3 Steps to a Successful New Year’s Resolution

Its the last day of 2014. You’ve made plans for tonight, and maybe even thought up of a resolution for next year. The big question is: are you going to end up sticking to it this time?

According to TIME these are the top 10 commonly broken new years resolutions. Does yours make the list?

1. Lose Weight/get Fit
2. Quit Smoking
3. Learn Something New
4. Eat Healthier and Diet
5. Get Out of Debt and Save Money
6. Spend More Time with Family
7. Travel to New Places
8. Be Less Stressed
9. Volunteer
10. Drink Less

What’s your Resolution?

We’re not trying to make you feel guilty. However, if your resolution is mentioned above, we can help you attain them. Check out these 3 steps;

1. What do you really want to accomplish?

The million Rupee question. It may be to get healthier, to travel more, write a book, learn a new instrument, start a business etc. Truly ask yourself if this is something you are really passionate about. If you are genuinely interested about something, that will drive you to achieve more than a generic resolution such as ‘getting fitter’ because you are expected to.

2. Take Baby steps

Its the new year, so take small steps. For example, if your resolution is to write a book, break it down. Consider writing a paragraph every day, or a full page once a week. This way, you modify your behaviour a little and you make progress. It will be slow, but  you will see gains over time. Remember: slow and steady wins the race.

3. Reward yourself

Positive reinforcement is a great way to go. If you want to lose weight, a cheat meal is a good way to stay motivated to reach your goals. In fact, the team at ironbuttz have written an excellent article about how cheat meals stimulate weight loss.

That’s it from us this year, we would like to wish you the very best in sticking to your resolutions in 2015!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

We have a Christmas Present for You: A New Blog!

Hello dear follower,

We like to keep you updated on the latest news. In this case its no different; we’re getting a new blog!!

Update Jan 2, 2015: As promised, our new HNB General Insurance Blog is now active. Check it out

Why?

Pretty simple, as you are well aware, the insurance industry in Sri Lanka is changing. As of Jan 1st, 2015, all insurance firms who offer both life and general insurance need to split into two companies. Thus, we felt it made more sense to have two blogs.

Whats going to change?

This blog, All Things Insurance, will focus primarily on life insurance, while the new blog will place emphasis on All Things General Insurance (ie: Motor Insurance, Vehicle Safety Tips, The latest motor technology etc & Travel).

We intend to have the new blog up and running as of January 2015, so stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

Happy Holidays from HNB Assurance

Hello dear follower,

Its been a memorable year for us at HNB Assurance PLC. We’ve had a lot of highs and made significant breakthroughs throughout the year. From winning awards in social media, human resources, as well as introducing innovative new products to name a few. At this point, we wish to say thanks to a lot of people; our amazing staff and you, our great customer base.

We face some unique challenges next year, but feel confident and prepared to face them in the following months. Until then, we wish to offer each and every one of you a memorable festive season.

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

Running out of time? Check out our Ultimate Last Minute Gift Giving Guide

You meant to get it done earlier, but you were so busy that you forgot to get your Christmas shopping done, right? Never fear, we are here with some ideas on what to get for the people you care about for Christmas. Check out our guide for more information.

Gifts for Men

• Favorite Movie/TV show box set: Always a popular choice, this is pretty easy to guess if the man in your life spends a lot of time watching the TV. If he’s a big fan of a particular series or movie (easy to note as he will insist on watching the same movie over and over), indulge him with a DVD box set. Popular choices include: The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, Dark Knight Trilogy, you get the picture.

• Wallets and Belts: It’s a cliché, but these are good gifts if your man has a tendency to wear these out. Invest in a quality material and watch your significant other glow with delight as he opens his Christmas present.

• Shaving/grooming Kits: A men’s grooming kit has fast become an important asset for the modern man. A kit can be bought either online or in some high-end stores. If you can’t find a full set-make a little effort and make your own. All you need is a good razor blade, shaving cream, a brush and some aftershave. Pack it into a toiletries bag and there you have it!

• Novelty items: Depending on the person, some guys love unconventional items. For example, a self- stirring mug (since we drink a lot of tea), but tread with caution, as others may not always see the funny side of this and would rather prefer a more functional present.

Image Credit: Huffingtonpost

Gifts for Women

• A journal/book: If she’s the expressive type, you can’t beat a journal as she will look for a way to express all her thoughts. Giving her a journal allows her to write down her feelings, dreams and fears without being judged. Plus, she will be glad since it came from you! If not, a good book from her favorite author is a good way to go

• Spa treatment: In this modern age, people want to slow down and relax a little. Surprise that special someone with a spa treatment. It’s a great way to relax and unwind after a busy season. If your budget doesn’t extend to a spa, look at the gift shop and take the treatment home: a gift pack comprising moisturizer, facial scrubs, massage oils, body lotions, shower gel and balms are always a great present

• Novelty items: Similar to men, women also love novelty items. The difference here is, it should be something which you share. This may be in the form of an inside joke or romantic attachment, just ensure that the gift has a meaning to your recipient.

• Perfume: Arguably the toughest item on this list. What kind of perfume do you buy? You’d need to ask her friends or family, or you could snoop around and see what kind of perfume she wears, get it right and both of you will appreciate the fragrances even more.

• Gift vouchers: Sometimes tricky, but effective if you don’t know her clothing size. Get a gift voucher to a store of her choice: clothes, shoes or jewellery will work here.  This is a popular options as its easy to carry and allows her the freedom to buy exactly what she want

Image credit: ourkids

Gifts for Children

• Confectionery: Simple, but effective. Children love sweets, so if you’re stuck about gift ideas, take some chocolates or sweets, as it’s always a hit among the little ones

• Toys and video games: Toys are good upto a point, as more and more young children are playing with video games on laptops and ipads. Try to find a game which is family friendly, as it will keep you and your child interested.

• Gift vouchers: Something for older children, a gift voucher at say a bookshop, toy/video game store teaches them the value of money and gives them the freedom to buy the latest video game for their console.

Got any better ideas? Tell us what you would get in the comments!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.

Safe decorating guide for Christmas

Safety should be the last thing one wants to hear during the holidays. However, people make mistakes and accidents do happen. Follow these tips to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe, memorable season.

Christmas tree safety

• If possible, consider investing in an artificial Christmas tree. They last for years, require no water, is fire resistant and is much easier to assemble and clean.

• When decorating, make sure that you keep the place free of smaller decor and items which break easily, especially among little children (choking hazard) and pets (potential injury)

• If you need to get to the top to hang a star, or to attach any other decorations from a height, ensure that you use a ladder and a spotter. The spotter will ensure that they will hold onto to the ladder, and pass you the decorations. Besides, its always more fun doing decorations with people you care about!

Image Credit: SafetyBanners

Firework safety

• If you decide to use fireworks this year, please ensure that you are present to supervise teenagers.

• Know how the fireworks are supposed to react, this could be the difference between enjoying them, or getting badly burnt.

• Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

Light safety

• Thoroughly inspect each strand of lights. Look for broken light bulbs, frayed wires, loose connections and broken sockets. Once you locate them, dispose of them immediately as these presents a major safety hazard.

• Make it a point to switch off the lights when you leave the house or go to sleep. There is a chance, however small that they could short out and start a fire.

We hope you find this information useful and have a safe & enjoyable holiday season!

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog are based on the macro economic conditions & industry status quo as per the time of publishing.