Are you ready to take on the 30-day health challenge in 2026?
If you've ever set a New Year's resolution only to see it slip by February, you're not alone - but 2026 could be different.
Norfolk County Council is encouraging residents across Norfolk and Waveney to kick start the new year by signing up to the 30-day health challenge, a simple and supportive way to make positive changes to health using the free online Ready to Change tool.
The challenge is designed to help people make realistic, achievable lifestyle changes over 30 days; a timeframe which experts say is far more manageable than aiming for drastic, long-term change all at once.
Councillor Fran Whymark, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Norfolk County Council, said: "The new year provides a great opportunity to take stock of our health, and by signing up to the 30-day health challenge, we can all take real, proactive steps to improve our health and lifestyles.
"This approach clearly works. More than 3,500 people signed up to the 30-day health challenge last year, proving that plenty of residents are looking for realistic, supportive ways to improve their health. Coupled with expert support and guidance sent straight to your inbox, this health challenge is a fantastic way to maintain motivation."
Felix Naughton, Professor of Health Psychology and behaviour change expert at the University of East Anglia, added: "Changing your lifestyle behaviours can feel daunting, but focusing on making changes for 30 days creates a more manageable goal that is achievable for most if not all of us. This challenge is perfect for those who would like to make changes but have been putting it off and for those who keep trying to change but don't quite achieve their goals.
"Ready to Change uses behaviour change tools and science to help people make the changes they want to make and prepare them for any setbacks and difficulties they may experience along the way. And the benefits don't take long to emerge - just a short time after making changes such as increasing activity, reducing alcohol, improving diet quality or stopping smoking, studies show that people report a boost to their wellbeing and mental health."
Ready to Change also signposts to lots of local organisations which can help you achieve your goals, including free weight management, smoking cessation and fitness groups.
Visit www.readytochange.co.uk to find out more about the 30-day health challenge, take health quizzes and sign up for expert health guidance and support to get you the success you deserve in 2026.
How do I get involved in the 30-day health challenge?
Step 1: Visit the Ready to Change website and choose one of the following health challenges:
- Aim for a healthier weight
- Drink less alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Eat more healthily
- Be more active
Step 2: Sign up to receive free weekly expert health guidance, tips and support by email over the next 30 days.
The science behind the 30-day health challenge
In this video, Felix Naughton, Professor of Health Psychology and behaviour change expert at the University of East Anglia, explains how the 30-day challenge makes the whole process of making a change much less daunting.
