Gender
Simple but effective ways to de-stress
Being inactive can be stressful and frustrating sometimes, because the body requires a considerable amount of activeness to be able to function properly.
However, these unusual holidays (COVID-19) somehow brings less economic and academic work, but the home has become one of the ‘busiest’ places during this pandemic and it’s no secret that when children are ‘idle’ at home 24/7, stress is almost inevitable.
The Spectator Gender highlights some simple but effective ways for parents and guardians to de-stress.
Simple massages
One does not always require a masseur (a male who massages) or masseuse (a female who massages) to get a massage, train spouses to give simple massage to relieve stress and also boost the immune system; gently bend and rub the knees to ease tension in the joint; on the neck, hold your hands behind your head and make small, deep circles with your thumbs, and to release tension in your face, try rubbing your forehead and jaw with your fingers.
Take a tech time-out
It is always good time to be in 24/7 connection with people outside the home, workplace, school among other places but having the smart phone, laptops and other gadgets for communication make it hard to have some required level of peace. To release stress, unplug and pull away from the screen at least for few hours in the day.
Bath regularly
Having a warm bath can improve blood flow and is a very good way to keep you relaxed. Some research found that people who bathe on a regular basis feel less stressed and tired and even smile more. Bathing at least twice a day is also a helper in releasing stress. Another helpful trick is that during hot afternoons, a cold bath under shower, or simply using a bucket to pour water on your head downwards can ease tension and some headaches. Bathe right before bed and the rise and fall of your body temperature can also help you fall asleep.
Make a to-do-list
Being organised in several aspects of one’s life can be beneficial and also release stress. Make a simple list of daily, weekly and monthly “to-dos” and hang it in a visible place around the home. Doing this has many advantages including helping to meet deadlines and avoid last minute pressure of executing your work.
De-stress with music
Music has a soothing way of relaxing nerves; tune relaxing music has a direct effect on the nervous system. It slows the rate of heat beat and breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and signals your muscles to soften. When one needs to mentally feel relaxed, your best bet is to choose the music you love.
Have a nap
Having a short sleep helps in the de-stressing process. A short midday snooze can help lower tension and boost your mood. This is often beneficial to people who are unable to sleep for about seven hours, which is closest to the required amount of sleep the body needs.
Take a short nap for about an hour, find a quiet, dark place to close your eyes for 20 minutes and you’ll wake refreshed and more alert. Some people do not like afternoon nap for the fear of waking up “dazed” or “slow”. But having a short sleep can reduce the tendency of being slow.
By Portia Hutton-Mills
Gender
Parents urged to provide moral guidance to help children transition to adulthood
North Hill International School (NIS), a basic school situated at North Legon in Accra has held its 6th Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a call on parents and guardians to provide the needed moral guidance and support for children to become responsible and disciplined adults in society.
The Guest Speaker for the occasion, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State and Government Communication who made the call in a speech read on his behalf, said this stage was crucial for children to learn values that enable them become responsible members of the family unit, their immediate environment and the country at large.
Themed: “Discipline- The bridge between dreams and reality” the event saw 36 learners in total graduating comprising primary and lower secondary.
Master Vielung Kwadwo Bagbin, son of Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emerged overall best student.
Mr Ofosu said their formative stage was an age where good habits, behaviours and characters were built which lay a solid foundation for their lives.
In an address, the Principal of the School, Mrs Emma Coleman Opoku, said the school reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence as demonstrated by the outstanding performance of pupils in the 2025 Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations.
She described the outcome as result of tireless efforts from passionate teachers, the determination and diligence of pupils and the support of parents.
Over the years, she said, NIS has made remarkable strides in the Basic Education Certificate Examinations, consistently raising academic standards and producing outstanding results.
According to her, last year, the school recorded exceptional achievements including ten grade ones with two pupils attaining eight grade ones and another achieving six grade ones.
“Despite these successes, we have observed a decline in interest and enrollment in the GES curriculum,” she said.
The Principal indicated that, after careful examination and in light of current enrollment figures, the school has decided to suspend the GES curriculum temporarily.
On her part, the General Manager of the school, Mrs Bernice Adu Boateng, expressed gratitude to teachers for their dedication and professionalism and the invaluable role of parents which has brought the school thus far.
Come September, she said the school would roll out digital boards to complement the use of projectors and desktops in every classroom to infuse the use of technology to enhance facilitator-learner activities.
In a Global Perspective Project titled, “ Acting on Poverty and Inequality “, Year 7 pupils of the school raised an amount of GH₵17,530 to support the cause and donated used personal effects to Potter’s Village.
The Administrator and Human Resources Manager of the school, Mrs. Bertha Boamah Benin, expressed profound appreciation to companies and individuals that supported the event.
By Francis Cofie
Gender
Take control of your financial future …female students urged
Mrs. Janet Acheampong Otoo, Treasurer of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has urged young women to take control of their financial future by embracing literacy, confidence, and purposeful planning.
Speaking at the university’s Financial Literacy Summit over the weekend, she emphasized that “money is power” and that women must be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.
The summit, organised by the Student Representative Council, was held under the theme “Financial Fitness: Building wealth and securing your future.”
Mrs Acheampong Otoo explained that financial literacy was more than budgeting—”it encompasses saving, investing, and managing debt”.
However, she noted that many women still struggle due to a confidence gap that hinders their ability to create and follow effective financial plans.
“Financial independence is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to pursue your dreams,” she said. “As women, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute meaningfully to society and family life.”
She encouraged female students to attend workshops, read widely, and avoid impulsive spending on beauty and lifestyle. “Every financial decision should align with your long-term vision,” she added. “Believe in yourself. Lead the charge.”
Joining the conversation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sekyere South, Mr Evans Amo Twumasi, called financial literacy one of the most overlooked foundations in nation-building.
“In today’s world, the line between economic survival and financial freedom is drawn not by luck but by knowledge and discipline,” Mr Amo said. “Money may be finite, but knowledge is infinite—and financial discipline is the bridge between them.”
He stressed that financial fitness was not just about saving or spending, but understanding the value of a cedi, the cost of each decision, and the power of forward planning. With the right mindset and habits, he said, anyone can achieve economic resilience and long-term success.
Mr Amo urged students to embrace financial education as a tool for personal transformation and national progress. “The future does not belong to those who merely wish for wealth—it belongs to those who plan it, save it, and work for it,” he said.
He also called for policies that strengthen entrepreneurship and youth empowerment and encouraged students to respect money and use it with purpose.
Other speakers included Dr Evans Duah, Dr Prince Gyimah and Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, all lecturers at the University.
From Kingsley E. Hope
