Ways to Wellbeing

More than anything, a successful new year’s resolution is a positive change that improves our mental wellbeing. There are many routes to this outcome: reducing stress; following your ambition; learning new skills; treating yourself; helping others; and two simple, affordable and controllable ways to a happy new you: eating healthily, and connecting with nature.

Surrounding York are miles of wonderful nature – breathe in the countryside at the North York Moors and the sea air on the East Coast. But even in the city you can connect to the natural world through the flowers, plants and botanicals brought here by a couple of fabulous places. Wigginton Road Nurseries is a family business run by brothers Gary and Andrew who specialise in cut flowers and plants, hand-picked, fresh and high quality. For your everyday wellbeing or a special occasion, they’ll help you add colour and nature to your year. And why not accompany them with some natural candles? Born of Botanics is a beautiful shop on Stonegate that sells soaps, ointments and candles made from essential oils, plant extracts, beeswax, soya and coconut – adding to your new relaxation and reducing your old stress.

An equally popular resolution for the new year is to eat healthily. Putting nutrition inside you is easily done if you shop at one of York’s fresh food sellers. Amongst a few fine greengrocers across the city, Millie’s on Bishopthorpe Road is the longest serving, supplying quality fruit and veg to the people of York since 1918. Over a hundred years later, you can now buy from the friendly store or get delivered to your door – so there’s no excuse to break your resolution. Along the same street, M&K Butchers keep you shopping local and eating well, whilst on Newgate, Cross of York provide you with all the health benefits that fresh fish offers. Bringing it all together, the traders on the stalls at Shambles Market will feed your diet with everything your resolution promised.

Let’s Get Physical

It’s well known that in the month of January gyms fill up with folk keen to keep their new year’s resolution to exercise more. For some, it’s the start of a healthier active life, for others the motivation meanders and the membership ends. But don’t worry if that’s you, because there are plenty of enjoyable ways to get fit in York.

There aren’t many better places in the UK to cycle, so a new year’s resolution to get on your bike is a surefire success. With routes around the city centre and paths out into the suburbs and countryside, cycling around York is a practical and fun way to exercise – solo or with friends or family of all ages. And there are plenty of exceptional experts to equip you in this bike-friendly city: Cycle Heaven in Fulford is the largest cycling store in North Yorkshire, plus they have others conveniently located at York Station and Bishopthorpe Road. Independent favourite Cycleworks will help you select the right Mountain Bike, Commuter Bike or E-Bike. And Feather Cycles is run by cycling obsessive Ricky who makes fabulous bespoke custom bicycles for enthusiasts new and old.

Don’t just talk the talk about your resolution, walk the walk. And where better to get out on your feet than in this beautiful city? You can take in the unique sights and historic sites whilst getting your steps in on one of York’s wondrous walks. Notably, walk the city walls, where you can take a pace and distance to suit your fitness whilst enjoying the nooks and views of York, and also have the option of being guided along the circular walkway by Friends of York Walls or various tours.

For something new and different, try walking the walls a little more literally. Red Goat Climbing Company provides the facilities to walk vertically up a wall in a safe and friendly environment. Bouldering is an increasingly popular hobby which increases strength and fitness whilst having fun and joining a welcoming community – the perfect perks for a happy new year’s resolution.