Life moves at full speed. One minute you’re chasing a deadline, the next you’re navigating traffic, replying to group chats, checking in on family, running a business, or shuttling between classes and meetings. It’s a lot. And in the middle of all this motion, there’s a quiet truth we often ignore: We all need to rest.
Not the “pretend rest” where you scroll endlessly on your phone while telling yourself you’re taking a break. Not just sleep to keep burnout at bay. We mean real, intentional rest; the kind that nourishes not just your mind, but your body too.
But here’s the thing, in our Nigerian hustle culture, rest can feel like a guilty pleasure. Many of us grew up hearing things like, “You can sleep when you’re successful,” or “Hard work never kills anyone.” Resting is often mistaken for laziness. But we’ve got news: resting is not laziness; it’s wisdom.
And here’s something even more surprising: the way you rest might actually begin with what’s on your plate.
Yes, we’re talking about protein. Wait; protein? For rest?
Most people hear “protein” and instantly think of gym bros, six-packs, and bodybuilding. But there’s so much more to it. Protein isn’t just about gains or performance. It’s a quiet helper behind the scenes; working to repair muscles, regulate hormones, and restore energy levels. In other words, it helps your body bounce back from stress, even the kind you can’t see.
Think of it like this: You’ve had a mentally exhausting week. You finally get a moment to yourself. You light a candle, play your favourite playlist, maybe slip into something comfy. That’s great. But now imagine pairing that vibe with something your body actually needs; like a chilled cup of Greek yogurt topped with berries. Or a banana-peanut butter smoothie while you watch your favourite series. That’s not just relaxation; that’s recovery.
Do you have kids? Make family movie night more nourishing with protein-rich treats; smoothies over soda, grilled chicken skewers over sugary snacks. Studying or working late? Instead of reaching for another biscuit, try boiled eggs or some nuts to keep your focus sharp and energy steady.
It’s the small switches that make a big difference. Because true wellness isn’t about extremes; it’s about intention. Choosing protein in your downtime doesn’t mean you’re trying to bulk up. It means you understand your body needs more than rest. It needs rebuilding, refuelling, and resilience.
So, the next time you slow down, don’t just sleep, refuel. Add a little protein to your peace. You’ll be surprised how much better your body feels when your plate is part of the reset. Because relaxation shouldn’t just feel good. It should do good too.
How protein helps your relaxation, ensures resilience
