My name is Nana Amoako-Anin (@nanaamoakoanin) and I am a wellness entrepreneur/life coach/business strategist and advisor, who spent much of my career in law and business in the U.S.. I am the owner of Bliss Yoga Accra Studio (@blissyogaaccra). I live in Accra, Ghana.
How have yoga and other wellbeing activities impacted my mental health whilst living in Accra?
I moved back home to Ghana about 8 years ago, after spending most of my adult life in the U.S., namely New York City. I was inspired to open my yoga studio Bliss Yoga Accra, as an outlet to channel balance for myself and all the good people in Ghana. Living in Ghana is exciting and heart warming but it can pose its challenges, as life is not always predictable. Bliss Yoga Accra has become a haven for me. It’s where I feel the most centered.
What are my favourite ways to maintain mental sanity during uncertain seasons?
In uncertain seasons, meditation is a special tool one can use to calm the mind. We are all faced with thought patterns, that in stressful times can overwhelm us. Overcoming negative thought patterns is where the work lies.
What advice would I give to the cosmopolitan African looking to incorporate wellbeing focused habits into their lifestyle?
Start slow. At home you have the opportunity to carve out time and space to gradually get into the habit of pursuing self care. Whether it is yoga or meditation, I always remind people that it takes about 30 days to get into a rhythm. So pace yourself.
What role will wellbeing and mental wellness play in an African context in five years time?
It has changed, we are seeing so much growth in wellness in Africa. People are “tuning” in. When Bliss Yoga Accra first opened, we welcomed about 50 members over the first few months, that number grew eight years later to close to 800. It’s encouraging how this space is evolving.
