Personal Lines Insights | April 2023
Life
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms can help people feel like they’re escaping reality by relieving stress or distracting their minds. While this is quite common, it can become a problem if a person turns to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can be harmful in the long run.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
People may adopt unhealthy or destructive behaviors due to poor mental health, isolation and stress. Here are some of the most common unhealthy coping mechanisms:
Overeating and undereating
Impulsive shopping
Oversleeping
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Healthy coping mechanisms can help positively address stress and anxieties. Check out these five healthy alternatives for coping with stress or other unpleasant emotions:
Talk about stress. Find someone to share your feelings with, such as a close friend, family member or mental health professional.
Learn your triggers. Know what you react to negatively so you can prepare to respond in a healthy way.
Address negative feelings. Learn to accept that negativity is a part of life. Trying to avoid it can result in reaching for unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Pick up a new hobby. Find a healthy, rewarding hobby such as painting or running.
Create task lists. Make a list of personal goals to help you achieve what you want and improve your mood by checking off a completed task.
For more information on how to adopt healthy coping mechanisms, contact us today.
Home
Tips for Spring Home Maintenance
As temperatures warm, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have caused to your home. With the proper spring home maintenance, you can prevent unwelcome surprises down the road. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home for warmer weather:
Check the seals around your windows and doors for cracking or hardening caulk to prevent leaks.
Regularly check and clear debris from your downspouts and gutters to avoid water damage from spring storms.
Fix cracks in your sidewalk and driveway to create a safer walking and driving area.
Clean or replace your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) filters; this will allow them to run more efficiently and save you money.
Inspect trees for rot or damage and remove any dead or unhealthy trees from your property.
Check your house for loose outlets, frayed wires or cracked plugs.
Make sure no outlets or cords are overloaded in your home.
Inspect and repair your roof from winter damage caused by snow or ice.
Test every smoke detector in your home and change the batteries.
Check connecting hoses and pipes on all water appliances (e.g., sinks, washers, dryers and dishwashers) for leaks, cracks or moisture.
For more home maintenance and safety information, contact us today.
Auto
Prevent Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs whenever you engage in an activity behind the wheel that takes your attention off the road. Consider these tips for preventing distracted driving:
Never talk on your cellphone or text while driving.
Avoid reading maps or directions as you drive.
Limit your conversations with passengers.
Don’t smoke, eat or drink while you are driving.
Never touch up your makeup or hair in the rearview mirror.
Only adjust the radio when you are completely stopped.
Don’t allow animals to sit on your lap while driving.
For more auto safety guidance, contact us today.
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