A few months ago, I realized I was in an enviable position to buy a car. Almost 210,000 miles later, my trusted 2009 Dodge Caravan (lovingly called “The Rust Bucket”) failed the test. It costs twice as much to repair. So, with just a few options, I bought a 5-year-old Subaru in about the same amount it was originally retailed when it was brand new.
If you’re dissatisfied with rising inflation, which is rising faster than the SpaceX rocket, like me, here are five ways to improve your health and reduce costs.
First, cook more vegetarian meals. We all know that eating vegetables is good for us and the planet. Indeed, when organic cauliflower heads sell for $ 5.99, it’s hard to swallow. But some of my favorite (and cheapest) family meals are:
・ Bean burrito stuffed with vegetables
・ Vegetarian chili
・ Vegetable and egg fried rice
・ Frittata and quiche
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・ And soup
The above can be made with almost any combination of beans and vegetables (though fried rice, frittata and quiche beans are skipped). To add protein, add a little tofu. Add salad for extra crunch. Recipes are easy to find online.
Second, plant a garden. Pot gardens and container gardening are great ways to grow tomatoes, herbs and lettuce, even if you don’t have much space. With a $ 3 seed packet and the price of some supplies, you can eat your own organic vegetables at a much lower price than a grocery store. Spending time outdoors is known to improve mood, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure, so you can even save on health care costs.
Third, spend less time shopping and more time with loved ones. Certainly local stores need our business. But like money, time is limited. Therefore, when possible, prioritize people over things. Have a picnic. Take a walk. Play old-fashioned card games with people you haven’t seen in a while. You will probably lift their mood as well as yourself.
This leads to the fourth item on my list. Please give generously. Giving money and resources when things are more expensive than ever may seem counterintuitive. But the Bible reiterates that our resources come from God, and he asks us to share them. “God loves the cheerful giver,” 2 Corinthians 9: 7. Additional perks, studies have shown that generous behavior increases dopamine, a soothing chemical in our brain.
And fifth, say “Thank you.” No matter what difficulties I experience or experience, one of the surest ways to feel sick is to complain and complain. The reverse is also true. Gratitude has consistently been shown to raise mood and reduce the incidence of stress and depression. Therefore, when writing a check to pay for the ever-increasing utility bills, put a “thank you” stamp on the envelope to remind you to thank the services offered by these companies.
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Meadow Rue Merrill, author of the award-winning memoir “Redeeming Ruth,” writes from a small house in a large forest on the Midcoast, Maine. She is also the author of The Children’s Picture Book, The Best Birthday, and four other books that celebrate the holidays with children’s faith-building activities.Connect with Karamatsusou
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