We live in a world where access to adult content is just a click away, and it might seem harmless at first. 

But, the truth is, watching porn regularly can have a lasting impact on your brain and well-being. Many people don’t realise how deeply it can affect your thoughts, feelings, and overall mental health. 

Here, we’ll take a closer look at how porn influences the brain and why it’s important to understand its effects. You might have heard that it can be addictive, but what exactly does that mean for your brain? 

The brain’s reward system and porn

When you watch porn, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is referred to as the “feel-good” hormone. This is the same chemical your brain releases when you eat your favourite food, get a compliment, or experience pleasure. Dopamine encourages you to repeat those behaviours. 

In the case of porn, your brain starts to crave that rush of dopamine, and it becomes harder to stop. Over time, your brain may need more intense content to get the same “high,” leading you to seek out more extreme material. This is why some people end up watching porn more frequently, sometimes in an attempt to satisfy that constant craving for dopamine.

Addiction and tolerance: What happens next?

Just like with any addiction, your brain can develop a tolerance to the dopamine effects of porn. This means that, over time, you may not feel as much pleasure from watching the same type of content.

To experience the same high, you might find yourself watching more often or seeking out more extreme videos.

This cycle can become hard to break and may interfere with your daily life. Your brain’s reward system becomes hijacked, and your natural ability to enjoy other things, like spending time with family or focusing at work, can become more difficult.

ALSO READ: How to know if porn and masturbation is ruining your life

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

Emotional impact of porn on the brain

Porn can also affect your emotions and how you relate to others. It can lead to unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships, which may cause difficulties in real-life interactions

If you’ve been watching porn, you might notice that you start comparing real experiences to what you’ve seen online. This can cause you to have feelings of dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, or frustration in relationships. Sometimes, people might even feel ashamed or guilty for watching porn, which only adds to the emotional impact.

The impact on mental health

In some cases, excessive consumption of porn can contribute to anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal. This can happen because the brain gets used to the constant dopamine rush and struggles to feel good without it. 

It’s like your brain has become dependent on porn to feel pleasure. This can make it hard to enjoy other activities, or it can lead to a cycle of loneliness and isolation.

What can you do to break the cycle?

If you’ve recognised that porn is negatively affecting your life, there are steps you can take to break free from its grip. 

First, acknowledge that it’s okay to struggle with this, and seek support when you need it. Speaking to a therapist or joining a support group can be incredibly helpful. 

Engaging in healthier habits, like exercising, learning new hobbies, and building meaningful connections with others, can help your brain reset. Over time, your brain will recover and find new, healthier ways to release dopamine.

ALSO READ: 5 things you probably didn’t know about how porn is made

It’s that time of the year when we give props to the incredible women who are doing the most in every corner of the world. 

And today, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the most successful female influencers in Nigeria. If you’re scrolling through your Instagram or YouTube, chances are, you’ve come across some of these queens, and if you haven’t, it’s high time you did!

Ready to meet the ladies ruling the game? Let’s go!

1. Taaooma (Maryam Apaokagi)

If you don’t know Taaooma, are you even Nigerian? Taaooma is a name everyone in the comedy scene knows. With over 5 million followers on Instagram and 4.8 million on Facebook, she’s practically the queen of comedy in Nigeria. Her videos are relatable, funny, and definitely a reflection of Nigerian culture, especially when it comes to how African parents treat their children. 

Taaooma has gone from making funny videos in her room to becoming a top brand ambassador, earning major endorsement deals. She’s an icon, and there’s no stopping her.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Nigerian queens of luxury and the soft life

2. Kie Kie (Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori)

Kie Kie is another undeniable force in the entertainment world! This multi-talented star effortlessly blends fashion with comedy, creating a niche for herself that has resonated with Nigerians across the country.

With over 3 million Instagram followers and 2.6 million Facebook fans, Kie Kie is a true influencer in every sense of the word.

Plus, she’s a huge personality on TV, making waves as a host on popular shows. Kie Kie didn’t just stop at influencing; she’s also a brand in her own right.

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

3. Maraji (Gloria Oloruntobi)

What started as lip-syncing to Nigerian songs has now grown into a full-blown career in comedy.

With 1.5 million followers on Instagram and 114,000 fans on Facebook, Maraji is truly an influencer to reckon with. Her rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary, and she continues to entertain her audience with hilarious content. 

4. Toke Makinwa

Toke is a popular TV host, author, and social media personality. With over five million followers on Instagram, Toke has built a solid brand through years of hard work and consistency. She’s truly a force to be reckoned with. 

Toke is not just an influencer; she’s an inspiration to many young women who look up to her for business advice, self-love tips, and life lessons. From her popular talk show to her books, Toke’s influence stretches beyond social media, she’s become a household name.

ALSO READ: Top 5 most stylish Nigerian women who host podcasts

5. Laura Ikeji-Kanu

When it comes to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, Laura Ikeji-Kanu is the go-to queen. With millions of followers across her social media platforms, she has mastered the art of keeping it stylish and real. 

She’s not just a fashionista, though, Laura is a successful entrepreneur, running her own cosmetics line, LauraBeauty.

Laura’s appearance in the reality show, The Real Housewives of Lagos, only added more sparkle to her already glittering career. With her combination of beauty, brains, and business sense, Laura has carved a name for herself among Nigeria’s most powerful influencers.

6. Sisi Yemmie (Yemisi Sophie Odusanya)

Sisi Yemmie has been serving up some serious food vibes on YouTube with her SisiYemmieTV channel. This food and lifestyle blogger shows us how to make mouthwatering dishes! 

With over 1 million subscribers, Sisi Yemmie has made an impact in the Nigerian food space. But wait, that’s not all!

She’s also an expert in vlogging and lifestyle content, sharing her life with her followers, including the highs and lows of being a mom, wife, and entrepreneur. She’s built a brand that is as relatable as it is aspirational.

7. Temi Otedola

Temi Otedola is not only an influencer; she’s an actress and a fashion icon. With almost 2 million followers on Instagram, Temi has become a style icon for many young Nigerians.

She’s also the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, which has definitely earned her the “celebrity” status. 

But Temi doesn’t rely on her family’s name, she’s built a strong brand around her love for fashion and beauty. As an actress, she starred in the popular movie Citation, which received rave reviews. Temi Otedola is a blend of class, elegance, and talent, and she’s only just getting started.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerian women who have excelled in business and entrepreneurship

As we reach the 18th day of Ramadan, the blessed month is gradually drawing to a close, but there is still much to gain from the spiritual nourishment it provides. Each day of fasting brings an opportunity to reflect, grow closer to Allah, and strengthen our faith.

Fasting is not just a physical act but a spiritual exercise that purifies the soul and deepens our relationship with our Creator. Today, let us seek Allah’s guidance, reflect on our journey, and continue to increase our faith through prayers, duas, and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Ramadan day 18 prayers

A powerful prayer for today focuses on seeking strength, sincerity, and increased faith:

“O Allah, grant me the strength to remain steadfast in my fast, sincerity in my worship, and patience in my trials. Increase me in faith, purify my heart, and help me draw closer to You. Guide me to do what is pleasing to You, and keep me firm on the path of righteousness. Ameen.”

ALSO READ: What to eat and avoid when breaking your fast

Dua of the day

Dua is a means to communicate with Allah and seek His mercy. Here is a meaningful dua for the 18th day of Ramadan:

“اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمْسِكُونَ بِالْقُرْآنِ وَيَعْمَلُونَ بِهِ، وَقَرِّبْنِي فِيهِ مِنْ رَحْمَتِكَ وَغَفْرَانِكَ، وَاجْنِبْنِي فِيهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ وَفِتَنِهِ، بِمَرْحَمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.”

“O Allah, make me among those who hold fast to the Quran and act upon it. Draw me closer to Your mercy and forgiveness, and keep me safe from the whispers of Shaytan and his trials. O Most Merciful, accept my supplications. Ameen.”

Hadith of the day

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reminds us of the profound impact of good deeds and sincerity in Ramadan:

---

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hoping for Allah’s reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)

This hadith emphasizes that Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but also about genuine devotion, sincerity, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. It encourages us to continue fasting with the hope of receiving Allah’s mercy.

ALSO READ: Here are healthy practices you need for smooth Ramadan journey

Ramadan day 18 quotes

Let these words inspire and motivate you as you continue your Ramadan journey:

1. Quranic reflection:
   “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.” – (Quran 16:128)

2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
   “If you ask, ask Allah; and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” – (Tirmidhi)

3. Islamic scholar:
   “Ramadan is the month where the heart finds peace, the soul is revived, and the sins are forgiven.” – Imam Ibn Qayyim

As we reflect on our fast and continue our journey through Ramadan, let us strive to increase our faith and devotion to Allah. May our actions, prayers, and duas strengthen our connection to Him and purify our hearts.

May Allah accept our fasts, increase our faith, and grant us His mercy and blessings during this blessed month. Ameen.

Day 19 Tahajjud (Qiyamul Layl)

Tahajjud is a deeply powerful prayer that brings us closer to Allah, especially in the final ten days of Ramadan. It is a time when the heart is at peace, and our supplications are answered.

Allah mentions the importance of night prayer in Surah Al-Isra (17:79):

“And rise from sleep for prayer in the night, as an additional prayer for you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a praiseworthy position.”

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer (Tahajjud).” – (Sahih Muslim 1163)

As we prepare for another day of fasting, let us commit to observing Tahajjud on Day 19 and seek Allah’s mercy and blessings during this sacred time.

How to Perform Tahajjud:

• The best time for Tahajjud is in the last third of the night, before Suhoor.

• You may pray a minimum of two rakats and as many as 12 rakats, including Witr.

• After your rakats, make personal duas, asking for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance from Allah.

May Allah grant us the strength to wake up for Tahajjud, forgive our sins, and grant us the highest level of paradise. Ameen.

ALSO READ: What to do & what to avoid during the fasting month