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Gaya

What
goes through your mind on days when you return from a stressful day at work
feeling all drained? Days when you can’t be bothered to do anything
constructive due to exhaustion from the hustle of the day under this Hot
Nigerian sun. Out of nowhere, you hear the rumble of thunder and see the clouds
gathering outside. It starts to rain, and immediately you feel the cool breeze,
and your muscles just relax on their own accord. You contemplate going out for
a quick spin in the rain, but you live in a shared apartment, and your
neighbor's grandma is around and won’t take lightly the way your clothes will
stick to your body and become see-through. You settle for watching the
raindrops from your window instead, as real life in Nigeria isn’t like the
movies you watch. Nonetheless, you find your spirits lifting as you watch the
rain with a cup of tea in hand, a book, or just your phone as you browse for
the latest happenings on Twitter.

The
rainy season is one of the four major seasons in Nigeria and starts in February
and ends sometime in October. Though the period of the rainy season differs
from North to South because the tropical maritime mass cannot cover the whole
country at the same time, In the peak of the rainy season anywhere, hardly a
day goes by without some showers from the heavens. These showers are a welcome
relief from the dry and hot weather, signal new life, and boost vegetation. It
can be very unpleasant if you are caught unprepared. The feeling of getting
drenched in an unprecedented downpour and having to walk on muddy roads with
your good shoes is quite irritating. For all its benefits, the rainy season
comes with a multitude of health concerns that you need to prepare for. Here
are a few tips to help you get through the rainy season while making the most
of it and enjoying yourself.

<b>Tip
1; Appropriate skincare and makeup</b>

The
weather has a major effect on the skin. The skin becomes either oilier or dryer
depending on the season so it is important to make a few adjustments every now
and then to your skincare routine. This season is characterized by a higher
humidity than the harmattan, you will need to wash your skin at least twice a
day with a mild cleanser. Then you ensure to use a good moisturizer that is
nontoxic to moisturize and wear sunscreen when stepping out irrespective of
apparent sunlight or not. As regards makeup, it is better to avoid oil-based makeup
and use waterproof or gel-based eyeliner, mineral-based foundation, and matte
lipstick. You can also choose to go natural or use minimal makeup this season
which is my personal favorite.

Caring
for the hair can be tricky in this season but it is still achievable to
maintain healthy hair. The high humidity in the rainy season can lead to itchy
scalp which you can soothe by washing your hair with a mild shampoo preferably
one with herbal ingredients that can combat dandruff and give the hair back its
luster then use a conditioner and massage with coconut oil. It is essential to
retain moisture in the hair so avoid the use of blow dryers which can over dry
the hair. You can use a towel or soft cotton cloth instead if you are unable to
wait for it to air dry. As for hairstyles that are suitable for the season, you
can rock any hairstyle of your choice as long as you can keep it dry from the
rain. Get cornrows or braids for easy maintenance since both are washable and
renewable. Avoid tight headwraps that will encourage your hair to retain too
much moisture. If you use wigs, then invest in quality wigs and try to avoid
weavons. This season calls for simplicity above all else in terms of hair as
you can hardly tell when you will be caught in a heavy downpour and get your
hair all wet. 

With
rainfall comes stagnant water. Stagnant water can in turn breed mosquitoes and
cause malaria so ensure there is no stagnant water around and make good use of
mosquito repellants or mosquito nets. Unclog all your drainages and gutters. If
you get caught in the rain, remember to bathe with a disinfectant to rid you of
any microorganisms you might have come in contact with. Other common diseases
in this season are cold, catarrh, and waterborne diseases like cholera and
diarrhea. So, ensure to check the safety of the water you consume. As for food,
avoid buying street food that comes from places with questionable hygiene. Make
sure to wash thoroughly the fresh food and fruits you buy before consumption.

There
is a rise in microbes this season which requires that you consume food that
will boost your immune system. One of the ways to boost the immune system is by
consuming lots of vitamin C which is present in many foods like green peppers,
orange, and pineapples. Vitamin C also helps to speed up recovery from a cold
virus. This is the perfect season to consume pepper soup which is rich in fresh
ingredients like fish, peppers, and vegetables for the taste, warmth, and
health benefits.

The
roads whether tarred or untarred can be hazardous in this season so it is
important to be cautious when moving. Get your cars ready this season, check
your tires, wipers and the car’s electric system as driving in the rain can put
a lot of strain on the car alternator and battery. For untarred roads, you
stand the risk of slipping when walking if you don’t use the appropriate
footwear.

One
way to rock in this rainy season is to make sure you are never caught unawares.
Always move with an umbrella as most times the rain doesn’t give heads up
before falling. Make sure to get yourself some waterproof footwears that have
good grips and a raincoat for complete coverage. You also need waterproof bags
as you won’t like to get those important documents all drenched. My fellow
ladies, an important thing you can do without this season is a shower cap to
protect your well-made hair.

<b>Tip
7; Indoor games and activities</b>

Is
there a better weather to Netflix and chill? Keep yourself entertained indoors
with books, board games, and movies if the rain decides to ruin your outing
plans.

So,
you see, you can glow, flex and chill this rainy season just by adhering to the
tips I listed above. The rainy season can be messy and hazardous but it is also
beautiful and romantic. If you forgot any of these steps, it is not too late as
we are still in the peak of the rainy season. We are Nigerians who can adapt to
snow and sub-zero weather conditions. So, surviving the rainy season should be
a walk in the park.

Discover a comprehensive guide to thriving this rainy season.

read more