In Nigeria, we don't have four seasons like some other countries. We have the dry season, rainy season, and harmattan. Each of them comes with its own problems, but harmattan is one season that can be uncomfortable for me.
I like the cool weather in the morning. Sometimes, it feels good to wake up without sweating or feeling too hot, but the problem starts when the dry air and dust become too much.
During this season my skin usually become very dry, and my lips are not left out. Sometimes, I have to apply cream more often than usual. If I forget my lip balm, I will soon remember why I need it. It can be annoying when my lips start peeling, especially when I haven't done anything to cause it.
Another thing I don't enjoy about this season is the dust. You can clean your room today, and before you know it, dust has settled on the furniture again. It can be annoying because you have to keep cleaning. Sometimes, I wonder why I even bothered cleaning in the first place. Even though the breezy atmosphere makes clothes to dry quickly, it also make the same clothes dusty quickly.
Apart from the dust and dry skin, I also tend to have catarrh during harmattan. This is one of the things I dislike most about the season. I may wake up in the morning with a blocked nose or start sneezing, and it can make me uncomfortable throughout the day. Sometimes, I have to keep a handkerchief close to me because I never know when it will be needed. The cold mornings and dusty air can make things worse, so I try to take care of myself during this period.
The cold mornings can also make getting out of bed difficult. There are days when all I want to do is stay under my blanket for a little longer. Leaving the comfort of my bed to prepare for the day's activities is not always easy, but when there are things to do, especially on a working day, I have no choice but to get up.
To make the season easier for me, I try to drink enough water and apply cream to keep my skin from getting too dry. I also use lip balm when necessary and try to keep my room clean. When the dust becomes too much, I make sure to clean the surfaces around me. I also try to dress properly in the morning so that the cold doesn't affect me too much.
Even with all these problems, I still enjoy the cool breeze that comes with Harmattan. I just wish the dust and dry air would reduce a little. It would be a much better season if I could enjoy the cool weather without dealing with dry skin, cracked lips, and catarrh.
Honestly, I don't think there is any season without its own stress. And as for how I manage this season, I always have to find ways to manage whatever comes with it by always going out with my cream, lip balm and of course my handkerchief. For now, I will keep doing my best to enjoy the good side of harmattan while dealing with the parts I don't like.
Image by Google Gemini.