Wellbeing

Easy! Buy these, and sleep better

Having trouble sleeping? Us and half the world right now! Here's what the Muddy team have in their shopping baskets to help with some much-needed shut-eye.
Five ways to become more Zen

Whether it's social anxiety about lockdown ending, or panic that it's not coming soon enough, a new book claims the ancient art of Zen will see us through. Ready to try it?
5 of the best running routes in Essex

Whether you’re a couch-to-5Ker who’s missing the fun of an organised Parkrun or a seasoned long-distance pro coveting a new patch to pound, we've got you covered with our edit of off-the-grid jogs.
Low mood > depression > and how to tackle it

One in five people reading this feature will be suffering from some form of depression. Here's how to spot the signs and help yourself and those you love.
Rise of the zero-waste refill stores: where to shop, package-free

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword right now, it’s the driving force behind a bevy of stylish new eco-conscious stores offering Essex consumers the chance to shop green – and skip the guilt.
Cheaper than therapy: self-help books for 2021

Being stuck inside for a year hasn’t done us a ton of good, but help is at hand. Try one of these tomes designed to get our work, home and head space in order.
Fast and filling recipes for Feb

No time/energy to cook (let alone make it healthy)? Don't worry, we've got you. Here are two low-effort, speedy suppers under 500 calories to feel good about.
Best new fitness tech for 2021

Need something to help those workouts along? Itching for some new tech in the new year? Read on for the Muddy edit of the best flashy fitness buys of 2021.
Best wellbeing podcasts for 2021

Want to boost your wellbeing? Hell yeah! While we can’t go to the gym right now, we can go on long solo walks with inspirational podcasts. Here's our pick.
Amazing race: the local sporting events to look forward to in 2021

Whether you’re a pavement pounder, two-wheel racer or triathlon enthusiast, chances are there’s an Essex race that’s got your name (and bib number) on it this year. Here, we round up some of the best to book now.
The foxiest fitness gear for 2021

New year, new fitness routine? We're with you! Here's the Muddy edit of stylish sportswear and accessories that'll have you in tip-top form in no time.
How to tackle stress and boost mental health

Stressed much? With a third lockdown underway, we explore how to navigate self-care and manage your emotional wellbeing by easing lockdown anxiety. Over to the experts...
Is your sex life suffering in lockdown?

Is lockdown 3.0 wrecking your sex life and pushing your relationship to the limits? We hear you. Read on for our expert guide on how to Covid-proof your love life.
The only 5 resolutions you need to keep in 2021

January is traditionally a time for making ridiculous promises and then feeling shame by failing to keep them. Not this year: we’ve been through enough.
7 steps to better sleep during a pandemic

You've downed a chamomile tea, ignored your phone for an hour and mentally shoved your 900th sheep over a gate - but still can't get to sleep. Sound familiar? Read on for our guide to getting some Z's during lockdown.
5 workouts you can stream at home

Don't let Lockdown 2.0 wreak havoc with your health! Tear your eyes away from Netflix and get moving with these streaming fitness classes in the comfort of your own living room.
Lockdown anxiety: 7 ways to keep it in check

Lockdown is back and with it, hours and hours to listen to the rising panic in our heads. Don’t fancy that much? Nor us, so read on.
Walkies! Cold weather walking gear to pick up now

Gyms are closed (as is practically everything else), so we're getting our exercise fix with some long winter walks. Here's all the gear you'll need to stretch those legs this season.
J’adore / J’abhor – Daylight Saving Hours

The clocks went back this week and the nights truly are closing in. Two Muddy staffers battle out the pros and the cons.
8 amazing coastal walks across the county

Wondering where you can fill your lungs up with fresh sea air and stretch your legs along the prom? Consider this your definitive guide to the best coastal walks across Essex right now
Let’s get physical

If you’ve fallen off the fitness wagon during lockdown, don’t sweat it: plenty of cool new classes are springing up across the county to help you get back in shape – and stay motivated
Why ours is a county of cyclists

With its quiet stretches of countryside and labyrinth of forgotten-village lanes, Essex is a region best explored on two wheels. Here, we hit Harlow for a leisurely spin – and select three more scenic cycle routes for intrepid trailblazers
Where to get your water sports fix this summer

Nothing beats that first sun-kissed wash of water hitting your toes, but the Big Blue is more than just a holiday fling. From windsurfing and wakeboarding to SUP yoga and wild swimming, these Essex waterways are making a splash in the world of fitness, too
10 online workouts that take 15 minutes or less

Not feeling it for Joe Wicks or Davina? Here, bash out one of these online workouts instead - a quarter of an hour of effort, smug for the rest of the day.
8 of the best… bras for running

Running the one thing keeping you sane? Just for you we've rounded up (er, excuse the pun) the best high support running bras - all perfect for your daily exercise hit.
The coolest biking gear for lockdown miles

Unleash your inner cyclista with our roundup of the best kit to wear on your daily cycle. Let's go!
The fittest new fitness gear

There's loads of gorgeous new fitness wear in the shops and online at the moment. Hop, skip and jump this way for what's on our wish list.