Category: Lifestyle

“Improving physical activity, reducing sedentary time and ensuring quality sleep in young children will improve their physical, mental health and wellbeing, and help prevent childhood obesity and associated diseases later in life,” said Dr. Fiona Bull, WHO programme manager for surveillance and population-based prevention of noncommunicable diseases, when the new guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age were released in April 2019.

Experts at Harvard Medical School note that the goal is not to eliminate screens entirely but to create healthy boundaries that support a child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

{{1. Understand recommended screen time limits}}

Paediatricians from the American Academy of Paediatrics advise that children younger than two years should avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with family.

For children aged two to five, screen use should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality content, ideally co-viewed with a parent to help children understand and apply what they see. Older children and teens should also have limits to ensure screens do not replace sleep, physical activity, or real-life social interactions.

2. {{Model healthy screen habits yourself}}

According to psychologists at the American Psychological Association, children learn a great deal from observing their parents. Demonstrating healthy digital habits, yourself—like putting your phone away during meals or family conversations—sets a strong example. Parents who show balance and intentionality in their own screen use help children develop similar self-control.

{{3. Create screen-free zones and times
}}

Experts from Mayo Clinic recommend establishing clear boundaries around device use. Declaring certain areas like bedrooms or dining rooms as screen-free zones helps protect sleep and family connection.

Additionally, setting times when screens are turned off, such as during meals or an hour before bedtime, promotes better rest and stronger family bonds.

{{4. Choose high-quality content
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Media specialists from Common Sense Media suggest that not all screen time is created equal. Choosing educational, age-appropriate, and positive content is crucial.

Co-viewing programs or apps with your child allows you to discuss what they’re seeing, answer questions, and help them think critically about media messages.

{{5. Encourage alternative activities
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Harvard Medical School highlights that when children have engaging alternatives to screen time, it becomes easier to set limits. Encourage hobbies, outdoor play, reading, and creative activities. These pursuits not only reduce screen dependency but also support cognitive development, social skills, and emotional health.

{{6. Communicate openly about technology use
}}

Experts at the American Academy of Paediatrics advise parents to involve children in creating screen rules.

Having open discussions about why limits are important fosters cooperation and helps kids understand the benefits of moderation. Older children, especially teens, are more likely to respect guidelines when they feel heard and included in the decision-making process.

{{7. Use technology to manage technology
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Technology can help parents enforce healthy habits. Specialists from the National Institutes of Health note that many devices offer parental controls to limit usage times, block certain apps, or track screen time. These tools provide structure while giving children the chance to learn self-regulation skills gradually.

{{8. Watch for signs of problematic use
}}

Psychologists warn that excessive screen use can sometimes signal deeper issues like anxiety, loneliness, or stress.

Parents are encouraged to watch for signs such as irritability when screens are removed, declining school performance, or withdrawal from family and friends. If these occur, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional or counsellor.

Experts worldwide agree that screens are an inevitable part of modern childhood, but balance is crucial. Creating healthy habits around technology helps children enjoy its benefits without sacrificing sleep, learning, or relationships.

Parents who combine clear boundaries, quality content, and plenty of offline activities empower their children to grow up digitally savvy and emotionally healthy.

Supporting kids in managing their screen use is one of the most powerful ways to ensure their well-being and help them develop a balanced, fulfilling life both online and offline.

With the right techniques, even the smallest rooms can feel open, organised, and welcoming. From studio apartments to tiny bedrooms, design is less about size and more about smart solutions.

{{Use light colours to open up the space
}}

Designers at HGTV emphasise that light shades such as whites, soft greys, and pastels reflect more natural light, making a room appear larger and brighter. Darker colours absorb light, which can make walls feel like they’re closing in. Painting walls and ceilings in the same soft tones also creates a seamless look that visually expands the room.

{{Choose multifunctional furniture
}}

Experts from IKEA, a store that offers home furnishings and accessories to make customers’ living spaces more comfortable and stylish, recommend investing in furniture that serves more than one purpose.

Think of a bed with storage drawers underneath, a coffee table that lifts into a desk, or a bench that opens to reveal storage space. These pieces help reduce clutter without sacrificing function or comfort.

{{Maximise vertical space
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Interior decorators from Elle Décor highlight the value of vertical storage, especially in small homes. Tall bookshelves, hanging plants, and wall-mounted cabinets draw the eye upward, creating a feeling of spaciousness while also adding storage. Using hooks, floating shelves, or pegboards keeps the floor area free and functional.

{{Let in natural light and use mirrors
}}

According to design professionals from The Spruce, maximising natural light is one of the most effective ways to make a room feel open and airy. Avoid heavy curtains and instead opt for sheer fabrics or blinds. Placing a large mirror opposite a window reflects light and adds depth, creating the illusion of a bigger space.

{{Keep it clutter-free and organised
}}

Organisation is crucial in small spaces. The Container Store’s interior experts say that every item in a small room should have a “home.” Use labelled baskets, drawer dividers, and closet organisers to avoid clutter build-up. The less visible the mess there is, the more serene and spacious a room will feel.

{{Choose the right scale and layout
}}

As reported by Apartment Therapy, selecting appropriately sized furniture is key. Oversized sofas or bulky wardrobes overwhelm small rooms. Instead, opt for slim, streamlined pieces that suit the scale of the room. Furniture with legs also makes a space feel more open compared to pieces that sit flat on the floor.

{{Use rugs and lighting to define zones
}}

In studio apartments or open layouts, rugs and lighting can help define separate areas for sleeping, working, or relaxing. Interior stylists at House Beautiful recommend layering area rugs or using pendant lights to create visual boundaries without building physical walls. This approach improves flow and helps the space feel purposeful.

{{Keep decor minimal but meaningful
}}

Minimalism doesn’t mean empty. Designers from Dezeen suggest selecting a few meaningful art pieces, family photos, or souvenirs to decorate the space without overwhelming it. A curated and personal design approach adds warmth and personality while keeping things visually clean.

Living in a small space doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or beauty. With smart furniture choices, creative storage, and a thoughtful color palette, even the tiniest room can become a place of peace, function, and style.

Experts across the interior design world agree that great design is not about how much space you have, but how intentionally you use it. When every detail is chosen with care, small spaces can feel grand.

While many believe stress relief requires long breaks, vacations, or expensive therapy sessions, science tells us something powerful: just five minutes of the right activity can reset your nervous system and calm your mind. According to Harvard Medical School, short, intentional pauses throughout the day can significantly lower cortisol levels and boost mood, productivity, and mental clarity.

Whether you’re at your desk, in traffic, or on a crowded train, here’s how to bring your stress down, no equipment, no cost, no excuses.

{{Deep breathing
}}

According to the American Psychological Association, deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to interrupt the body’s stress response. In just five minutes, deep belly breathing can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and send a signal to the brain that it’s safe to relax.

Try this anywhere: sit or stand comfortably, place one hand on your belly, and inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds. Hold your breath for four more seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Repeat for five minutes, focusing only on your breath. This simple practice can bring immediate calm, even in the middle of chaos.

{{Grounding through the senses
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When your thoughts are spinning, grounding exercises help bring you back to the present. According to the Mayo Clinic, engaging your senses can disrupt anxious thoughts and regulate your emotional state.

One effective 5-minute method is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste or imagine tasting. This practice not only reduces stress but also trains your brain to focus mindfully, a technique often used in cognitive behavioural therapy.

{{Mini stretch or movement break
}}

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, gentle movement, even for a few minutes, can reduce muscular tension and boost endorphins, the brain’s natural stress fighters.

If you’ve been sitting for hours, stand up, roll your shoulders, gently twist your spine side to side, or stretch your arms overhead while taking deep breaths. These small actions increase circulation and release physical tension. If space allows, a quick walk or stair climb can also help reset your mood and sharpen focus.

{{Visualisation
}}

According to the Cleveland Clinic, visualisation, or guided imagery, is a proven technique for calming the nervous system. In just five minutes, imagining a peaceful place such as a beach, forest, or your favourite room can slow brain activity associated with stress.

To try it, close your eyes, breathe slowly, and mentally place yourself in a calming environment. Engage all your senses: feel the warmth, hear the sounds, notice the colours.
This mental “mini-vacation” helps reset your emotional state and is especially effective before meetings, exams, or sleep.

{{The science of micro-breaks}}

According to the University of California, Irvine, short, regular breaks during the day can reduce fatigue, improve focus, and prevent burnout. Even a five-minute pause every 60–90 minutes boosts cognitive performance and emotional regulation.

Stress doesn’t always come from major events; often it builds silently from small, unaddressed pressures. These micro-breaks serve as “pressure valves,” helping you stay mentally and emotionally balanced.

No matter how busy or overwhelming life feels, you always have five minutes, and that five minutes can make all the difference. Whether it’s deep breathing, grounding, stretching, or simply visualising a peaceful space, these practices are supported by science and used by professionals worldwide.

Stress relief isn’t a destination, it’s a daily habit. And with just five minutes at a time, you can build a calmer, clearer, more resilient version of yourself anytime, anywhere.

Far from being a fleeting trend, science increasingly supports the idea that eating more plant-based foods can boost energy levels and strengthen the immune system in profound ways.

A plant-based diet focuses on consuming foods derived mostly from plants, including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while limiting or avoiding animal products. Unlike a strict vegan diet, plant-based eating doesn’t always mean eliminating all animal products; rather, it emphasizes making plants the star of the plate.

When it comes to maintaining high energy levels, plant-based diets offer significant advantages. Plant foods are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of glucose, the body’s primary fuel. Unlike the energy spikes and crashes associated with sugary snacks or processed foods, whole plant foods help keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.

A 2023 report from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlighted that people following predominantly plant-based diets reported feeling more energetic and less fatigued than those consuming high amounts of red and processed meats.

Another reason for increased vitality is that plant foods are often less taxing for the body to digest. Meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are lighter and easier to metabolize, freeing up energy that might otherwise be used for heavy digestion.

Many plant-based meals also contain high water content, contributing to better hydration, a critical factor in feeling alert and energized.

Beyond energy, the benefits of plant-based eating extend powerfully to the immune system. Plants are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that help the body fight off infections and reduce inflammation. For example, vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, plays a well-known role in supporting the immune defence.

Additionally, fibre from plants supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly recognized as a central player in immune health. Researchers have found that about 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, and diets high in fibre can help maintain a balanced and diverse gut flora.

In the context of preventing chronic diseases, plant-based diets have been shown to lower the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. These chronic diseases can weaken immunity and sap energy levels, so adopting dietary habits that prevent them serves a dual purpose of maintaining health and vigour.

It’s important, however, to plan plant-based diets thoughtfully. Simply removing animal products without replacing them with nutritious plant foods can lead to gaps in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dietitians recommend ensuring a variety of plant proteins, including legumes, tofu, nuts, and seeds, while considering fortified foods or supplements when needed.

For many Rwandans and people across Africa, plant-based eating is already familiar territory, given traditional diets rich in beans, vegetables, and whole grains. Yet modern influences and urban lifestyles have increased the consumption of processed and animal-based products. Returning to a predominantly plant-focused plate might not only be a nod to heritage but also a crucial step toward healthier, more energized living.

As conversations about health, climate, and sustainability continue to grow, embracing more plant-based meals appears to be one of the simplest, most effective choices individuals can make for their bodies, communities, and the planet. Whether it’s enjoying a hearty vegetable stew, swapping meat for beans, or discovering new grains like quinoa or millet, the possibilities are endless and delicious.

In the journey toward better energy and stronger immunity, the humble power of plants is proving hard to ignore.

According to the World Health Organisation, adults need at least seven hours of quality sleep each night to function optimally, but millions fall short of this goal, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and a weakened immune system.

A few simple nighttime habits can significantly improve the way we sleep, helping us wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each morning. Here are a few to consider:

{{1. Create a consistent bedtime routine
}}

Creating a consistent bedtime routine is one of the most effective steps toward better sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

“Going to bed or waking up at the same time every day of the week helps your ability to fall asleep when you want to. Also, a regular schedule helps to sync your circadian rhythm, which dictates when you feel sleepy or awake,” the National Sleep Foundation advises.

{{2. Limit screen time before bed
}}

Limiting screen time before bed is another crucial habit. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to sleep. Experts recommend putting devices away at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime and opting for relaxing activities such as reading, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music instead.

{{3. Optimise your sleep environment
}}

The sleep environment itself plays a significant role in sleep quality. A cool, quiet, and dark bedroom helps signal to the body that it’s time to rest. Investing in comfortable bedding and minimising noise and light can create an atmosphere that promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. Even simple steps like using blackout curtains or a white noise machine can make a significant difference.

{{4. Watch what you eat and drink
}}

Another often-overlooked factor is food and drink. Heavy meals late in the evening can disrupt sleep, as can stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. The National Institutes of Health advises finishing dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime and avoiding caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon and evening.

{{5. Manage stress before bed
}}

Equally important is managing stress, which can be a significant barrier to restful sleep. Daily stressors often follow people into the night, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or writing in a journal can help calm the mind and prepare the body for rest.

{{6. Stay physically active during the day
}}

Physical activity during the day also contributes to better sleep. People who engage in regular exercise tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep cycles. However, vigorous workouts too close to bedtime may leave the body feeling too energised to rest, so it’s best to schedule intense exercise earlier in the day.

As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter this summer, many people notice their skin feeling drier, tighter, or less radiant. The good news is that keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during summer doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple changes to your routine can help you enjoy the season while maintaining your glow.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), maintaining proper skin hygiene, such as gentle cleansing and moisturising, is essential to protect your skin barrier and prevent dryness and irritation, especially during hot weather.

One of the most important things is staying hydrated from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water each day helps keep your skin supple and fresh. Including juicy fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and oranges in your diet can also boost hydration while providing vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy skin.

Switching your skincare products for the season can make a big difference. Heavy creams might feel too greasy in the heat, so many dermatologists recommend lighter, water-based moisturisers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera help your skin retain moisture without clogging pores or feeling sticky.

Of course, sunscreen is essential, even if you’re not spending hours at the beach. The sun’s rays can cause dryness, dark spots, and premature ageing. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects your skin from damage and keeps your complexion looking smooth and youthful. Remember to reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.

Hot weather and dust can also cause breakouts or make your skin feel grimy. Washing your face gently twice a day helps remove sweat, oil, and dirt. Choose a mild cleanser that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture, and avoid harsh scrubs that could cause irritation.

Don’t forget the small protective measures: wearing hats, sunglasses, or light scarves can shield your skin from excessive sun and dust exposure, helping prevent dryness and irritation.

Lastly, stress can often show up on your skin, causing breakouts or dullness. Take time to relax, sleep well, and enjoy activities you love. A calm mind can reflect in a healthier glow.

With just a few smart changes, your skin can stay soft, smooth, and radiant all summer long. Whether you’re working, travelling, or relaxing under the sun, taking a little time to care for your skin is an investment in your confidence and well-being.

Remember: your skin is with you for life—treat it with care, and it will thank you with a glow no filter can match.

Kenyan entrepreneur and former diplomat Hannah Ryder is at the forefront of this movement, leading efforts to spotlight designers who seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Her Africa Reimagined project aims to showcase African fashion that resonates with the diverse and evolving tastes of the Chinese market.

A striking example of this cultural fusion was seen at the expo, where Development Reimagined staff member and hanfu enthusiast Chen Huiyi paired a Rwandan-designed blouse with traditional Chinese hanfu. This combination reflects a shared vision of preserving cultural heritage by integrating it into everyday life.

“The best way to preserve traditional culture is to ‘wear it out’, letting more people see it and fusing it with daily life,” says Chen. “That’s also what our African designers hope to do.”

African designers who participated in the expo share this philosophy, aiming to introduce their cultures through fashion that bridges history and the present.

Designers from across Africa are actively entering the Chinese market, with ambitions to establish physical stores in addition to showcasing at major events. South African designer Thula Sindi, known for his AfricaRise stores in Johannesburg and Pretoria, sees a strong opportunity for mutual exchange.

“African businesses need to be in China the way Chinese businesses are in Africa,” Sindi said. He plans to open a store in Shanghai, viewing the city as a cosmopolitan gateway with efficient logistics for online shopping and delivery. For Sindi, the strategy is clear: African fashion competes not on trends or price, but on uniqueness, quality, and timeless appeal.

He believes African designs offer something special and enduring, perfectly aligned with the Chinese market’s evolving tastes.

Fellow South African designer David Tlale shares this vision and is actively exploring ways to expand his brand in China. He acknowledges the challenges of entering a new market, including protecting intellectual property and managing cost structures.

Nonetheless, he is enthusiastic about learning from China’s advanced textile technologies to enhance competitiveness. Tlale sees the growing Africa-China partnership as an opportunity for creative cross-pollination that benefits both fashion industries.

Ryder believes the diversity of the Chinese market is an ideal match for African luxury fashion. She highlights the appeal of African brands that emphasise sustainability, unique production methods, and distinctive fabrics.

As China’s consumer base grows wealthier and more sophisticated, demand for authentic and varied offerings is rising, and African designers are well-positioned to meet that demand.

Beyond individual consumers, growing interest from buyers and retailers suggests a promising future in which African fashion establishes a lasting presence in China.

This cultural blending through fashion represents a broader narrative of exchange and collaboration, where tradition is honoured, innovation is embraced, and new expressions emerge that speak to both heritage and the modern world.

Yet, as time passes, that intensity often diminishes, sometimes gradually, sometimes abruptly. Many interpret this shift as love slipping away, but in reality, the process is more intricate and hopeful than it appears.

{{The science behind changing emotions}}

Love’s initial euphoria is not just a poetic concept but a well-documented chemical phenomenon. The early stages of romance flood the brain with dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, creating a natural high similar to that induced by certain drugs.

This biochemical storm serves an evolutionary function, encouraging deep bonds between individuals while bypassing rational hesitations.

However, the brain cannot sustain this level of chemical intensity indefinitely. The heightened emotions that once felt intoxicating gradually stabilize. What was once an all-consuming passion shifts into a more sustainable emotional state.

This transition is often mistaken for falling out of love, but in reality, it is a necessary adaptation. Love does not disappear; it evolves into something more enduring and stable.

Another crucial factor is the familiarity paradox. In the beginning, everything about a partner is new and exciting. Their quirks, stories, and habits create a continuous stream of discoveries that stimulate dopamine release, reinforcing attraction and emotional engagement.

Over time, however, novelty gives way to predictability. The same qualities that once fascinated now become expected, and in some cases, taken for granted. The security of familiarity is comforting, but it can also diminish the sense of excitement and adventure that originally fueled passion.

{{Unspoken expectations and communication barriers}}

Every relationship carries an invisible rulebook, shaped by personal history, cultural norms, and past experiences. These unspoken expectations influence everything from emotional availability to household responsibilities, yet they are rarely discussed openly.

When reality fails to align with these internalized beliefs, frustration and disappointment take root. It is not necessarily love that fades but rather the disillusionment of unmet expectations accumulating over time.

Communication is often hailed as the solution to relationship struggles, yet it remains one of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a healthy connection. Expressing deep-seated fears, insecurities, or frustrations requires vulnerability, which becomes harder as relationships progress.

In the early stages, sharing personal thoughts feels exhilarating, but as emotional stakes increase, so does the fear of rejection or misunderstanding. When difficult conversations are avoided, emotional distance grows, creating the illusion of love fading when, in reality, it is simply buried beneath unresolved tension.

External pressures also play a significant role in the shifting dynamics of love. Early in a relationship, couples prioritize each other, rearranging schedules and making time for connection.

However, as responsibilities increase, careers, financial obligations, family duties, emotional and physical energy become stretched.

The effort once devoted to nurturing the relationship is often redirected toward managing life’s demands, leading to a perceived decline in love when it is actually an issue of attention and resource allocation.

Personal growth further complicates long-term relationships. No two individuals evolve at the same pace or in the same direction. Over time, differences in ambitions, values, or interests can create emotional distance.

What once felt like a shared journey can start to resemble parallel paths. This does not necessarily mean love has disappeared; rather, it requires a renewed commitment to understanding and adapting to each other’s evolving identities.

Finally, the balance between closeness and independence is essential for sustaining passion. Many couples, in pursuit of unity, unconsciously diminish the distinct identities that once attracted them to each other.

The loss of individuality can lead to a lack of intrigue, making the relationship feel stagnant. Maintaining a degree of separateness allows for continued discovery and rekindles the curiosity that first sparked attraction.

Understanding why love appears to fade provides the opportunity to approach relationships with greater awareness. The disappearance of infatuation does not signify the end of love but rather an invitation to nurture a deeper, more resilient connection.

By recognizing the natural evolution of emotions, addressing unspoken expectations, and fostering open communication, couples can move beyond the transient highs of early romance to build something truly enduring.

Now settled in Kigali, Rwanda, with his family, the former wide receiver is gearing up to open SZY, a high-end vegan restaurant, in May. His journey, from earning $8 million in America’s most bruising sport to crafting crispy mushroom sandwiches in East Africa, is as radical as it is inspiring.

Doctson opened up about his journey in a recent episode of The Long Form Podcast, recorded in his airy Kigali home.

Over a vegan meal of battered oyster mushrooms and eggplant “fish sticks,” he traced a path shaped by ambition, injury, and reinvention.

“This is my new team,” he said, nodding to his chef Jackson and staff. “I’m repeating my NFL drive—leadership, success, but with food.”

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Doctson grew up in a modest single-parent household, raised by a mother who stretched food stamps to feed him and his brother. A move to Texas in 1999 planted the seeds for his football ascent.

At Texas Christian University (TCU), his talent as a wide receiver caught the NFL’s eye, landing him a 22nd overall pick by the Redskins in 2016.

At 22, he signed a $8 million contract—$6 million after taxes—a windfall he barely understood.

“I texted my agent, ‘How much?’” he recalled. “I thought, ‘I can get fast food and a haircut!’”

But wealth brought complexity. With no financial literacy training, Doctson navigated requests from family—once lending $15,000 he never recouped—and a league culture that often leaves players broke post-career.

He invested in real estate, a move that spared him that fate, but the NFL’s physical toll was harder to dodge.

A rare Achilles arthritis sidelined him in his rookie year, followed by a 2019 concussion that still triggers migraines, forcing him to wear sunglasses indoors.

“I was a lab rat,” he said of the grueling treatments. “I wasn’t enjoying the money or life.”

Retirement came abruptly in 2021 when the Arizona Cardinals cut him mid-meeting. At 29, with a fiancé, Haley, and a son to anchor him, Doctson walked away.

“I switched it off, cold turkey,” he said. “I’d done enough.” It was Haley, met in 2018 during his darkest days, who helped him heal through travel—including trips to Rwanda that changed his life.

Rwanda first captivated Doctson in 2018. After George Floyd’s death and Covid’s chaos, America felt “unsafe” to him as a Black man. “Stepping off the plane here, I smelled clean air, saw my people, felt home,” he said.

By 2024, he’d relocated his family permanently, trading Doritos for a quieter, freer life. “Police don’t scare me here,” he added.

Veganism emerged as his next frontier. A meat-eater in the NFL—where he was fined for losing weight—Doctson turned plant-based in 2020, seeking health and recovery.

“My body rejects meat now,” he explained, likening its smell to tobacco smoke.

Self-taught via YouTube and inspired by vegan chef Todd Anderson, he mastered dishes like cashew cream-slathered slaw and seaweed-spiced eggplant. His kids, raised vegan, thrive on mushrooms and beans, though he’s open to them exploring meat later.

“I’m giving them tools for their path,” he said.

SZY vegan restaurant aims to bring that vision to Rwanda. Set behind KABC in Kigali, the restaurant will blend high-end dining with plant-based innovation—think honey mustard from Rwandan honey and coleslaw sans dairy.

“Food was a prison in the NFL,” Doctson reflected. “Veganism’s my challenge now—failure, then reward.”

Partnered with Anderson, he’s betting on Rwanda’s growing expat and health-conscious scene, despite its meat-rich traditions.

For Doctson, Rwanda is more than a business venture; it’s a legacy for his children.

“We chose here for safety—no shootings, no fear like in America,” he told the podcast, addressing his kids 20 years from now.

From NFL stardom to vegan visionary, Josh Doctson’s reinvention proves some plays are bigger than the field.

Watch the full interview on The Long Form Podcast below.

His burial in Aswan was in accordance with his personal wishes, as explicitly stated in his will. This decision was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in historical, religious, and familial significance, reinforcing Aswan’s profound connection to the Ismaili faith and Aga Khan IV’s legacy.

Aswan, a city in southern Egypt, holds immense historical importance for the Ismaili Muslim community. The region was once part of the Fatimid Caliphate, a Shia Ismaili dynasty that ruled vast territories from the 10th to the 12th centuries.

The Fatimids, who established Cairo and Al-Azhar University, played a significant role in shaping Ismaili doctrine and governance. Given this historical connection, Aswan remains a sacred location for Ismailis worldwide.

Aga Khan IV, throughout his lifetime, deeply valued the heritage and contributions of the Fatimid Caliphate to Ismaili thought and governance.

By choosing Aswan as his final resting place, he reinforced the spiritual and historical link between the present-day Ismaili community and its historical origins. This act serves as a reminder of the Ismaili faith’s longstanding presence in the region and its continuous influence on global Islamic culture.

Beyond its historical significance, Aswan also held deep personal and familial meaning for Aga Khan IV. His grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, who was instrumental in the modern development of the Ismaili community, is buried there alongside his wife, Begum Om Habibeh.

The choice to be buried near them reflects a strong familial connection and continuity of leadership within the Ismaili Imamat.

Aga Khan III was a prominent advocate for Muslim unity, education, and socio-economic development, and his contributions to the Ismaili community and the broader Muslim world were profound. Aga Khan IV carried forward this legacy by emphasizing modernization, social progress, and global philanthropy.

His burial near his grandfather and grandmother in Aswan symbolizes the continuation of their shared vision for the Ismaili community and acknowledges the historical role Aswan played in his family’s legacy.

Throughout his leadership, Aga Khan IV was known not only for his religious guidance but also for his extensive contributions to philanthropy, economic development, and global diplomacy.

His work, particularly in East Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, focused on improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

His investments in Africa, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), spanned over six decades, supporting numerous institutions and projects that transformed lives. His decision to be buried in Aswan may also reflect his appreciation for Egypt’s role as a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and the Islamic world.

Aswan, known for its serene beauty along the Nile, provides a peaceful resting place befitting a leader who dedicated his life to fostering harmony, development, and spiritual guidance.

Therefore, Aga Khan IV’s burial in Aswan, Egypt, was not a random choice but a deeply meaningful one.
It reflects the historical significance of the city to the Ismaili faith, its deep ties to his family, and his broader vision for a connected, progressive, and globally engaged Muslim community.

By resting in Aswan, he solidifies his legacy as a bridge between history and the future, between faith and modernity, and between his ancestors and future generations of Ismailis.