Hamilton Insurance Group - Q2 2021

THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health

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SEEING OBSTACLES AS OPPORTUNITIES What Helps Me Get Through the Frustrating Tasks on My Plate

I have never been good at keeping

one reason or another. I just have this brain block when it comes to actually scheduling time to get things done. And that, understandably, leads to a lot of unnecessary stress. The best way I’ve found to get around the mental block is to perform a sort of Jedi mind trick on myself. I have to stop “stinkin’ thinkin’,” as I call it, and view the daunting tasks before me as opportunities, not obstacles. Once I get engaged in a certain project, it’s not nearly as mind numbing as I thought. If one of the tasks before me is a phone call, that call might end with me getting a new client, or at least a new friend. Everyone needs insurance, after all! I might not be able to control how everything in my day will play out — even if I create a schedule! However, I can control how I view the struggles I encounter on a daily basis. When just looking at my schedule exhausts me, I need to be thinking that something might happen that would get me a million dollars and let me retire early. By thinking a huge to-do list is a land of opportunity, suddenly making my schedule isn’t so hard! Another key element to eliminating the stress is realizing that, even on the best days, doing it all is just not possible sometimes. There will always be more work to do, and I’m definitely grateful for it. But just because it’s available for me to complete doesn’t

a schedule. When it comes to family-related responsibilities, my wife is usually the one who takes care of the schedule. When it comes to my work, however, I’m forced to try to schedule things out myself — and there are few things that stress me out more in my business than trying to fit every task I have on my plate into a day, a week, or a month. I’m just not very good at it. That said, though, I have discovered a few ways to make creating and abiding by a schedule less stressful. If you’re like me and you have a hard time getting to everything you need to do, maybe these tips will help you, too. Business has been great brisk for several years now, but as of late, business has been extraordinary. I’ve had to really work on my weakness when it comes to keeping my schedule straight. But when each item on my to-do list is multiple steps long, and other responsibilities keep taking priority, it’s hard not to just throw your hands up in the air and declare, “Woe is me!” I experienced that not long ago when I tried to get the ball rolling on some business deals that hadn’t moved off my desk for ages, but instead of tackling those deals, I ended up writing applications for clients who missed their appointment for

mean I can’t take a day off and reset. The old quote, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” definitely rings true. Whether it’s your schedule or some other challenge in your life causing you stress, I hope that by reframing the obstacles as opportunities, and by giving yourself a day off

every now and again, your stress will start to unravel, too.

–Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855

Laugh More, Age Less

As we age, we’re told to wear sunscreen, eat more vegetables, take vitamins, and even walk more — all in hope that our internal clocks will slow down and we will age better. But something as simple as laughter could actually be one of the easiest ways to slow the ticking clock of aging. Scientists have long known that laughter can be therapeutic and help us live longer. It has been shown to reduce wear and tear on our bodies and improve our relationships. A Norwegian study found that those who prioritized humor were more likely to live past 70 than those who didn’t laugh often. At a biological level, laughter can reduce tension in your muscles and activate a powerful stress-

relief response from your brain by releasing dopamine. Just one chuckle may even improve your breathing and heart function! In fact, laughing can work wonders for the heart. One study showed that laughter therapy helped reduce the blood pressure and cholesterol levels of its participants. Their blood circulation improved, too. Studies have also found that regular laughter can help strengthen your immune system, and it has long-term benefits for those with respiratory conditions. In addition to your body, laughter is also good for your social life. (And we don’t mean that people will want to spend time with you if you have all the good jokes!) Throughout history, laughter has been an evolutionary sign of understanding. When there are language barriers,

laughing together can create camaraderie and a tighter bond between people of different cultures. The dopamine release that comes with laughter aids in stress relief and creates powerful memories that can improve your mood and strengthen friendships. Of course, laughter has its downfalls, too. Laughing at someone else’s expense is detrimental to their health and can harm your relationships. So, stick to light jokes and actively seek shows, cartoons, or people who make you laugh. You’ll feel good, and your body will be pretty happy, too.

The Wonderfully Weird Ways That People Unwind

When it comes to de-stressing, most people have their go-to activities for preparing for a stressful day or unwinding after it’s all over. However, because each person is unique, de- stressing looks different for everyone. So, in honor of National Stress Awareness Month (in April), why not share some of the more unusual ways you can melt away your stress? Looking at Fractals A fractal is a repeating pattern made of identical or similar shapes. Examples of fractals in nature include snowflakes and flowers. Studies have found that the human brain seems to have an innate connection to fractals. In fact, looking at them can decrease your stress levels by up to 60%. So, by immersing yourself in a “fractal-rich” environment for even just 20 minutes a day, you could help yourself de-stress.

Cindy Engstrom apparently loved kung fu. “I just love punching things! It’s a huge stress relief,” she said. Setting Up Healthier Rhythms If you’re someone who lives and dies by your calendar, planner, and alarm apps, this one might make you nervous. However, setting aside a day where you turn your phone off — meaning no alarms and no appointments — has beneficial effects on your mental health. Taking time away from the jarring transitions that come with a full schedule may feel strange at first, but it’s certain to reintroduce your body to a healthier rhythm. This past year has been stressful to say the least! As things continue to return to normal, we wish you well and hope you’re able to find the de- stressing activities that uniquely work for you.

Practicing Martial Arts By “martial arts,” we don’t mean tai chi or yoga — we mean the kind you use primarily in fights with other people. Sound stressful? Well, it turns out that hitting things does wonders to lower your stress levels. Jeremy Ford, winner of Season 13 of “Top Chef,” purportedly practiced Brazilian jiujitsu, and CEO of Sircle Advertising

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W hat ’ s the F irst T hing Y ou ’ re G oing to D o

When the Pandemic Is Over?

What are you going to do when the pandemic is over? While we’re certainly not out of the woods yet, more and

always just figured they would eat there eventually. Well, as we’ve now learned, “eventually” doesn’t always pan out like we think it will. So, once you’re free to explore the city around you, don’t let those eateries evade you any longer! Go to a concert. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like — live music has been absent from our lives for long enough! Find out if any of your favorite bands are coming to town or buy tickets to one you’ve never heard of before. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover another band worth adding to your playlist! Hug your loved ones. Even if you’re not a foodie or a music lover, chances are there is someone you’ve been separated from during this time — someone you love dearly, whether that be a family member or a close friend. Once you can safely be around others, don’t waste another second not being around the people you love. After all, as this season of life has taught us, it’s not something we should ever take for granted again.

more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19 every day, bringing us closer and closer to the normalcy we’ve been missing for over a year. That’s a long time to ponder the activities you miss doing, the places you miss seeing, and the people you miss spending time with. However, maybe for you, it was a long enough time that you stopped thinking about what you would do when the

pandemic was over, because it has never felt like it was going to end. Maybe the coronavirus put you so firmly in a rut that you’re having trouble picturing what life will be like when it’s over. Well, if that’s you, here are a few general ideas you can consider for celebrating the end of this chaotic season of life — once it’s safe to do so, of course! Visit that restaurant you always said you would visit. Everyone knows that one place in town all their friends have raved about, but they’ve never visited because they

S pring V egetable and C hicken P asta B ake

Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced • 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered • 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces • 1/2 cup carrots, grated • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped

and divided • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

I cannot tell you how many condolence cards I have had to mail this past year and how many of my clients who had family members pass without insurance. Call today to discuss life insurance for you and/or your family. Even the smallest policy could feel like a million dollars to your loved ones in their time of need.

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.

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Can You See Obstacles as Opportunities? The Easiest Anti-Aging Tactic? Laughter Unusual Ways to De-Stress Yourself When the Pandemic Is Over ... Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake Caring for Pets Brings Health and Happiness

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FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES

As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine.

Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

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