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The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. But it’s also a time when our minds can wander from our healthy habits. From overeating to skipping workouts, it’s easy to let our health fall by the wayside during this busy time of year. But being mindful of your health doesn’t have to be a chore. There are simple things you can do to stay on track like incorporating movement into your holiday gatherings and choosing healthier foods at potlucks. By making small changes like these, you can enjoy all the festive fun without sacrificing your health.  

Set Realistic Expectations

As life goes on, we often find ourselves setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves and for the people we care about. While it is admirable to want to achieve great things, it is equally important to remain realistic about what is achievable in a specific amount of time. If we fail to set appropriate expectations for our plans and goals, we risk setting ourselves up for disappointment. By considering what can logically be accomplished and by using positive affirmations that keep our goals within reach, we provide ourselves with realistic and attainable satisfaction. At the same time, holding our loved ones to conventional expectations helps keep them feeling secure and stable in their relationships with us. With this approach, everyone stays motivated to stay on track and succeed together.  

Make A Plan and Stick to It as Much as Possible

Creating a plan for healthy eating and regular exercise is an important step toward establishing a healthier lifestyle. If you want to ensure success, it’s best to be specific and realistic when setting your goals. Start by making a habit of looking at the nutrition facts labels on food items–doing this will help you to make informed decisions about what kind of foods you’re consuming as well as how much. It’s also important to find physical activities that you enjoy doing so that sticking to an exercise regime doesn’t seem like a chore. With time, these healthy habits will become second nature; small changes made each day can add up to have an even bigger impact on your everyday life.  

Avoid Heavy Alcohol and Sugar Consumption

Excessive consumption of either alcohol or sugar can have serious repercussions on one’s health. Not only can it lead to diseases such as diabetes and heart issues, but it can also contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of further health complications. To stay in optimal physical shape, it is recommended to maintain moderation when consuming either substance. There is no need for complete abstinence in order to stay healthy, though moderation is always advised. On an emotional level, too much of both may lead to impairments in judgment and mood swings that can be hard to recover from–not just physically but mentally as well. All in all, being mindful of intake levels for both alcohol and sugar will help ensure overall wellness.  

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is key to functioning at the top of your game. Without the proper rest, you can quickly become fatigued and unable to think clearly or make logical decisions. For this reason, it is essential to prioritize adequate slumber even if it means turning down late-night gatherings or events. Though not always easy, saying “no” on occasion is healthy and well worth the extra energy you will gain in return. If sleep is not a priority now, inevitably regret might creep in later when health becomes an issue. To get ahead and stay at your best, make sure to get enough restful sleep–because your well-being should always take precedence!  

Take Time for Yourself

Creating the habit of taking some time for yourself every day can transform your overall well-being in a remarkably positive way. These moments off will give you an opportunity to connect with yourself and refocus on your personal goals. The practice could consist of taking deep breaths during a moment of meditation or perhaps reading a few pages from that book you’ve been wanting to catch up on. Making time for yourself is not about being selfish; it is about keeping your emotional and physical health in check. Doing so can lead to improved emotional resiliency, increased mental clarity, and greater peace of mind. So, plan out some regular “me-time” this week and enjoy some much-needed relaxation.  

Be Grateful

Often times it can be difficult to appreciate what we have when challenges arise. Yet, taking the time to notice and be grateful for what we do have is an opportunity to focus on the positive in our lives. Being mindful of the present moment and appreciating life’s small pleasures can create a feeling of contentment and help maintain an optimistic outlook on life. By cultivating gratitude towards ourselves, others, and our circumstances, regardless of what they are, we can move forward with increased optimism while remaining true to our values.  

If you start making small changes today, they can have a big impact on your health in the long run. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones, make a healthy eating and exercise plan that works for you, avoid drinking too much alcohol or eating too much sugar, get enough sleep every night, and take some time for yourself every day. Be grateful for what you have and focus on the positive aspects of your life to help improve your mental health.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, food. While it’s important to enjoy all the delicious holiday treats, it’s also important to maintain a healthy diet. Here are some tips on how to eat healthily during the holidays! 

 

Planning is Key 

Eating well is an important step on the path to good health, and it starts with planning. While it’s tempting to load up on convenient processed foods, those are usually lacking in nutrition and often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. A smarter approach is to make a list of the healthy food items you want to have in your kitchen (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins) and then plan your meals around them. This ensures that you have access to nutrient-rich ingredients whenever you need them.  

Planning helps create stress-free meal times while providing all the nutrients your body needs! That’s why it’s important to have a game plan before stepping into the grocery store – this begins with prepping lists ahead of time so that each grocery trip enables healthy choices for years to come! With proper preparation and readily accessible healthy food sources on hand at home, saying “yes” to nutritious eating has never been easier! 

 

Avoid Processed Foods 

With so much fast and processed food available, it can be easy to skip preparing a healthy meal and opt for something convenient instead. This choice, however, can sabotage your health goals — as well as your overall well-being. Plan by stocking up on nutritious foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and whole grains that will give you the energy and nutrients you need to live an active lifestyle.  

Additionally, avoid sugary snacks such as candy bars or chips that contain empty calories and lack many of the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Keep an eye on sodium levels too; processed snack foods can have dangerously high amounts of salt packed in them. When it comes to improving your health — or maintaining it—what you eat matters. So, stay away from processed foods and sugary snacks if you want to reach your health goals. 

 

Fill Up on Fiber-Rich Fruits and Vegetables 

Eating an abundance of vegetables and fruits is one of the best ways to keep your energy levels up throughout the day and maintain healthy digestion. Studies have shown that fibers found in these foods help to slow down digestion, which can lead to a feeling of fullness that lasts longer than when consuming more processed, sugary foods.  

What’s more, these nutrient-dense plant-based foods contain important vitamins and minerals that are essential for proper bodily functioning. Getting an adequate amount of fiber from sources such as beans, legumes, and whole grains can also work wonders for keeping you feeling good both physically and emotionally. So, for a satisfied stomach and some extra pep in your step, make sure to fill up on fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, and other plant products! 

 

Drink Water to Avoid Dehydration and Overeating 

Drinking plenty of water can have multiple health benefits. It is one of the most important things humans need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Water helps keep your body functioning properly and can even help you avoid overeating, as it provides a feeling of fullness that can prevent unnecessary snacking. Additionally, water is essential for proper cell hydration because it carries nutrients to every cell in your body and also assists with the removal of waste products. Furthermore, an adequate intake of water will help you to avoid dehydration which can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, constipation, and bad breath. All in all, drinking plenty of water is one of the best habits you can form to ensure optimum health and performance–so be sure to make it part of your daily routine! 

 

Get Active 

Staying active is an important way to stay healthy and now more than ever, people need to take steps to ensure their physical fitness isn’t suffering during the pandemic. Getting in some extra activity after big holiday meals is a great way for individuals and families alike to stay on top of their health this season. While a walk around the block is often enough to get your blood pumping, taking a long jog or run in the morning can be an even better way to work up a sweat.  

A morning jog can provide numerous physical benefits including improved circulation and enhanced lung capacity which is especially beneficial during the winter months when colds are more common. Additionally, regular running or jogging can help with weight management and increased metabolism. Fresh air and natural sunlight also have numerous benefits such as improved energy levels, reduced stress levels, boosted moods, and lower levels of anxiety which further add to the overall health benefits of these activities. Everyone needs to remember that getting active is one of the best things you can do for yourself so don’t forget to take those walks or runs, if possible, this holiday season!  

In short, taking even a short walk after big meals or going for a run in the mornings are great ways to stay active while also providing numerous physical and mental health benefits. So, get outside after those feasts and enjoy some fresh air while promoting your well-being! 

 

Don’t Beat Yourself Up Over Indulging 

Did you overindulge and eat one or two too many treats this week? Don’t beat yourself up about it – everyone does from time to time. Instead of feeling guilty, simply recognize that it was a momentary lapse in your healthy eating plan and get back on track with your diet.  

Don’t allow any setback to derail your progress completely. If the indulgence happened while out at a restaurant or party, don’t let that affect tomorrow’s choices either; practice making better decisions today so that you don’t continue down the bad path. You should also practice mindful eating by focusing on the tastes, textures, and smells of the food you are consuming so that you are more aware and may even enjoy fewer calories overall.  

These small steps can help make it easier to get back on track with your healthy eating plan and make sure that indulgences stay occasional instead of moving towards habitual behavior. An occasional slip doesn’t have to derail all your progress; if you just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start again tomorrow, then those indulgences will likely remain infrequent occurrences. So don’t beat yourself up for any momentary lapses—just use them as an opportunity to reset and begin again! By doing this, maintaining a healthy diet can become second nature for you in no time at all. 

 

Implementing these healthy eating tips is a great way to get started on your road to better health. Just be patient and take things one step at a time–before you know it, you’ll be at your goal! 

Everyone should have life insurance, no matter their age or health. It is because life insurance can provide financial support to your loved ones in the event of your death. No one knows when their time will come, so have life insurance in place in case something happens.  

 

Different Types of Life Insurance  

There are many types of life insurance policies available to meet your needs. One common type is term life insurance, which provides coverage for a specific period, such as 10 or 20 years. Another option is whole life insurance, which covers your entire life. It can be a good choice if you want the security of knowing that your family is taken care of financially after you pass. There are also Universal and Variable life policies available, which offer more flexibility than whole life insurance but can be more expensive. 

 

Have Peace of Mind  

No one likes to think about their mortality, but it’s important to consider. A life insurance policy can help provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones by ensuring that they are taken care of financially in the event of your death. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a life insurance policy can help to ease the financial burden that is placed on your family. In addition, a life insurance policy can also be used as a source of collateral for loans or other financial obligations. As such, a life insurance policy can provide peace of mind in multiple ways. Whether you’re looking to protect your loved ones or secure financial stability in the event of your death, a life insurance policy is worth considering.  

 

Compare Available Rates  

Insurance is one of those necessary expenses that most people would rather not think about. However, when it’s time to purchase a policy, it’s important to research and compare rates from different companies. Several factors can affect the cost of insurance, including the type of coverage you need, the amount of coverage you want, and the deductible you are willing to pay. By shopping around and comparing rates, you can be sure to get the best possible deal on your insurance policy.  

 

Understand Your Policy  

When you’re shopping for insurance, it’s important to read the fine print and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the policy. Insurance policies can be complex, and if you don’t understand them, you could end up paying more than you need to. For example, some policies have deductibles that you will have to pay before the insurer will cover any costs. Other policies may have exclusions that mean they won’t cover certain types of damages. And some policies may have limits on how much they will pay out for certain types of claims. So, before you buy an insurance policy, make sure you take the time to read the entire policy and understand all the terms and conditions. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the coverage you need at a price you can afford.  

 

Contact An Agent  

Choosing the right life insurance policy is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, such as the needs of your beneficiaries and the type of coverage that best meets your needs. An insurance agent can help you to understand the different options and make the best choice for your situation.  

When you contact an insurance agent, be sure to have some basic information ready, such as your age, health history, and the amount of coverage you are interested in. The agent will likely ask you some questions about your lifestyle and financial situation. They will use this information to determine which policy would be the best fit for you. If you have any questions about life insurance policies, be sure to contact an insurance agent. They can help you to understand the different options and choose the best policy for your needs.  

If you have any questions about life insurance policies, contact one of our insurance agents for more information. 

You may have heard the term “advance directives” before, but you’re not sure what it means. Advance directives are a set of written instructions that tell doctors and caregivers how you want to be treated if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. This includes things like whether or not you want to be kept on life support, or receive dialysis. It’s important to have advance directives in place, because if something happens and you can’t make decisions for yourself, your loved ones will need to know what you would have wanted. In this blog post, we’ll discuss advance directives in more detail and help you decide how having one may benefit you.  

Types of Advance Directives 

There are two types of advance directives: living wills and durable power of attorney for health care. A living will is a document that states your wishes for medical treatment if you become terminally ill or unable to communicate your decisions. A durable power of attorney for health care appoints someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.  

Which Is Right for You?  

You don’t need to have both a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care, but it’s important to have at least one in place. If you only have a living will, that means that your wishes will be followed if you become terminally ill or unable to communicate them. However, if something happens and you’re able to communicate your decisions, your wishes may not be followed. On the other hand, if you only have a durable power of attorney for health care, that means that someone else will make decisions on your behalf, but they may not know what you would want.  

The best way to ensure that your wishes are followed is to have both a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care. That way, if something happens and you’re unable to communicate your decisions, there’s a written record of what you wanted. And if you’re able to communicate your decisions, then the person you appointed can make sure they’re carried out.  

Setting Up Your Advance Directive 

If you don’t have either a living will or a durable power of attorney for health care in place, now is a good time to create one. You can find templates online, or you can speak to an attorney about drafting one for you.  

Advance directives are an important part of estate planning, and they can give you peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be followed if something happens to you. If you have any questions about advance directives, or if you need help creating one, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.  

Many of us benefit from practicing self-care even if we don’t realize we’re doing it. Actively practicing self-care can help us deal with stress in healthy ways. It’s important to take time for yourself when you can to just focus on yourself.   

There are many different forms of self-care from buying a nice little treat or going for a walk. Self-care is different for everyone—not all methods work the same for different people! Do you need to unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life? Continue reading to learn the importance of self-care and some methods you could try:   

  

What Is Self-Care  

Self-care aims to make you focus on yourself and your physical and emotional well-being. Self-care differs for everyone, and your self-care needs could change over time as well. Many people associate self-care with treating yourself. There are several different types of self-care including emotional, physical, and spiritual. You can treat yourself in a variety of different ways:   

Emotional self-care could entail talking to oneself in the mirror and motivating yourself. You could also relax in the bath while doing a face mask, or you could take a trip and get your nails or hair done. Consider treating yourself to the food you enjoy but don’t get to have often. Emotional self-care is taking care of yourself and separating yourself from the stress of life by pampering yourself or doing something you enjoy.   

Physical self-care means adopting a workout routine that you’ll stick to, getting enough sleep, picking healthy foods over processed ones, and making sure you visit the doctor regularly. Taking care of your body is an important step in self-care—working out may reduce stress and give you more energy.   

Spiritual self-care may involve attending a service, meditating, spending time outside, or keeping a gratitude journal. Anything that makes you feel “spiritual” or in tune with yourself!   

  

Ways to Practice Self-Care  

Self-care doesn’t have to cost anything unless you want it to! It’s ok to indulge in yourself if it’s within your means. As long as you take the time for yourself it makes you happy and less stressed! If that means getting your nails done twice a month or going to a football game with the guys, don’t fret about it!   

Even though we mentioned the three types of self-care, keep in mind that there are both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term self-care is temporary. Eating your favorite meal may be satisfying, but will you still feel satisfied a few days later? Long-term effects can result from practicing mindfulness and making an effort to change your outlook on life. Activities like exercise or meditation may work wonders in the long run!  

You can turn a lot of activities into “self-care” if you change the way you think about them! Making your bed every morning isn’t just a chore—it starts your day off on the right foot! It doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. Small things like cleaning can give you control over your day and make it seem easier to tackle harder tasks you may come across.   

  

How to Start Practicing Self-Care  

Find out what brings you joy and makes you feel fulfilled! Don’t be scared to try new things like yoga or fitness classes. Start small and work your way up adding additional methods as you go. If you find you don’t like something that’s ok! Not all methods work for everyone, so don’t try to force yourself into a method that isn’t for you.   

Reflect on how you feel at the end of the week. Is the method you’re practicing working for you? Are you pleasantly satisfied? Journaling your thoughts and feelings may be helpful to determine what’s best for you. What has worked for you in the past may no longer be working for you and that happens!   

Taking care of yourself by practicing self-care is vital for your overall well-being. Going to the doctor at least once a year is an important step to staying healthy. Contact your local insurance agent to discuss a health insurance plan that works for you.   

Yearly check-ups are vital for your long-term health and well-being. Many people think going to the doctor for their annual check-up is good enough, but you also need to visit the optometrist and dentist! Your dental and vision appointments are also vital for your health. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t skimp out on your dental and vision:   

  

Eye Care  

Even if you don’t think your vision has changed, you should still go to the optometrist for the overall health of your eyes—many eye diseases go unnoticed until it’s too late! Sometimes your eyes can show signs of illness before medical doctors can diagnose them. Your eyes can be the window to certain health issues you may have because it’s easy to see the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes.   

Your vision can change slowly over time without you even realizing it. If you have young children, they may have vision issues that they aren’t even aware of. Many children will think their poor eyesight is normal because they don’t know better. Your kids’ grades in school may suffer as a result of not being able to see correctly!   

Visiting the optometrist is more than just getting a pair of glasses or contacts to correct your vision. They have tests and screens for eye diseases and can often see symptoms of other medical problems in the eyes. Yearly vision check-ups can help prevent vision problems from evolving into chronic conditions like retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Glaucoma is a silent disease that many won’t know about until they start losing their vision. Visiting your optometrist yearly is a necessary preventative measure if you want to keep your eyesight.   

Did you know you can develop melanoma (a serious type of cancer) in your eyes? Melanoma can develop in the choroid, which is the layer behind the retina. Your optometrist will be able to see any tumors or unnatural occurrences in your eyes during your screening. They’ll also look for other diseases like macular degeneration or retinopathy, which can both cause loss of vision.   

Dental Care  

It is highly recommended to visit the dentist once or twice a year. You may follow a good dental hygiene routine, but visiting the dentist is still one of the best ways to prevent oral health problems. Many people won’t notice they have a cavity until it’s already too late to reverse it.   

Cavities happen when the enamel of the teeth is eaten away by bacteria. Undigested food can build up on the surface of your teeth and gums forming a substance called plaque. When you have a buildup of plaque on the teeth, you are more likely to have a cavity. Brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent plaque buildup, but sometimes when plaque hardens too much it becomes a job for the dentist. If you don’t go to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned, your cavity can worsen until it gets to the point of an abscess.   

If your cavity gets to the point of an abscess, you will need to go on antibiotics. An abscess is a severe infection you shouldn’t scoff at—especially if it’s in your mouth. If the infection were to get into your blood it could become fatal.   

A healthy mouth is important! Visit your dentist at least once a year to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.   

  

Know Your Insurance  

You can usually bundle your vision and dental insurance with your health insurance. Contact your local insurance agent to discuss your insurance needs today!   

Life is often stressful. Between work, family, and keeping up with other tasks, life can become overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to conquer your stress!  

Consume a Healthy & Balanced Diet  

Consuming a healthy & balanced diet takes a big role in how you feel. If you consume too much “junk” or overprocessed foods, then you are more likely to feel groggy and not have enough energy to finish your tasks. This could cause you to feel more stressed than usual. Sometimes when we’re stressed, we want to eat comfort foods. This is ok in moderation, but overconsuming comfort food is not good for your overall well-being. Preparing a healthy meal for yourself can also be relaxing! Taking the time and effort to prepare a healthy and delicious meal can make you feel even more satisfied.  

If you’re tired, drinking too much caffeine can also make you stressed. It raises your heart rate and can make you feel more anxious than normal. Drinking too much caffeine can also make it more difficult to sleep at night, and a good night’s rest is an important part of being less stressed!  

If you’re stressed, you may be more likely to turn to alcohol or tobacco to try to reduce stress. However, this can cause more stress to the body and leave you not feeling your best. Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis can also negatively impact your sleep schedule. Tobacco usage puts more stress on the body and reduces blood flow and breathing abilities. Becoming dependent on alcohol or tobacco can cause even more stress if you can’t get your fix.  

Practice Mindfulness  

Practicing mindfulness can positively impact your overall mental health. Mindfulness is being aware of what you’re doing and how you’re feeling. A good way to practice mindfulness is by keeping a journal where you collect your thoughts. Looking back on what you were doing and how you were feeling at the time is an important step in stress reduction. Knowing what triggers stress can help you figure out how to fix it.  

Take some time out of your day for yourself. This time can be spent journaling, or you can also meditate or do some form of exercise you find relaxing. Even simple movements like taking a walk or doing some yoga can be very relaxing. You can always find guided meditations or yoga videos online to help you.  

Practicing mindfulness also includes self-care. Taking a bath with Epsom salts or doing a face mask may seem trivial, but taking extra care of yourself and treating yourself can brighten your mood. Making sure you take care of yourself can help you to feel less stressed in the long run! 

Having someone to talk to about your stress or other problems can also help significantly reduce stress. It’s not good to bottle up these emotions, so journaling and having someone you can talk to, whether it’s a close friend, family member, or even a therapist, are a huge help.  

Set Realistic Expectations 

Many people are stressed because they simply have too much on their plate. Set realistic expectations for yourself and know that you can’t do everything. Part of relieving stress is accepting what you can’t control. If you know you have particular stressors, like the news or a certain family member, try to avoid them as much as possible! It can be difficult, but limiting the amount of time you find stressful can be a huge help.  

Don’t procrastinate. Even if you don’t want to do something now, it’s best not to put it off. Leaving tasks until the last minute can put unnecessary stress on you that you wouldn’t have to deal with had you not procrastinated. 

Realize that it’s okay to say “no.” Sometimes you just need to put yourself first. Creating boundaries can help reduce the amount of stress. No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to please everyone. Accepting this as a part of life can make life less stressful.  

Leading a stressful lifestyle can put a significant amount of stress on the heart and other organs. Make sure you talk to your local insurance agent about your life and health insurance plans to ensure you’re under the most suitable plan for your needs.  

What you do in your day-to-day life actively affects your health. The foods you eat and the personal choices you make drastically impact how your body feels and functions. Eating processed foods can leave you feeling groggy and frequently tired, whereas healthy food can leave you feeling energized and refreshed. Smokers and habitual drinkers often run into health problems like cancer or heart disease later in life. Certain choices can damage your health and well-being leading to illnesses and a shorter lifespan.  

Diet  

Most of us know that eating too much sugar is bad. It can cause high blood sugar and health complications from diabetes. Too much sugar can also cause cavities leading to pricey dental visits. Processed food is easy to grab and eat, but taking the extra step and preparing a healthier option like fruits and vegetables is better for you in the long run. 

Not drinking enough water also negatively impacts your health. Keeping yourself hydrated gives you more energy and allows your organs to function properly. Many people opt for sodas or other beverages, but they are often loaded with sugar and other chemical flavors that add empty calories that lack nutritional value.  

If you find water bland, try drinking some tea without additives. Most premade teas on the store shelf are loaded with sugar or other flavorings, so make your own at home with tea bags. You can also add sliced lemons, cucumbers, or other fruits into your water for a tastier and healthier beverage. 

Personal Choices 

Smoking and drinking alcohol can have major health implications. It is well-known that smoking can cause cancer and other diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Smokers are also susceptible to vision loss and blindness. Smoking can also increase feelings of depression and anxiety. Being a smoker can also affect your insurance rates. Smokers’ health insurance rates tend to be higher because they are known to have more medical issues. 

A few drinks a week might not seem like a big deal. But any amount of alcohol can have a negative impact on the body. Shortly after drinking you may notice symptoms of dehydration like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Frequent alcohol usage can have long-term effects like a weakened immune system, mood changes, memory problems, weight gain, and issues falling asleep. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to liver disease, pancreatic problems, and heart-related medical problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.  

Smoking and drinking during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature birth. Babies can also be born with medical issues like fetal alcohol syndrome, and are more likely to have learning disabilities.  

Both alcohol and smoking are addictive and can create problems in your personal life. Addicts tend to struggle with friends and family members. If you are dependent on alcohol or smoking, please reach out to a specialist or recovery group for help.  

Physical Activity  

Being active is an important part of keeping up your health. A simple 30-minute walk a few times a week will drastically improve your health. Making decisions like parking further away and walking to your destination can also help.  

A lot of people spend most of the day sitting behind a computer screen. It’s necessary for your body to get the activity that it needs. Consider walking around the office as a short mental break to reset your body. Additionally, too much screen time is bad for our eyes. Studies have shown that blue light from screens negatively impacts our sleep cycle. Too much screen usage before bed can make your brain think that it’s still light outside, and therefore won’t start producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) until the lights are off and you’re ready for sleep. 

Not getting enough sleep is also harmful to your body. Being well-rested gives your body and mind the break they need and helps your brain to process all the information from the day. You may have noticed that when you get less than 6 hours of sleep you are more tired throughout the day and are less efficient with your tasks.  

Caffeine can’t solve all your problems. It’s good for a quick fix but you’ll soon notice that you are having difficulty sleeping more often, aren’t able to focus, have depression, and other health-related problems. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and a weakened immune system.  

Connect with your local insurance agent to discuss what policies best fit your medical needs. Consult with a doctor to better discuss your individual health needs. 

As the ball drops on New Year’s Eve and we usher in 2022, many of us will consider goals and aspirations for the coming year. Often, we set unrealistic goals that are difficult to achieve, ultimately resulting in another year of failed resolutions. Instead of setting goals like losing twenty pounds, focus on goals that are trackable, achievable, and will help you make progress on those big goals. Here are three realistic health goals you should set for 2022. 

1. Drink more water. 

Depending on how active you are, you should try to drink between half an ounce to an ounce for every pound you weigh. For instance, if you weigh 160 lbs., you should drink between 80 – 160 ounces of water every day. There are many ways to make drinking enough water easier, such as figuring out your favorite way to drink it. Do you prefer glass bottles, tumblers, or steel canisters? Find your favorite container, then calculate how many bottles you need to drink every day to hit your goal. It is very helpful to set smaller goals throughout the day, such as one full bottle before you start work, three bottles before lunch, or two bottles after dinner. Health benefits of this goal include:

• Increased energy levels and alertness
• Aids in weight loss
• Promotes good digestive health

2. Take five 30-minute walks a week.

Another great and relaxing way to improve your health in 2022 is to go for five 30-minute walks every week. Walking is a phenomenal way to get some low-impact cardio in, and a great overall way to stay in shape. These walks can be done at any time of day – early risers may enjoy a walk to start their day, whereas others may prefer to walk on their lunch break or take an evening stroll. Health benefits of this goal include:

• Increased heart and lung fitness
• Improved management of high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Reduced stress
• Aids in weight loss

3. Get 7-9 hours of sleep.

While it may be tempting to stay up late binging on your favorite shows, getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall health. Getting enough sleep gives your body time to repair your muscles and form memories from the day. You should shoot for 8-9 hours of sleep every night, but make sure to consistently get at least 7 hours. Building a bedtime routine can help you achieve this goal – you can meditate, complete your skincare routine, or read for 15 minutes. Just focus on creating a routine to cue your body that it is time to rest. Health benefits of this goal include:

• Reduce stress and improve mood
• Lowers risk of major health problems like diabetes and heart disease
• Increased alertness and cognitive function

By setting the goals of drinking enough water, walking five days a week, and getting enough sleep, you can seriously improve your physical health and wellbeing in 2022. These goals are small and easily trackable, and by following this routine, you can reach even bigger goals like hitting a target weight or being a more focused and thoughtful person. Being healthy can also save you money by requiring fewer visits to the doctor, lower overall medical expenses, and maybe even a lower health insurance premium. 

It can be difficult planning for a future we cannot see. With the many financial products all aimed at fulfilling a financially “easy” retirement, how do we know which options are best? Will there be enough money to continue the same lifestyle or to at least pay the bills? Without a crystal ball, the financial anxiety is real and understandable. 

One product in particular isn’t reliant on mere hopes, parlor tricks, or a constantly changing economy: annuities. Annuities aren’t some loose and risky investment or prudish savings account – they are insurance for your retirement gap. Your retirement gap is that awkwardly large space between what you’ll get paid (or have saved) for retirement and what you’ll need to live a secure retirement. Here are 3 ways that annuities cover and close this gap, so that you can rest easy while planning for those seemingly dimly lit golden years: 

1) It’s guaranteed.  

Most people cannot live on social security alone or even with their pension combined. With annuities, you can rest assured that you will have the money you need to live comfortably through retirement. This legally binding, customizable contract between you and your insurance agency ensures that your premiums, or initial investment, will grow, tax-deferred, over the time allotted in your contract and that payday will arrive. 

2) You won’t outlive your annuity.  

Your annuity will continue to pay you for life, regardless if you choose immediate or deferred payments. In fact, your annuity can be passed onto a beneficiary, so it can actually outlive you. There are many types of annuities with different levels of risk and costs, so your insurance agent can best personalize this after discussing your situation and goals with you. 

3) There are tax incentives.  

One of the main advantages of annuities is that they are tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay income tax on it until you withdraw or begin receiving payments. “This includes dividends, interest and capital gains, all of which may be fully reinvested while they remain in the annuity” (annuity.org). There are complex rules, though, that only your insurance agent or a tax professional should explain, so be sure to ask questions regarding taxes when shopping for the right annuity product. 

We all want to know that we will be safe and secure when we are our most vulnerable. Annuities are just the insurance we need to enjoy our senior years doing what we love and not worrying day-to-day about our finances that we worked so hard and long to build and protect. Annuities are the closest sure thing next to having a crystal ball. Call or email your insurance agent today 

to see how annuities can build your retirement to cover your needs and make your golden years a whole lot brighter and easier to see.