Sooth the Soul – without Stressing the Wallet
Soon the summer holidays will be but a memory and you’ll have your nose back to the grindstone. Here are some ideas for maintaining that Zen-like calm you’ve developed over the summer:
- Meditation -Neuroscientists have found that meditation affects brain activity by shifting waves in the brain's stress-prone areas to the calmer left frontal cortex. This shift reduces the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety. There are many meditation techniques – the trick is to find a way to be able to sit quietly without being a hostage to your own random thoughts. Try Googling “Mediation Techniques” for some ideas.
- Yoga - Yoga is said to improve flexibility and performance, reduce stress and provide inner peace. Yoga has gained immense popularity over the past ten years and yoga studios can be found in even the smallest country towns. While you can get instructional DVD’s for home use, it’s a good idea to go to a class where you are monitored to ensure you’re doing the poses correctly.
- Music - An underrated way of winding down, some laid-back chill out music can soothe your state of mind more than you might realise. Such music has been proven to slow down the heartbeat and the rate at which you breathe and think, prompting relaxation. In addition, many people get exercise (and relaxation) from simply dancing to music at home. Clear a space, turn up the stereo and GO FOR IT!
- Massage - For those with partners (or good friends), massage is the cheapest self-indulgence there is. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being. Massage also makes a great gift (even for yourself!), and there are some excellent practitioners offering massage from about $60 for an hour-long session.
Do You Have Flabby Finances?
Do you have a bloated mortgage? Heavy debts? Skinny bank accounts? With interest rates set to soar over the coming 2-3 years it’s now an excellent time to review your finances. Contact me to book an appointment and we’ll review:
- Your mortgage – let’s put your mortgage on a diet. I’ll show you how a “fit” mortgage can work harder for you; reducing the years it’ll take to pay it off while providing a better match to your lifestyle.
- Your other loans – have you built up some credit card debts? Personal loans? HP’s? It’s likely you could pay these off much faster with a debt consolidation loan. Why pay more interest than you have to?
- Money for renovations? Your business? Thinking of having a baby soon? We’ll discuss how you can set up your finances now to better serve your current lifestyle and your dreams for the future.
This is a free service so contact me now to make an appointment.
Insurance Review - How has your life changed over the past 3 years?
Maybe you've been promoted, had a pay rise, or gone from contract work into a permanent position. Perhaps you’ve got married or divorced, had children, or bought or sold property.
Whatever has changed in your life , chances are that your insurance cover does not meet your current situation – you’re probably paying too much for cover you don’t need and critical areas aren’t covered at all.
If you have the slightest doubt about your current insurance arrangements then please contact me to arrange a (FREE!) insurance review. It’s painless, it may save you money and it will give you peace of mind.
Psst – Pass it on….
Finally, if you’ve seen anything in this newsletter that might benefit others, please pass it on.
Here's to a great 2010!
Steve Robinson
January 21st, 2010
