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Tips for Managing Stress

Stress is a common emotional response to challenging situations—but too much of it can be bad for your health. In the short-term, stress can make you feel frustrated, nervous or angry. However, the consequences of prolonged stress could be much more severe. In fact, research has shown that long-term stress can lead to health issues, such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Unfortunately, 79% of adults feel stressed at least once a month, according to research by software company CIPHR Ltd. Worse still, research by well-being company Westfield Health found that almost half (46%) of working people feel close to burnout. As such, it’s vital to actively manage your stress levels. Consider the following tips:

• Recognise the signs. The hustle and bustle of life can leave little time for reflection. However, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of stress, including trouble sleeping, chest pain, an upset stomach and feelings of restlessness. By recognising these tell-tale signs, you can take action to reduce tension.
• Look at your lifestyle. While it’s common to occasionally take on too much, regular overexertion can be detrimental to health. As such, plan and prioritise your most important responsibilities and learn to say no to people and tasks. Additionally, bolster your resilience by eating well, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine.
• Prioritise sleep. It may be easier to tackle stressors after a good night’s sleep. Therefore, take steps to improve your sleep habits—keep your bedroom dark, limit exposure to bright light and electronic devices before bedtime, and engage in relaxing activities in the evening, such as listening to quiet music.
• Take time to relax. Striking a balance between attending to others and looking after yourself is crucial in reducing stress levels. Regular “me time” can help you unwind, so make a conscious effort to spend time doing something you enjoy each day. Additionally, mindfulness practices may support your mental well-being.

Contact us today for further well-being tips.

Motor

Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium

If your car insurance premium has recently increased, you might be wondering why. While insurers use diverse information to predict how likely you are to make a claim, the main categories that determine the cost of your insurance include the following:

• Driver record and credit history—Safe drivers with good credit typically pay less for car insurance.
• Location—Densely populated areas often have higher rates of vandalism, theft and car crashes. This could translate into higher premium costs.
• Vehicle characteristics—Vehicles with below-average safety ratings or with parts that are expensive to repair may cost more to insure.
• Market factors—Insurance underwriters use the latest data to determine prices, so soaring inflation, more costly repair expenses and other influences can impact pricing year on year. You may be able to lower your car insurance premium by:
• Driving a vehicle with a lower engine capacity
• Securing your vehicle with an alarm or immobiliser
• Removing “business use” from your policy and limiting car use to “social, domestic and pleasure” Contact us today for additional driving tips and car insurance guidance.

Life

Gas Safety Tips

Data from Statista shows that 95% of UK homes are centrally heated, and the vast majority rely on gas- or oil-fired boilers. Unfortunately, households with improperly installed or poorly maintained gas appliances—including gas-fired boilers—could be at greater risk from fires, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Alarmingly, the Gas Safe Register predicted that 31% of households put off their annual gas safety check last year due to the cost-of-living crisis. Should this trend persist, families could be at risk of harm. Consider these gas safety tips to keep you and your family safe this year:

• Look out for gas appliance warning signs. The flames on gas cookers should be crisp and blue. As such, appliances emitting yellow or orange flames should be immediately serviced. Additional warning signs warranting investigation include faulty pilot lights and soot or staining around appliances.
• Use gas appliances for specific purposes. Never use a gas stove to heat your home; this could cause carbon monoxide to accumulate. Instead, use gas appliances only for their intended purpose.
• Ensure adequate ventilation. Gas appliances rely on good ventilation to allow fuel to burn safely. Thus, make sure vents and chimneys are kept clean and clear at all times.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can leak from improperly installed or maintained gas appliances. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelt, making it exceptionally dangerous and potentially fatal. As such, install an audible carbon monoxide alarm at least one metre away from fuel-burning appliances. Additionally, know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Remember your annual gas safety check. Gas safety checks can proactively spot safety flaws and inspect gas pipework for leaks. Arrange for a Gas Safe Registered engineer to conduct a yearly inspection.

Contact us today for further home safety tips.