In recent years, the term “soft life” has become a buzzword on Nigerian social media. From TikTok skits to Instagram captions, everyone seems to be chasing this dreamy, stress-free lifestyle filled with luxury, travel, skincare routines, and weekly spa days. But in the chaos of Nigeria’s economic reality, one can’t help but ask: is soft life in Nigeria real, or is it just vibes and aesthetics?
Let’s talk about it.
What Does Soft Life Even Mean?
The “soft life” movement started as a gentle rebellion against the glorification of hustle culture. It’s about choosing ease over struggle, comfort over constant grind, and mental wellness over societal pressure. For some, it means earning money without burnout. For others, it’s about traveling the world, sipping wine in Lekki lounges, or running a remote tech job from the comfort of their air-conditioned apartment.
The soft life looks different for everyone but the common denominator is peace of mind and enjoyment.
The Nigerian Reality Check
Now, here’s where it gets tricky.
Fuel prices are rising.
Electricity is unreliable.
The cost of living is skyrocketing.
The Naira is doing MMA with the dollar.
In a country where the minimum wage barely covers transport and indomie, living a “soft” life can feel like a full-time hustle on its own. Most young Nigerians are navigating survival first before even thinking of spa dates and Maldives trips which was not the case previously.
So where exactly is this soft life hiding?
For Some, It’s Real
Let’s be honest. There are Nigerians actually living the soft life. They’re earning in dollars, they work remotely, and they’ve cracked the code of multiple income streams. Influencers, tech bros, creatives, and smart entrepreneurs have managed to create a version of this lifestyle through intentionality and strategy.
But even for these people, maintaining a soft life in Nigeria requires structure, discipline, and boundaries. It’s not always vibes, it’s a decision.
For Others, It’s Just Aesthetic Vibes
Unfortunately, some people are chasing the image of soft life more than the actual experience. They’re going broke for aesthetics, borrowing clothes for content, and faking it for clout. It’s easy to curate softness online, but offline, it’s far from rosy.
This performative version of soft life can create pressure and lead others to believe they’re not doing enough when in reality, they’re doing their best.
So, Is Soft Life in Nigeria Possible?
Yes but with context.
Soft life in Nigeria is not about pretending hardship doesn’t exist. It’s about finding moments of softness in a hard system. It might be:
- Saying no to toxic work culture.
- Prioritizing your mental health.
- Taking a break without guilt.
- Choosing peace over drama.
- Creating a lifestyle that brings you joy at your level.
You don’t have to travel to Zanzibar to live soft. Even making Sunday rice, watching Netflix with no generator noise, or taking a nap in peace is soft life for many people.
Redefining the Soft Life
At the end of the day, the soft life isn’t one-size-fits-all. In Nigeria, it might not always be luxurious, but it can be intentional.
The real soft life isn’t a trend, it’s a choice to live better, at your own pace, and within your means. And honestly, that’s more revolutionary than any Instagram post.
So, are you living soft or just vibing for the ‘Gram?
