As the festive rush of December fades, the first weekend of 2026 presents a quiet opportunity for Nigerians to reset. This period, arriving on January 3, 2026, is not for pressure or grand resolutions but for gentle reflection and setting a calm, intentional pace for the months ahead. Authored by Musa Adekunle, this guide focuses on practical steps to ease into the new year through mindful choices about places, food, media, and personal focus.
Finding Calm Spaces in Lagos for Reflection
You cannot slow down time, but you can choose to slow yourself. The initial days of January are ideal for light planning and reflection. This could involve reviewing finances, noting lessons from the past year, or simply deciding on personal priorities. For this process, quiet environments are essential. Crowded venues can be distracting, while calm spaces foster the clarity that develops over time.
Consider visiting locations that encourage peaceful thought. In Lagos, several spots are perfect for this contemplative start:
- Lekki Conservation Centre for nature and quiet walks.
- The National Museum in Onikan, especially during the less crowded morning hours.
- Nike Art Gallery during off-peak times.
- Terra Kulture, which combines books, art, and a relaxed dining experience.
- Low-key cafes in areas like Ikoyi or Yaba.
You don't need to travel far to feel rested. A short staycation or day visit can effectively signal a calmer pace for the year. Options like the Federal Palace Hotel, with its waterfront views, or the serene outdoor environment of Lakowe Lakes, offer a quick reset from city noise and traffic.
Nourishing Body and Mind in January
After December's indulgences, January eating should feel balanced and sustainable, not restrictive. Focus on meals that help the body settle back into routine: light soups, grilled proteins, simple dishes, fruits, smoothies, and tea. Several restaurants in Lagos make these choices easy, including Haven 11, Rapa Nui, Hunger Games, Spotlight Hub, and Prive by Nest.
A gentle start to the year also applies to entertainment and learning. It's a perfect time to catch up on films and series without the pressure of trends. For relaxed viewing, consider Nigerian films like Where Love Lives by Bimbo Ademoye and A Bride for the Season by Omoni Oboli. For cinema outings, titles such as Behind The Scenes, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Colours of Fire cater to different moods.
Podcasts can provide clarity and inspiration through honest conversations. Notable shows to start the year include Diary of a CEO for candid interviews, The School of Greatness for practical ideas on life and business, and thought-provoking options like Colin and Samir, Modern Wisdom, and The Game with Alex Hormozi.
Books also offer a powerful way to set the year's tone. For personal development, consider The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Build, Don't Talk by Raj Shamani, and The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu. For fiction and cultural reflection, Nigerian titles like Be(com)ing Nigerian by Elnathan John, Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku, and The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are excellent choices.
Setting a Sustainable Rhythm for 2026
There is no need to launch into intense fitness regimes immediately. The goal for the first weekend is gentle movement—walking, stretching, yoga, or short beach walks—to stay active without exhaustion. This approach sets a healthier rhythm, as a sedentary lifestyle increases risks for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
Perhaps the most crucial advice is to choose one clear focus for the year instead of a long list of resolutions. This focus could be financial stability, career advancement, family time, work-life balance, or better rest. Part of maintaining this focus involves learning to say no, which reduces distractions and creates space for what truly matters. A year transforms not through one grand gesture but through small, repeated decisions made with clarity.
By embracing calm spaces, mindful consumption, gentle activity, and a singular focus, you can ease into 2026 with intention, allowing the year to unfold naturally and purposefully.
