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Even if you haven’t made specific resolutions, this can be a good month to take stock of where you are and where you want to be.
However, it might be easier to make smaller habit changes slowly rather than trying and failing to keep up with unrealistic expectations.
Be kind to yourself and listen to your body so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Big changes can come from just from taking small, consistent steps.
Whatever your hopes for the year - whether it’s increasing your fitness, improving your eating habits, reducing alcohol intake, smoking less or connecting with others more - expert, non-judgmental, friendly advice and support can be found from our Better Health North Somerset team.
Move more
Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.
It can be as easy as taking a 10-minute lunchtime walk, using the stairs more or walking to a bus stop instead of getting in a car.
A brisk walk outside can boost both our physical and mental health, as the fresh air can help the blood circulate and refocus our minds.
Free health walks take place across the area and welcome more than 300 regular walkers every week.
If you’d prefer to try a new hobby or start a new class, our active directory includes clubs, groups and activities across North Somerset.
All abilities are supported and they’re a great way to improve at a pace that suits you.
ParkPlay sessions in North Somerset are enhancing the power of play to build happier, healthier communities.
Two-hour sessions take place every Saturday morning with a variety of games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
It’s a free, safe, welcoming and inclusive way to connect and have fun.
Sessions currently take place every Saturday from 9.30am-11am at Castle Batch green space in Worle, Weston-super-Mare, and from 10am-11.30am at Merlin Park, Portishead.
Drink less and live more
Reducing your alcohol intake can bring immediate and long-term benefits to your health, wellbeing and daily life.
It can help you feel better, by improving your sleep, boosting your energy and helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Drinking less also reduces the risk of serious conditions such as liver disease, heart problems and cancers, while supporting better mental health by reducing feelings of anxiety and low mood.
It could also lead to fewer accidents, injuries and decisions you might regret.
Dry January is more than half way through so well done to all taking part.
If the thought of a whole dry month is too challenging, how about having more alcohol-free days each week or swapping to lower-strength drinks?
Mocktails can be refreshing cocktail alternatives and there is a now a wide range of no or low alcohol beers and ales.
Practical tips, tools, and information to reduce alcohol consumption can be found on the Drink Aware website, the NHS website, and through apps such as Drink Free Days.
Confidential support is also available through charities and organisations such as With You, Adfam and Alcoholics Anonymous UK.
Quit smoking for good
Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health – and it’s never too late to try.
Even if you've tried many times before, never give up on giving up.
When you stop smoking, there are almost immediate health and financial benefits, with an average saving of £2,500 a year.
You're more likely to succeed with support. Our stop smoking team know how hard it is to quit and they’ll help you find the best way to kick the habit for good.
Telephone support is available or visit one of the regular drop-in sessions. They can also prescribe free stop smoking aids, saving you money on buying the products over the counter.
Contact the team through the website or call 01275 546 744.
Tips for a healthier lifestyle
Whether you would like support to lose weight, eat well, get active or stop smoking, friendly people across North Somerset are ready to help.
Our free Healthy Lifestyles Adviser service is tailored to your individual needs, giving you the best support over 12 weeks, whether that’s one-to-one or in group sessions.
To self-refer yourself for healthy lifestyles support, visit our Better Health website and click on the self-refer button at the top of the page.
If you would like to speak to a Healthy Lifestyles Advisor directly call 01934 427 661 to find out more.
Help to make workplaces healthy
Lots of us spend a significant amount of time at work so our workplace plays a key role in our health and wellbeing.
If you’re an employer or run a business in North Somerset you can access free tools and advice on a range of subjects through a free programme.
For a limited time only (until end of March), workplaces can set up free cardiovascular health checks for their employees.
To take part email healthyworkplaces@n-somerset.gov.uk