By Andrew Nkgare, Executive Head of Broker Solutions at Santam
As rapid technological change continues to reshape the global insurance landscape, brokers are under increasing pressure to adapt. However, according to Deloitte's 2026 Global Insurance Outlook, success in this environment does not depend solely on the speed of technological adoption but on how…
How “Popping the Question” is Evolving
Proposing in February - the culturally romanticised month of love and often centred around Valentine’s Day - has become almost predictable, with many engagements taking place on the 14th of February. The moment often follows a similar routine too, one reinforced by films, advertisements, and social media: red roses,…
JustMoney’s large-scale survey, Money & Me, reveals that more than a third of South Africans are worried about their income; and little wonder, with salary increases having been nominal over the past ten years, and the cost of living rising dramatically.
With the new year underway, now is the ideal time to consider how to…
January is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and commit to your personal and professional growth. It's easy to feel like you're already doing enough or under too much pressure to add "learning" to your New Year's goals, but growth doesn't have to mean more stress. In fact, when approached intentionally, it can become one…
Now that work and school are officially in full swing, one might think that summer is over, but we still have loads of weekends ahead to soak up the sun, enjoy good food, and catch up with friends. The alarm clocks may be back, but the flip-flops don’t have to be packed away just yet.
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Low, gentle sound vibration on the sternum helps the body shift into a calm, regulated state. The vibration stimulates the vagus nerve, which supports steady breathing, a calmer heart rate, and a sense of safety in the body. As the sound moves through the chest, it helps soften tight tissues and release held tension, allowing…
Mitochondria are exquisitely sensitive to nervous system rhythm. In regulated states, breathing is slow, circulation is efficient, and oxygen delivery is optimal — ideal for ATP production. In dysregulated states, shallow breathing, tension, and inflammation reduce mitochondrial output. Chronic stress teaches mitochondria to prioritise survival rather than energy abundance.
Workable solutions: Support rhythm daily through slow breathing,…
Financial pressure, job insecurity, and relentless productivity demands keep the nervous system in long-term survival mode. This stress chemistry reduces oxygen efficiency, increases oxidative load, and shifts mitochondria away from repair and regeneration. Even when people rest, their cells may still be bracing. Chronic economic stress therefore shows up as fatigue, brain fog, and burnout.
Workable…
Mitochondria constantly respond to emotional chemistry. Supportive relationships increase oxytocin and serotonin, lowering inflammation and improving cellular efficiency. Chronic conflict, loneliness, or emotional suppression elevate cortisol and adrenaline, which impair mitochondrial membranes and reduce ATP output over time. This is why toxic environments feel physically exhausting, not just emotionally draining.
Workable solutions: Seek pockets of relational safety…
Mitochondria turn food into energy, but how they do this depends on food quality, timing, and hydration. Ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and dehydration increase inflammation and oxidative stress, forcing mitochondria into defence mode. Nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats, minerals, and adequate water provide the raw materials for efficient ATP production. When fuel is clean and consistent,…