Keep It Simple

January 27, 2021

Feeling overwhelmed? The solution is to simplify. You may not have control over some daily stressors, but you can reprioritize and declutter the things you can control. Sometimes, the task of simplifying is anything but simple. It takes motivation and dedication to declutter life. But, we think you will find it has a great payoff. Try these steps to make life a little more simple:


1. Set monthly goals.

Set yourself 1-3 goals each month. Feel overwhelming? Okay, just start with one. Take it one day and one step at a time. By the end of the month, evaluate whether or not you met your goal and if you did, journal your accomplishment. If you were just shy of meeting, set it again for the following month. Goals in smaller, more manageable chunks of time are more achievable.


2. Carry a water bottle everywhere.

We all know staying hydrated is important, but it’s so much easier to do it if you keep a water bottle with you at all times. Fight brain fog with hydration!


3. Declutter your closet.

You know that feeling when you have too many clothes and nothing to wear? It's time to get honest, bite the bullet, and purge. If you haven't worn an item in the past 12 months, it is time to find that cute-but-never-worn top a new home - in someone else's closet. Donate your to a local charity.


4. Organize clothing by color.

Instead of organizing your clothing by type, try organizing by color. You'll find new outfit options with color combinations you didn't think of before.


5. Follow a quick morning routine.

Not everyone has time for an elaborate morning routine! Make things a little simpler and incorporate these quick and easy changes:

  • Drink one glass of water.
  • Keep your phone off (or at least away from your hand!).
  • MOVE. Don't have time for a workout? Give yourself 5 minutes to stretch, and if you have 
  • time, even just a 5 minute walk to the end of your street and back can help your body prepare for the day.
  • Make your bed before you brush your teeth.
  • Set an alarm 20 minutes before you need to leave home for work. This will alert you to tie up those last minute details.


6. Put the crock pot to good use.

Drag that crock pot out of storage and put it to use. You'll thank yourself at the end of a long workday. Another hack - take some time over the weekend to put uncooked crock pot meals into freezer bags. In the morning, just grab a bag and toss it in the slow cooker. Voila!


7. Unsubscribe from emails.

We know, there's a lot. Make it a small goal to unsubscribe from 3 email lists every time you check your inbox. Before long, you'll have a less cluttered email feed (and less temptation to clutter your closet right back up with impulse purchases).


8. Make your lunch the night before work.

If you make your lunches ahead of time, you’ll make healthier choices by avoiding eating out and you will save money. It's a win win.


9. Create a follow-up email folder.

Instead of letting read emails pile up in your inbox because you don’t know what to do with them, move them to a follow-up folder. Pick a day of the week and check your follow-up folder to make sure you don’t forget about things.


10. Keep healthy snacks at hand.

Keep a stash of healthy snacks at your desk or at home to perk yourself up, increase metabolism, and feel less defeated during the workday. (Remember to drink water, too!)


11. Set a social alarm.

Mindlessly scrolling in the evenings is sure to overload the brain and take up precious time. Instead, set an amount of time to spend checking in with friends and staying up today. Once the alarm sounds, put the phone away. Wrap up daily tasks, have a conversation with your spouse or a loved one, read a book, or write in your journal. Instead of taking 10 minutes to prepare your to-do list in the morning, write your list before bed. This way, those pesky to-dos will be out of your head, and you’ll have much a more peaceful sleep. You might be surprised how much these simple changes improves your mood and declutters your brain!

12. Slow down.

So many of us are rushing through life, trying to get a million things done at once while attempting to absorb as much information as we can at the same time. Take a few minutes to think about the areas of your life where you’ve been rushing, and come up with a plan to slow down and be a little more deliberate. 

How do you simplify life? Share with us on facebook!

Spring Into Health: Why March Is the Perfect Time to Understand Your Coverage

March 6, 2026
Spring Into Health: Why March Is the Perfect Time to Understand Your Coverage March represents a shift. The days are getting longer, routines begin to change, and many people start thinking about spring goals such as more movement, better habits, and taking care of things they may have put off during the winter months. It’s also one of the best times of year to check in on your health and make sure your insurance coverage is still working for you. Many people associate insurance decisions with specific enrollment seasons, but staying covered and staying healthy is a year-round responsibility. A spring review can help prevent surprises, close coverage gaps, and give you confidence moving forward into the rest of the year. Why Spring Is a Natural Time for a Health Reset Winter often brings busy schedules, holidays, and illnesses that push preventive care to the bottom of the to-do list. By the time March arrives, many people are overdue for routine appointments or unsure how their current coverage works. Spring offers a chance to reset. Scheduling checkups, reviewing prescriptions, and understanding your benefits now can help you stay proactive rather than reactive. Preventive care is designed to catch issues early, when treatment is often simpler, less expensive, and more effective. Understanding Preventive Care and Your Benefits One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of health insurance is preventive care. Many plans cover services like annual physicals, routine screenings, and wellness visits at little or no cost when you use in-network providers. These services are meant to help you stay healthy, not just treat illness after it appears. Knowing what your plan includes allows you to take advantage of these benefits confidently. If you’re unsure what’s covered or when you’re eligible for certain services, a quick review can provide clarity and help you plan ahead. Life Changes Can Impact Coverage Spring often brings life changes; new jobs, growing families, income changes, or shifts in routines. Even small changes can impact whether your current coverage is still the best fit. A job change might affect provider networks or prescription coverage. A growing family can change coverage needs entirely. Reviewing your plan during times of transition helps ensure your coverage continues to support your health and financial goals. Why Reviewing Coverage Now Matters Waiting until something goes wrong to understand your insurance can lead to unnecessary stress and unexpected costs. Reviewing your coverage now allows you to ask questions, confirm details, and make informed decisions before you need care. Some key things to check include: • Are your doctors still in-network? • Are your prescriptions covered at the most affordable level? • Do you understand your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket costs? • Does your plan still align with your current health needs? These questions are easier to address when you’re not facing an urgent situation. Mental and Emotional Health Matters Too Health isn’t just physical. Seasonal changes can affect mood, energy levels, and mental well-being. Many health plans include mental health benefits that are underutilized simply because people aren’t aware they’re available. March is a good time to evaluate whether your coverage includes access to counseling, therapy, or virtual visits that support emotional well-being. Taking care of mental health is just as important as scheduling physical checkups, and both contribute to overall wellness. Planning Ahead for the Rest of the Year A spring coverage review isn’t about making changes for the sake of change. It’s about understanding where you stand and planning ahead. When you know how your coverage works, you’re better prepared for travel, unexpected illness, or future milestones. This proactive approach helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to focus on enjoying the season instead of worrying about what might happen. Small Steps Make a Big Difference You don’t have to do everything at once. Scheduling one appointment, reviewing one benefit, or asking one question is a meaningful step toward better health management. Over time, these small actions build confidence, reduce stress, and support long-term well-being. March is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. A little attention now can prevent bigger problems later. Moving Into Spring with Confidence As the seasons change, taking time to check in on your health and your coverage is one of the most practical ways to care for yourself and your family. Understanding your insurance, using preventive benefits, and planning ahead helps you move into spring feeling prepared and supported. If you have questions about your health coverage, preventive care benefits, or whether your current plan still fits your needs, we are here to help. Give our office a call if you have any questions about your benefits. Staying informed is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to protecting your health this spring and beyond.

How to Properly Access and Use Your Health Plan Portal

March 4, 2026
How to Properly Access and Use Your Health Plan’s Online Portal In today’s digital-first world, your health plan’s online portal is one of the most powerful tools available to help you manage your healthcare. From reviewing benefits and finding providers to tracking claims and downloading important documents, online member portals are designed to make healthcare more convenient and transparent. However, many members either don’t know how to access their portal or aren’t using it to its full potential. Learning how to properly access and navigate your health plan’s online portal can save you time, reduce frustration, and help you take control of your health. What Is a Health Plan Online Portal? A health plan online portal is a secure website or mobile app provided by your insurance carrier. It gives members 24/7 access to their plan information in one centralized location. While features vary by insurer, most portals allow you to view coverage details, manage personal information, communicate with your health plan, and access wellness tools. If you’ve ever waited on hold to ask a simple question about your benefits, the portal can often provide those answers instantly. Step 1: Gather What You Need Before You Start Before registering, have a few key items ready. You’ll typically need: • Your health insurance ID card • Your member ID number • Personal information such as your date of birth and ZIP code • An email address you can access regularly Using a personal email address rather than a shared one helps keep your information secure and ensures you receive important plan notifications. Step 2: Register for an Account Visit your insurance carrier’s official website and look for a link labeled “Member Login,” “Register,” or “Create an Account.” If your plan offers a mobile app, you can also download it from the App Store or Google Play and register there. During registration, you’ll create a username and password. Choose a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password you use for other accounts. You may also be asked to set up security questions or enable two-factor authentication for added protection. Once registered, you’ll typically receive a confirmation email to verify your account. Step 3: Log In and Explore the Dashboard After logging in, you’ll be taken to your member dashboard. This is the home screen of your portal and provides an overview of your plan. Common sections include: • Coverage and benefits • Claims and explanations of benefits (EOBs) • Digital ID cards • Provider search tools • Prescription drug information Take a few minutes to click through each section so you know where to find things when you need them. Familiarity now can save stress later. Step 4: Learn How to Use Key Features View benefits and coverage The portal breaks down what your plan covers, including copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. This is especially helpful before scheduling appointments or procedures. Check claims and costs You can track claims as they are processed and review EOBs to understand what was billed, what your plan paid, and what you may owe. This helps you catch errors early and avoid surprises. Find in-network providers Most portals include a provider search tool that helps you find doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies that are in-network, saving you money and ensuring coverage. Access digital ID cards If you forget your physical insurance card, your digital ID card can usually be accessed or downloaded directly from the portal. Did you know that some carriers are no longer sending physical ID cards? The online portal may be the only way to access your member ID. Manage prescriptions Many portals allow you to review covered medications, find lower-cost alternatives, and connect with mail-order pharmacy services. Step 5: Use Wellness and Support Tools Beyond basic plan information, many portals include wellness resources such as: • Preventive care reminders • Health assessments • Fitness and incentive program tracking • Telehealth access • Care management or nurse support lines These tools are often underused but can add significant value to your health plan. Step 6: Keep Your Information Updated Make sure your contact information, address, and communication preferences are current. This ensures you receive important notices, plan updates, and benefit reminders without delays. Step 7: Know Where to Get Help If you have trouble registering or navigating the portal, look for a “Help,” “Support,” or “Contact Us” section. Most insurers offer step-by-step guides, FAQs, or customer service support to assist you. Our office may also be able to assist, if needed. Why Using Your Portal Matters Your health plan’s online portal puts important information at your fingertips and helps you make informed decisions about your care. By learning how to properly access and use it, you can avoid unnecessary calls, better understand your benefits, and feel more confident managing your healthcare. Taking a little time to set up and explore your portal today can lead to smoother, smarter healthcare experiences tomorrow.