Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-improve-your-diet">1 Improve your diet</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Better diet New Year's resolution " class="wp-image-20380" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/3-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Christmas is over and your jeans are snug; hence that New Year&#8217;s resolution to reverse what you&#8217;ve scoffed. Leggings might be the answer (we&#8217;re all over these <a href="https://www.blushboutiqueessex.co.uk/products/energy-leggings-black" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bad boys</a> from Epping&#8217;s Blush Boutique), but that&#8217;s only a temporary to getting back into denim. With their registered office in Southend, <a href="https://prepkitchen.co.uk/order" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prep Kitchen</a> deliver dishes to your door and let you choose your weight loss goal. Want to eat out? Leigh On Sea&#8217;s <a href="https://www.bellhousepub.co.uk/menus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bellhouse</a>&#8216;s menus have a filter for dishes under 600kcals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-up-the-exercise">2 Up the exercise</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Woman yoga exercise " class="wp-image-20381" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/2-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Getting fit is another New Year&#8217;s resolution for many, with Jan the top month to join a gym. Stansted&#8217;s <a href="https://www.strongertogethergym.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stronger Together Gym</a> is a women-only space focussing on personal training, but in a supportive class setting. Fancy yoga? Muddy Stilettos 2024 winner, <a href="https://www.theyogaclubbillericay.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Yoga Club Billericay</a>, has a weekly schedule plus workshops and events. Or go all out and train for <a href="https://nuclear-races.co.uk/nuclearevents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuclear Races</a>&#8216; Kelvedon Hatch May event, with courses from six to a whopping 60km.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-cut-down-drinking">3 Cut down drinking</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/drinkypoos-1000x667.jpg" alt="Dry January alcohol " class="wp-image-20391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/drinkypoos-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/drinkypoos-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/drinkypoos-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/drinkypoos.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Overdone the booze? Well Baileys and bubbly are hard to refuse. Dry Jan&#8217;s here, but it doesn&#8217;t mean no fun. Lakeside&#8217;s <a href="https://www.coco-restaurants.com/asia/app/themes/assets/menu/A4_COCO%20ASIA_Drinks%20menu_V6_WEB.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coco Asia</a> is 100% alcohol-free, from cocktails to wine. Staying in? Hullbridge&#8217;s <a href="https://thealcoholfreeco.co.uk/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alcohol Free Co</a> delivers only 0% choices. Or go all out with this Colne Valley <a href="https://www.tripaneer.com/sober-haven/3-day-wellness-sober-retreat-in-the-essex-countryside" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3 Day Wellness Sober Retreat</a> (<strong>10-12 Jan</strong>) with yoga, holistic treatments and chef-cooked meals. From £450.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-quit-smoking">4 Quit smoking</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Quit stop smoking New Year's resolution " class="wp-image-20382" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/4-6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We hope you&#8217;re not a smoker, but according to stats six mill of us Brits still puff away. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS Quit Smoking Better Health</a> can advise on ditching the habit – but why not consider hypnotherapy to stub those butts out once and for all? Clacton&#8217;s <a href="https://thebirchestherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Birches Therapy</a> could well be for you, with sessions to say goodbye to filling your lungs with nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide (nice).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-boost-your-finances">5 Boost your finances</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-5-1000x667.jpg" alt="Financial planner Essex" class="wp-image-20383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/5-5.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you want to up your bank balance there&#8217;s lots of Essex help, starting with financial planning from Ingatestone&#8217;s <a href="https://harperlees.co.uk/how-we-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harperlees</a>. Focusing on immediate, medium and long-term goals, they&#8217;ll sort everything from wealth to retirement plans (scary but it <em>will</em> happen). Mortgage deal ending? Harlow&#8217;s <a href="https://www.genesisfs.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genesis Mortgages Ltd</a> can find the best deal. And don&#8217;t think you need to hibernate: Great Baddow&#8217;s <a href="https://russellsrest.co.uk/a-la-cart-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russells Restaurant</a> has a menu on at the mo from £18 for two courses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-out-with-the-old">6 Out with the old</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Decluttering January New Year " class="wp-image-20384" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/6-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Got a New Year&#8217;s resolution to come over Marie Kondo? Even the tidiest home needs decluttering (hello, hubby&#8217;s &#8216;wire drawer&#8217;). Stop arguing over what&#8217;s &#8216;essential&#8217; by getting the pros in: the <a href="https://homestyleessex.co.uk/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Home Style Essex</a> duo are insured and have completed Professional Decluttering and Organising diplomas. Then there&#8217;s Chelmsford&#8217;s <a href="https://www.styledbykatie.co.uk/wardrobe-edit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Styled By Katie</a>, with her Wardrobe Edit including decluttering and organising so your clothes are in check.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-reduce-time-on-tech">7 Reduce time on tech</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Woman on mobile phone " class="wp-image-20385" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/7-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>According to a survey us ladies spend just shy of five hours online a day. If you&#8217;re guilty like us watching cat reels while the kids are glued to Fortnite it&#8217;s time to do something about it. Art gallery <a href="https://firstsite.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite</a> is great for younger ones, with free music and art clubs plus Lego experiences and more. If, however, you&#8217;re after a proper digi detox, Little Clacton&#8217;s <a href="https://thelodgeessex.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lodge Essex</a> has gorgeous huts overlooking the countryside – and no WiFi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-consider-your-career">8 Consider your career</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="Career job search Essex" class="wp-image-20386" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/8-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>New year; new career? Jan is one of the best months to search, due to updated budgets and businesses considering taking on staff. Recruitment agencies are a good place to start, like Witham&#8217;s <a href="https://prime-appointments.co.uk/employers/partner-with-prime" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prime Appointments</a>, a&nbsp;family-owned indie finding jobs for people for over 30 years. Networking groups are also a bonus, with the <a href="https://www.essexchambers.co.uk/events-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Chambers of Commerce</a> hosting events plus training opportunities to members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-make-time-for-those-you-love">9 Make time for those you love</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/9-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="Friends laughing" class="wp-image-20387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/9-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/9-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/9-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/9-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One minute it&#8217;s Monday and you&#8217;re rushing to work; the next it&#8217;s Sunday and you&#8217;ve not had a sec to phone your folks. Another New Year&#8217;s resolution is making time for friends and family, like a walk around <a href="https://www.markshall.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Markshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens</a> or <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</a> while you catch up. Why not take the kids to Muddy&#8217;s Best Family Attraction winner <a href="https://www.clactonpier.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clacton Pier</a>? Or sneak off with the girls to Thorpe-Le-Soken&#8217;s <a href="https://www.lifehouse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lifehouse Spa &amp; Hotel</a>. We know which we&#8217;d prefer (soz, kids).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-help-others">10 Help others</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/10-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Volunteering Essex" class="wp-image-20388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/10-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/10-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/10-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/12/10-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another New Year&#8217;s resolution is helping those in need, putting time aside even just for an hour or two. There&#8217;s Foodbanks around Essex for a start, with this <a href="https://brentwood.foodbank.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood</a> one needing donations like tea and nappies. You could host an event to share your knowledge or skill with others, such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/braintreevoicespublic/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braintree Voices</a>&#8216; free weekly choir. Or volunteer: <a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volunteer Essex</a> offers everything from newspaper deliveries to marshalling, with the amount of time you help entirely up to you.</p>


January reset: Essex help for your New Year’s resolution

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