Provided by: RS Risk Solutions Ltd

Life

Coping with Financial Worries

Established 25 years ago by the International Stress Management Association (ISMA), Stress Awareness Day takes place on 1^st November 2023. This year, the ISMA is raising awareness of several well-being topics, including money concerns. The financial pressures associated with the cost-of-living- crisis have left many individuals struggling to keep up with bills or falling into debt. Unfortunately, financial difficulties can significantly impact mental well-being. In fact, according to a government opinions and lifestyle survey, almost half (49%) of adults who were behind on energy bills at the start of 2023 reported high anxiety levels.

In celebration of Stress Awareness Day, consider the following strategies to cope better with financial worries:

• Take stock of your finances. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your financial situation, take a step back, thoroughly assess your situation and tackle each problem individually. For instance, you could start by calling your bank and utility companies to set up payment plans for outstanding debts. Next, you could begin jotting down everything you spend to scrutinise where you can save.
• Talk to someone. Rather than suppressing your feelings, consider talking face-to-face with a trusted friend or colleague. Speaking openly about your financial worries can help put things into perspective.
• Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Although some people use alcohol to alter their mood, alcohols effect is temporary and wont help you deal with problems. Instead, moderate alcohol consumption and engage in self-are practices, such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques and healthy eating.
• Engage with professional services. If you’re still struggling with money worries after taking basic remedial stops, consider engaging with professional debt and advice services such as the Step Change Debt charity or citizens advice.

Contact us today for additional well-being resources.

Home

Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Although the Energy Price cap recently fell below £2,000, its still 50% higher than 18 months ago, so heating your home remains costly. However, keeping your home at an adequate temperature is essential for optimal health. Specifically, living in colder temperatures increases your likelihood of respiratory infections and other health concerns.

To keep warm and healthy this winter, consider the following tips:

• Understand thermostat best practices. The Energy Saving Trust recommends setting your thermostat between 18C and 12C. Next, leverage your thermostats timer to set the heating to come on automatically when you need it. Alternatively, consider purchasing a smart thermostat to remotely control your heating programme from your phone on the go.
• Bleed your radiators. If your radiators aren’t heating all the way through, there could be air at the top preventing hot water from rising. A process called bleeding can help ensure your heating system is more efficient. Specifically, use a radiator bleed key to open the valve at the top of affected radiators to release any trapped air pockets.
• Service your boiler. A Well-maintained boiler will work more efficiently, reducing your fuel consumption. Additionally, servicing your boiler allows you to identify potential problems early and address issues before they cause significant damage. Remember, always usa a Gas safe registered engineer.
• Draugh-proof your home. Heat escapes from small gaps around windows and doors. As such, investing in draught excluders – such as foam tape and door brushes – can lessen heat loss, reducer energy bills and save you money in the long run.
• Close curtains and doors. Leverage simple measures to reduce heat loss further. For example, close curtains and doors as soon as its cold and dark to retain heat. When buying new curtains , opt for thermal versions.

Contact us today for additional home heating and safety resources.

Motor

Preventing Drowsy Driving

According to research by charity IAM RoadSmart, 1 in 10 motorists have momentarily fallen asleep at the wheel. Moreover, 4 in 10 drivers have had to turn down the heating or open their windows to stave off fatigue. This is a worrying statistic considering that distracted driving – including drowsy driving  – is a common cause of accidents.

To limit drowsy driving and reduce your risk of accidents on the road, consider the following tips:

• Prioritise getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
• Be aware of warning signs that you may be drowsy, including finding it difficult to focus on the road, experiencing lapses in your recent memory and feeling restless or irritable.
• Do not consume alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel; even a small amount can contribute to drowsiness.
• Read the labels of any medications you take to identify if drowsiness may be a side effect, and consult your doctor with any concerns.
• Plan ahead for longer trips and break them up into several shorter segments.

Contact us today for further vehicle-safety guidance.