Beat the January Blues

Christmas feels like ages ago and the Summer holidays feel like an eternity away. The days may be cold and dark, you may have already given up your new year resolutions, but fear not we have some winter mood boosters to get you through the coming weeks and months. Give yourself some things to look forward to and make sure you are looking after yourself.

Warm up with a hot chocolate

Keeping warm is vital in the winter months, keep yourself warm with a hot chocolate and watch the world go by. Why not try The Hive café at Chelmsford Museum, you could combine with a walk through Oaklands Park or pop into the museum which is free. Alternatively there is The Hideaway Tea Room at Battlesbridge a quaint tea room with a selection of homemade cakes. 

Learn a new skill

Learning something new can be fun, make you feel good and build your confidence. Why not learn how to make gourmet food at Braxted Park Cookery School, learn how to cook authentic Italian food from the Amalfi or an Indian vegetarian masterclass from expert chefs. If you are looking for something more active, Essex Outdoors offers a number of courses include powerboating, a paddle course and sailing. Alternatively learn to make your own gin at the East Coast Distillery and relax with a drink at the bar afterwards.

Have a weekend break

Whether it be a stay in a hotel or relaxing in a lodge with a hot tub we have plenty of places to stay. Places ideal for winter breaks include Wivenhoe House, a beautiful 18th century manor with first class food. Or for something different Water Lily Lodge in Colchester offers accommodation on a lake in a stunning and peaceful location, the lodge has a log fire and hot tub to keep you warm at night and during the day you can walk through the surrounding woodland. 

Relax with a Spa Day in Essex

Do something for yourself, take some time out and enjoy the peace and quiet. They say relaxation is a way to beat the winter blues and there is no better way to relax than with a massage. Have a pamper day and book into a spa for the day where you can enjoy the swimming pool, sauna, relaxation room and treatments. Some places we would recommend, Roslin Beach Hotel, Talbooth House & Spa and Prested Hall. 

Have a laugh at a night of Comedy 

Smiling is a great way to improve your mood, watching a comedy show will not only have you smiling but laughing the night away. The Cliffs Pavillion, Southend have some of the best of the country’s comedians performing including Romesh Rangathen, Al Murray and Sarah Millican. For a more informal comedy night why not try the Chelmsford Comedy Night at the Lion Inn and combine it with delicious food. These comedy nights are from £20 and are on once a month and not to be missed. 

Indulge in a healthy lunch

Whether you are doing dry January or veganuary many of us start the new year with a health kick. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out though, many of our restaurants offer great vegan menus, which are delicious even if you are not vegan. Mistley Thorn, Lion Inn, and Milsoms offer a wide selection of vegan dishes and the English Cream Tea Company offer vegan afternoon teas that can be delivered to your door.

Go for a long walk

Make the most of daylight as the sunlight can make you feel energised and improve your mood. With the majority of Essex being rural there are so many places to go for a walk whether it be to walk the dog or catch up with a friend, and, at this time of year you may also spot some seasonal snowdrops. You could go for a walk through Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island which is great for the whole family, or, walk through the North Essex countryside and do the Turpins circular walk named after the legendary highway man Dick Turpin, the walk which is close to the market town of Saffron Walden goes from Great Sampford to Hempstead and is approximately six miles long.

Book your summer holiday

It’s always good to have something to look forward to so book a few nights away in Essex for the Summer. Whether it be camping in a holiday park, glamping in a rural location or a hotel along the coast Essex is the destination of choice. visitessex.com has lots of ideas on places to stay.