Whether it’s joining the gym and trimming your diet to ditch a few unwanted Christmas calories, starting a new hobby or just giving yourself some headspace, January is the perfect moment to shift attention to your personal wellbeing. It’s Mental Wellness Month and traditionally the time that many of us embark on new year’s resolutions, and Norfolk has plenty to tempt you. Pull on your trainers and make 2024 the year you make your health a priority!

Join Hunstanton’s premier private gym at Searles

If your #1 goal is fitness, it’s time to move your body, but before you invest in a bulky running machine, cross trainer and weights that take over your living space, check out Searles Leisure Club’s amazing Gym & Swim offer. Starting at an incredible £175 for six months’ membership for one, or £275 for two, this brilliant package is ideal for kickstarting your fitness and boosting your mental and physical wellbeing.

The leisure club provides superb all-round facilities with aerobic and weight resistance equipment, free weights and toning apparatus and, once you’ve hit the gym, you can enjoy a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool before relaxing your muscles in the sauna or jacuzzi. The outdoor pool is also open from March to September if you prefer to take the plunge al fresco. Alternatively, if you want to give it a go and see how you get on, a one month membership costs just £35 (that’s probably less than your weekly cappuccino habit!), or £55 for two – why not make this your January gift to yourself!

Golf membership at Searles

Fresh air, beautiful surroundings and a chance to switch off from everyday life – there’s a reason so many players say a game of golf is the perfect escape. Psychologists have studied the effects of ‘green exercise’, including golf, and say that along with the cardiovascular benefits to boost heart health, this type of activity increases cognitive flexibility and creativity, proving that an afternoon at the driving range or a round on the green really is good for you.

Searles Golf Club (LINK TO https://searles.giftvoucherbrilliance.co.uk/category/searles-golf-club) is open daily to members and non-members of all playing abilities, weather depending, so whether you’ve always fancied giving the sport a go, want to brush up your swing or fancy a sociable get-together with friends without the festive nibbles, dust off your clubs and get your game on this January. Designed by Paul Searle, Searles Golf Club was established in 2000 as a links-style course and has already been noted by pros for its unexpected challenges, and the ‘pay and play’ 9-hole course is a fantastic way to see if golf is the one for you. Plus, if you’re ready to take your game to the next level, Searles’ resident PGA pro Ray Stocker can help improve your play. Start now and see how far you can get by spring!

Walks from Searles Leisure Resort, Norfolk

Nothing beats the healing powers of Mother Nature and studies show that being outside activates our parasympathetic nervous system, calming and improving our mood and reducing blood pressure. A long winter walk is a great way to counter the January blues and if you’re staying at Searles there are plenty of routes to choose from.

The coast is on your doorstep here, so cross the sea wall and turn left to walk the promenade to Heacham, an easy 2.5 miles with views over The Wash, or head right and follow the Norfolk Coast Path as far as your legs will carry you – it’s 84 miles to Hopton-on-Sea if you’re feeling energetic! The path connects with the Roman Peddars Way at Holme-next-the-Sea and the 46-mile road leads all the way to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk. For a shorter yet no less enjoyable circular walk, take the coast path to Old Hunstanton cliffs, take Lovers’ Lane and then follow the trail to Ringstead Downs.

Along the way, look and listen out for skeins of geese, starlings performing spectacular murmurations and tiny snow buntings darting the skies – winter is a fabulous time for birdwatching as thousands of migratory birds overwinter in Norfolk and the meditative effect of cosying up in a bird hide and watching them come and go is medicine for the mind. With nature reserves at Snettisham, Titchwell, Pensthorpe and Holkham, a day exploring the wetlands and reconnecting with nature is the perfect prescription for shaking off any winter weariness.

Spa treatments at Searles

After the Christmas rush, January offers a natural pause and opportunity to slow the pace. Whether your goal is to improve your fitness and detox your diet or to recharge your mind this month, once you have moved your body, why not reward yourself with a relaxing massage to unwind.

Proven to relieve stress and boost the immune system, studies show that massage releases endorphins which produces feelings of wellbeing and reduces cortisol, adrenalin and norepinephrine, the ‘fight or flight’ hormones which can create tension and anxiety in our body.

Searles’ Reflections Hair & Beauty Salon offers a wide range of treatments including Swedish massage to relieve tension, a customised Elemis deep tissue massage and hot stone massage. Alternatively, for maximum relaxation, the Elemis Absolute Spa Ritual offers a top to toe experience which is guaranteed to leave you totally blissed out.

Start 2024 by investing in the most important thing of all, your health and prepare mind, body and soul for your best year yet!