Nourish your mind, body and soul this new year and be the person you want to become in 2025. There’s lots of new things to try and discover in Middlesbrough this January from healthy eating, to finding the best spots for fresh air and where to try some healthier options when eating out. Here are our top picks for a better you this January…
Your mind…
Mindful sessions run in The Live Well Centre Fridays 12.30pm – 2pm. The sessions are led by a trained specialist who looks at emotional healing, depression and ways to change negative thinking.
2B Creative Health is based in the Hillstreet Centre and offers a range of creative classes that anyone can join. They run mindful creations classes and drawing classes for beginners and beyond, why not give it a go?
Your body…
Give your body a new lease of life this January.
The big exercise trends this new year are reformer pilates, standard mat pilates and yoga – they are all excellent for toning, weight loss, core strength and to improve circulation, mental health and more. Try Marni Yoga in Acklam or Flexi Fitness run yoga and pilates classes at The Barn Hemlington, Dorman’s Club and Acklam. Check out your local gym including Everyone Active for other sessions near you.
AmalaWellness specialise in yoga and meditation classes for people across Middlesbrough and beyond.
For over 50s, relaxation and medication classes are starting up again from the first week in January at 5.45pm each Wednesday and 11am every Thursday at The Holy Name of Mary church hall in Linthorpe. The first six sessions are funded by Middlesbrough Council.
Lavender Lounge is a project in Middlesbrough run by Queer Yoga North C.I.C. offering yoga and social activities for LGBTQIA+ adults, they run well being sessions from The Live Well Centre which is now based in Cleveland Centre.
Your soul…
Soul food isn’t a term for no reason. There’s every chance to get good eating habits off to the best start in 2025 which in turn will help sharpen your mind, boost confidence and you could even drop a pound or two.
Food for the soul at Alkaline Kitchen
Healthy, colourful, and unusual flavour options is the focus for Alkaline Kitchen, while Mr Cooper’s Coffee House have nourishing feel-good foodie bowls, hot and cold drinks and healthier sweet treats too – it’s all about matcha in 2025, don’t you know!
Get out into the fresh air
We all know the drill, fresh air and walking good hand in hand and don’t cost a penny. It’s also a great way to meet up with friends for free and it does wonders for brain health too.
We have plenty of spots to discover such as the grounds of Ormesby Hall and the Pennyman woods, Fairy Dell beck and surrounding woodland, walkways around Thornton and Stainton, miles of countryside and stunning views in Nunthorpe (head on the path behind Miller and Carter as your starting point) or of course, one of our green flag parks including Stewart Park, Albert Park and Pallister Park. Don’t forget park runs take place each weekend and newbies are always welcome.
See a live performance
From drama to comedy to music; catching a live show is a great way to raise your spirits. Theatregoers can head ‘over the rainbow’ and watch the adult panto, The Wizard of Oz at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday 29 January.
Fancy a giggle? Book tickets for local legend, Patrick Monahan who’ll be bringing his latest tour, ‘The Talkinator’ to the Town Hall on Thursday 27 February.’
Get creative
Reducing stress, boosting self-esteem and improving hand-eye coordination are just some of the benefits of doing art.
MIMA’s Family Art Trolley offers a free space for the whole gang to get creative. Have a go at making your own masterpiece using a range of materials every Saturday, between 11am – 3pm.
Stay for lunch and pick up a picnic from the MIMA Kitchen for £1 per child when visiting the Family Art Trolley.
Borrow a book and learn something new
Middlesbrough’s libraries and community hubs are brimming with books on every subject under the sun. Make full use of that library card and commit to borrowing more books during 2025.
Or if you enjoy reading and want to share your thoughts about books with others, join one of the many reading groups which pop up across the town.
Celebrate Chinese New Year
In 2025, the Chinese New Year will take place on Wednesday 29 January. The celebration welcomes good fortune, drives away bad luck, and creates a harmonious atmosphere for the new year.
Noodles, steamed fish and sticky rice balls are traditionally eaten during this period – why not dine at your favourite Asian restaurant to ring in the Chinese New Year?
