The 2nd edition of the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit continued with a dynamic plenary session on September 25, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Centre, Ikeja. Focusing on the theme "Self-Care in the Workplace."

This insightful discussion was moderated by Mrs. Jennifer Okpalaeze, who emphasized that "self-care is beyond the corporate setting; it encompasses all aspects of our lives, influencing not only our work performance but our overall well-being."

The panel featured esteemed experts including Mr. Okere Patrick, Dr. Uchenna Anekwuonmye, and Pharm. Abayomi Onasanya, who extensively explored the importance of integrating self-care into workplace culture.

Dr. Uchenna Anekwuonmye highlighted the necessity of intentional health-conscious habits, whether working from home or in an office setting. "Looking at the workspace, many people face what we call the 'sitting disease,' which is prevalent in our daily routines. If you want to practice self-care, you must be intentional about your health.

It's important to get up every 20 minutes to alleviate back pain and improve circulation," she advised. Dr. Anekwuonmye further advocated for a balanced diet rich in whole fruits and plant-based foods, stressing that "nutrition accounts for 70% of maintaining good health."

She emphasized the significance of adequate sleep, revealing that "7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is essential for your body to repair itself," and encouraged fostering social connections in the workplace, urging participants to "enter a place with a smile and build good relationships."

Echoing these sentiments, Pharm. Abayomi Onasanya underscored the importance of proactive self-care in the workplace. "Self-care in a workplace is not just about being intentional; it’s about being proactive in managing productivity," he stated.

"Whether in corporate or non-corporate environments, one must recognize that improper sitting positions can lead to significant hazards affecting the spine and waist." Onasanya elaborated on the shared responsibility between management and employees, illustrating that "for self-care to be effective, there must be a balance in expectations.

Organizations must offer fair pay and recognize their employees to ensure a healthy work environment." He underscored the necessity of creating a workplace culture that encourages employees to approach leadership about their health challenges to prevent burnout and improve productivity.

Mr. Okere Patrick also contributed valuable insights into the habits essential for optimizing self-care. "Rest is a pivotal prevention of burnout," he declared, stressing the critical role of adequate downtime. "We have different layers of rest—daily, weekly, and even annual. People who forfeit their leave in exchange for money risk increasing their chances of non-communicable diseases." Patrick poignantly warned, "If you don’t rest, you will soon be laid to rest," highlighting the severe consequences of neglecting self-care routines.

The session culminated in an engaging Q&A segment where participants, including pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders, asked pressing questions related to incorporating self-care into organizational policies.

The plenary session not only provided robust discussions but also reinforced the overarching theme of the summit—prioritizing self-care as a fundamental component of overall health and wellness. As self-care continues to gain recognition in various sectors, the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit remains committed to fostering a culture that empowers individuals to take charge of their health in all aspects of life.