In 2026, I will be…
5th January 2026
Harriet Cooper asks North Norfolk’s wellbeing experts how they’re planning to switch up their health and fitness in the new year, from nasal breathing to biohacking
‘Focusing on my nasal breathing’
Samantha Rutt, PT and founder of private gym Norfolk Mind & Body
‘The one area of my own health and wellbeing I will be doing more of is focusing on my nasal breathing during exercise. You’d be amazed at how dysfunctional your breathing can be and the impact this can have not only on your sporting performance but everything from anxiety to sleep quality to weight loss.’
‘Beginning each day with purpose’
Sarah Bennett, owner of Hunstanton Private Pool Hire
‘I will be building a stronger and more consistent daily routine. By choosing to start my mornings 30 minutes earlier, I can prioritise the gym and begin each day with purpose, energy and free from the guilt of putting my goals on hold. Going into the new year, I am committed to the mindset that my greatest investment is my health, fitness and overall wellbeing. I’m excited to show up for myself every single day.’
‘Eating for my microbes’
Pamela Taylor, Registered Nutritionist, Gut Health Specialist and Co-founder of MAYU Retreats
‘The secret to good health is promoting diversity and abundance of healthy gut bacteria. These minuscule microbes have the ability to reduce inflammation, improve digestion and immunity, and even keep our mood and hormones balanced. Including fermented foods like kefir, kimchi and bio live yoghurt and natural prebiotics like oats, leeks and bananas whilst ensuring the diet provides a diverse variety of plant-based foods, is key to keeping your gut happy and healthy.’
‘Aiming for more plants on the plate’
Liz Davis, Pilates teacher
‘I’ve changed my diet quite a bit over the last couple of years but I still find it difficult not to think of meat as the main part of the dish and the vegetables as accompaniments. So I’ll be aiming for more plants on the plate. I listen to the Zoe podcast (https://zoe.com/en-gb) which says we need more variety in our diet to help our gut microbiome – nuts and seeds, spices and herbs – to get to the recommended 30 different plants a week, so I shall also try to do that.’
‘Running outdoors’
Dr Tristan Courtis, GP at St James Medical Practice, Kings Lynn
‘In 2026, I will be doing more running outdoors. This will improve my physical strength, reduce both my risk of dementia and my blood pressure, improve my bone health as well as my balance and coordination, boost my immunity and lift my mood. Running is cheap and readily available – just pull on a pair of trainers and go and do what humans are designed for. As a stress reliever and calorie burner I cannot fault it, getting fitter is a welcome side effect!’
‘Biohacking for longevity’
Susie Brient, Founder and Creative Director of Susie Who
‘In 2026, wellbeing is all about biohacking for longevity, not chasing quick fixes. My daily rituals remain simple: morning sunlight, movement, and whole-food supplements that deeply nourish on a cellular level – chlorella, spirulina, spermidine and wheatgrass – all of which support gut health because immunity truly begins in the gut. For longevity support, I turn to NMN and resveratrol – powerful allies for cellular repair and sustained energy. When you nurture your cells, you elevate everything, because true radiance and resilience always start from within.’
