grill City in Guzape

Photo – Instagram

One defining spot for the irresistible aroma of grilled meat for meat lovers. Situated by the ENL/GRP gate, the place is known for its view of the area and is easily accessible. Their Grilled Fish is their signature dish, well seasoned, moist on the inside and served with their signature spicy sauce. If you’re a fan of poultry, their smoky Grilled Chicken and Wings is a must-try. Whether you’re pairing your protein with spicy chips, fried plantain (dodo), or a side of jollof rice.

Cantina Restaurant

Photo – Instagram

Tucked away on Yedseram Street in Maitama. Cantina feels warmly welcoming. The setting is clean and calm, with lush greenery, and the floor-to-ceiling windows are flooded with natural light during the day. The outdoor seating area is popular for those who enjoy a garden-style seating. Their menu is stacked with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. From homemade pastas to their Seafood Platter, which are a popular dishes for seafood lovers. The restaurant has a wine cellar, curated to pair with their main dishes, creating a calm dining environment for lunch or long, wine-filled dinners. Their staff are professional, knowledgeable about the menu pairings, and attentive.

Whether you’re looking for a date spot or evening dining, these spots are worth visiting.

Lifestyle

Mr Eazi Leads DJ Cuppy Through a Private Wine Tasting

Published

3 weeks ago

4 April 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram

Mr Eazi and DJ Cuppy shared a fun moment recently when the artist sat down with his sister-in-law for an intimate outing with family that turned into a private wine tasting session for DJ Cuppy. In the video shared online, he took her through a full tasting session taking his time without rushing.

Photo: Instagram

Mr Eazi married Temi Otedola, DJ Cuppy’s younger sister, in August 2025, making him a part of the Otedola family. The two have had a working relationship for years, but this was a different kind of session altogether.

In the video, Mr Eazi introduced the wine as a Barolo, an Italian red wine from the Piedmont region that he describes as “the wine of the kings.” He tells Cuppy exactly what to do. “You need to just swirl it a little bit just so that the body can open up. Then you close your eyes and breathe it in,” he says. He then turns to her and asks, “Can you smell anything? tell me what you smell.” Cuppy leans forward, takes a sniff, and gives him an interesting answer. “I smell soil. I actually smell soil. But why can’t I taste it?” she asked. Mr Eazi explains it simply. “When you let the air pass through it, you start to feel the spiciness,” he tells her.

Photo: Instagram

The tasting was part of Temi Otedola’s 30th birthday trip to Spain. Temi celebrated with family including Mr Eazi, Nana Otedola and her sisters DJ Cuppy and Tolani Otedola. It was a quiet, private celebration with just the people she was closest with.

Between Temi’s 30th birthday and a wine lesson in Spain, the Otedola family clearly had a good time. And if this video is anything to go by, Cuppy might just be a wine person.

Lifestyle

Idia Aisien Opens Up About Heartbreak and Financial Betrayals

Published

2 months ago

9 March 2026

Ene Unazi

Photo credit: Instagram

During the episode, Idia revealed, ‘I used to spend money on guys. If they complained that their business wasn’t doing well, I would give them several million naira,’ she told Toke.

She explained that at the time, she was dating with the intention of marriage, believing early support would be reciprocated. “I believed that if you help a guy in the beginning, later when he’s better, he will help you in return, and if that’s how you treat him, he will eventually treat you,” she said.

Photo credit: Instagram

showing Idia struggling to hold back tears as she reflected on how giving financially in relationships left her feeling taken advantage of. Her candidness resonated with viewers, and prompted conversations about emotional and financial boundaries.

Fans commented on clips from the podcast on YouTube and Instagram. Many shared similar experiences, noting that it’s common to help partners financially early in relationships only to feel let down later. Some viewers expressed support for Idia’s honesty, saying the episode was a conversation we all needed, while others debated whether financial support should ever be given without a clear commitment.

Overall, viewers could relate to Idia’s openness, turning her personal story into a broader discussion on love, trust, and boundaries. By speaking openly with Toke Makinwa, Idia transformed a private hurt into a public discussion, highlighting that relationships can be challenging.