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!

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

September 10, 2025
September is recognized as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when individuals, families, organizations, and communities come together to shine a light on a disease that affects so many lives. At Crawford Benefits, this cause is especially close to our hearts. We know firsthand how important awareness and education can be, and this September we are showing our support by turning things a little orange, the color that symbolizes blood cancer awareness. Wearing or displaying orange may seem small, but it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. By dedicating a month to this cause, we hope to encourage early detection, raise critical support for patients and their families, and inspire action within our community. Blood cancers are unique because they affect the very lifeline of the body, the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Unlike many other cancers that form solid tumors, blood cancers circulate through the body, making them harder to detect in their early stages. That is why awareness is so vital. When people understand what symptoms to watch for and when to speak up, lives can be saved. Some of the most common signs of blood cancers include persistent fatigue or weakness, frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Unfortunately, these symptoms can often be mistaken for other, less serious conditions, which can delay diagnosis. The more we talk about these warning signs, the better chance people have at recognizing when something might be wrong and getting help as early as possible. For many families, a blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It often brings uncertainty, countless medical appointments, and emotional and financial strain. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, stories of resilience, community support, and groundbreaking medical advances provide hope. Treatments such as bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and CAR T-cell therapy are improving outcomes for patients every day. Continued progress in research is possible because of awareness months like this one, which raise funding and spark conversations that keep blood cancer in the spotlight. At Crawford Benefits, our commitment goes beyond simply acknowledging Blood Cancer Awareness Month. We want to encourage real action. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to get involved is to donate blood. Cancer patients often rely on blood transfusions as part of their treatment, and every donation truly makes a difference. Another powerful step is to register as a bone marrow donor. Many patients with blood cancer depend on bone marrow or stem cell transplants to survive, but finding a matching donor can be difficult. By joining the registry, you could one day give someone the gift of life. Supporting research organizations and patient advocacy groups is also a meaningful way to contribute. Donations help fund groundbreaking studies, provide patient services, and support families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Even if financial giving is not possible, simply sharing information with friends and family helps spread awareness. Wearing orange, posting about Blood Cancer Awareness Month on social media, or participating in a local fundraising event are small actions that create a ripple effect of education and support. As we reflect on this month, it is important to remember that awareness is not just about statistics or facts, it is about people. It is about honoring those who have lost their lives, supporting those currently in the fight, and standing with caregivers who give so much of themselves. It is also about building hope for the future, where better treatments and maybe even cures become a reality. Awareness months like this remind us that we are not powerless in the face of cancer. Each of us has something to contribute, whether it is time, resources, or simply compassion. We encourage everyone to take a moment this September to learn more about blood cancers and what you can do to help. Check in on loved ones, talk about the signs and symptoms, and look for ways to get involved. Together, as a community, we can raise our voices for a cause that matters deeply to so many. When we unite under the color orange, we send a message of strength, resilience, and unwavering support to those impacted by blood cancer. This September, let us remember that awareness leads to action, and action leads to hope. By donating blood, registering as a bone marrow donor, supporting organizations, and sharing information, we all have the power to make a difference. We stand with the blood cancer community this month and every month, and we invite you to join us in spreading awareness and fostering change. Together, we can turn compassion into action and bring hope to those who need it most.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint

September 10, 2025
At Crawford Benefits, we believe that small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference for the environment. Every decision we make in our daily lives and in our office has an impact, and by choosing healthier, more sustainable practices, we can help protect our planet for generations to come. With World Environmental Health Day taking place on September 25, it is the perfect time to reflect on how our choices affect the environment and what simple steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint. Lowering your carbon footprint may sound like a big task, but it really comes down to making small, consistent changes that add up over time. Many of the things we do in our office are simple, affordable, and easy to replicate at home or in other workplaces. One of the first things we decided to change was our use of paper products. Instead of stocking paper towels, we use cloth towels that can be washed and reused. This not only reduces waste but also saves money in the long run. Switching to reusable cloths eliminates the constant need to buy paper products that are used once and thrown away. Cleaning is another area where we have made improvements. Many traditional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but can also affect our health. In our office, we choose simple, non-toxic cleaning products that are just as effective without the harmful side effects. By choosing safer cleaners, we reduce the amount of toxins released into the air and water supply. To further improve the air quality in our space, we use an ozone machine regularly, which helps clean and neutralize airborne contaminants and eliminate odors. We also use air purifiers in our office. Clean air creates a healthier environment for everyone in the office and contributes to a more sustainable workplace overall. Food storage and packaging are other areas where small changes can have a big impact. Instead of relying on single-use containers, plastic wrap, or disposable baggies, we use Tupperware and reusable storage bags. This change may seem small, but when you think about how often people pack lunches, store leftovers, or organize snacks, the amount of plastic waste adds up quickly. By reusing containers, we cut down on the need for disposable plastics, which are some of the biggest contributors to pollution in oceans and landfills. Reusable products are also sturdier and more reliable, making them a smarter choice for daily life. The great thing about all of these adjustments is how practical and attainable they are. You do not need to make drastic changes overnight to make a difference. Simply replacing paper towels with cloth, choosing a reusable baggie over a plastic one, or swapping one toxic cleaner for a non-toxic alternative are easy ways to get started. These little steps add up, and when more people make them, the collective impact is enormous. September 25 is World Environmental Health Day, which serves as a reminder of how closely connected human health and environmental health are. The quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the products we use every day all play a role in our overall well-being. By choosing to live more sustainably, we are not only protecting the planet but also taking care of our own health. Cleaner air, fewer toxins, and less waste all contribute to healthier communities. It is also important to remember that sustainability is not about perfection. No one can eliminate their carbon footprint entirely, but everyone can take steps to reduce it. Whether it is biking instead of driving for short trips, turning off lights when you leave a room, reducing food waste, or bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, every action makes a difference. The key is to be mindful of your choices and to look for areas where you can swap out a disposable habit for a reusable one. At Crawford Benefits, we take pride in the steps we have already put in place in our office, but we also know there is always room to improve. Environmental health is an ongoing commitment, and World Environmental Health Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on what we are doing and what more we can achieve. We encourage everyone to look at their daily routines and see where they can make simple, sustainable swaps. In the end, the goal is not just to reduce our carbon footprint but to create a healthier, more resilient future for everyone. By making small, consistent choices, we protect the environment, safeguard our health, and set an example for others to follow. This September, as World Environmental Health Day approaches, we invite you to join us in making changes that matter. Whether at home, at work, or in your community, each choice adds up to a cleaner, healthier planet. Together, we can turn small actions into lasting change.