With the new year kicking in, many people take this opportunity to reflect and evaluate their fitness, money, health, and ambitions.
We have put a few suggestions you can try for the coming months that have helped make other people’s lives happier. Whether that is ways to save money, healthy habits, new hobbies, etc.
So why not try something new this year…
You may be asking yourself: Why use an insurance broker? Isn’t it just as good as going online through comparison sites or directly to an insurance provider? There are many benefits of using a broker like ourselves –
Saving you money – many insurance brokers have access to unique deals that can’t be found on comparison sites or direct with providers, meaning we can provide the best cover for the best price.
We represent you – being FCA regulated means our customers interest is at the heart of what we do, meaning getting the right cover for the right price and identifying any hidden caveats. 82% of properties are underinsured, is yours?*
Claims process – nothing can be more stressful when an unforeseen incident has happened and the last thing you want to sort out is the claim for insurance. We, as a broker, will take care of the whole process making sure it runs as smoothly as possible.
Next time you need to pop out for your weekly shop, why not consider popping to your local grocery shop.
There are many benefits to shop local –
You will be surprised what great deals are on offer locally
Creates jobs and a better place to work and live
Quality products – Unique produce with the focus on providing quality rather than mass production.
Helping the environment – local shops usually source their goods locally, reducing the carbon footprint.
Strong customer service – Local businesses are passionate about what they do, providing the best expertise and service.
Tired of coffee or tea as your morning beverage? Why not try an alternative healthy option with a cup of cacao. You could be easily mistaken that it is another version of hot chocolate, however, it is much the opposite. Cacao is a true superfood, containing more antioxidants than blueberries, in addition to a good amount of iron, calcium, and magnesium. It provides a bitter alkaloid similar to caffeine thought to boost moods and energy.
Why not give it a try, more information about cacao
It might sound an unpleasant thought at first, however, you will be surprised of the benefits of finishing your daily shower with cold water.
Increases endorphins – The cold water sends electrical impulses to your brain, releasing endorphins which leads to feelings of well being and optimism.
Improves metabolism and circulation – cold showers can make our circulatory system more efficient and can even out certain hormone levels and heal the gastrointestinal system resulting in weight loss.
Helps fight off common illnesses – taking cold showers can help your resistance to common illnesses, like colds and the flu.
More information on the benefits can be found here – https://www.wimhofmethod.com/benefits-of-cold-showers
Breathing exercises heal us in many ways helping in reducing stress and relax. They also improve the efficiency of our lungs. Many sports organisations are now including breathing exercises in their daily routine due to the benefits associated –
Decreased fatigue
Reduced anxiety
Reduced symptoms of asthma
Reduced hypertension
Improved migraine symptoms
Try it out – https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises
Not many people have heard of meatless Monday, which is a campaign that encourages people to cut out meat once a week to improve health, save money and heal the planet.
Lose weight and stay healthy – Plant-based foods are full of fiber, these foods empty slowly from the stomach, allowing for a slower rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Keeping insulin levels in check is important to preventing weight gain, as insulin is a fat-storage hormone that also lowers blood sugar levels.
Save Money – Cutting out meat once a week will not only improve your health, you should also save money. Although some organic and specialty vegetables and grains can be expensive, they will usually cost less than the same amount of meat.
Help cut down processed meat intake – Processed meats rank alongside cigarettes as a major cause of cancer. Meats like sausages and bacon can increase the chance of developing cancer by 18 percent. Give Avocado on toast a go with some feta cheese mixed in instead of your sausage and bacon sandwich.
Reduced Levels Of Cholesterol – Replacing just one to two servings of animal proteins with plant proteins every day could lead to a small reduction in the main cholesterol markers by around 5%.
There are so many valuable ways to help others. Whether you want to help out locally or be part of a national effort, it’s a great way to meet others and make a difference in your community. Our associated charity partner, Greenacres, for example, offer volunteering opportunities where you can get involved directly with the animals, in their shops, home checking, and transportation.
As a result, you will –
Gain confidence and build a real sense of achievement
Meet different kinds of people and make new friends
Be part of a community
Learn new skills
Here’s a fun new thing to do:
- Open up Google Maps.
- Type in walks near me
- You should have a number of walks nearby which you can get easy directions by clicking on each location
You will probably be surprised to find so many walks that you never heard of.
Research has shown that regular walking has many benefits, both mental and physical –
Improves circulation
Lightens your mood: walking releases natural pain relieving endorphins to the body.
Improves sleep
Slows down your mental decline
January is the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a new book. Even though you will always intend to read more books, there is always the debate I don’t have enough time, I’m too busy, etc. Did you know the average person uses a phone 2 hours a day on the phone –https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/aug/21/cellphone-screen-time-average-habits
By taking your average daily screen time away, and reading a book instead, you would gain so much more satisfaction compared to spending hours on Tik Tok and not actually feeling any better for it, if anything you will probably build anxiety!
*source: Data insights 2019 report by rebuildcostassessment.com
