JOURNAL
Helpful Tips for Managing Stress while Working from Home
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted 88% of organizations worldwide to mandate remote work in 2020. As many individuals are beginning to turn their attention toward 2021, employees who went abruptly from working full-time in an office setting are beginning to wonder what will happen in 2021 (Marinova, 2020)? Nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers working remotely during the pandemic would like to continue full-time after the pandemic or adjust to a hybrid schedule integrating working in the office and at home (Brenan, n.d.).
Debunking Myths around What to Expect after getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
As Americans began receiving the Pfizer vaccine this week and the Moderna vaccine is under consideration for emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the unprecedented speed of vaccine development has created many misconceptions and fears among American citizens worldwide. As side effects and myths are being shared, there is a lack of clarity on the truth behind the COVID-19 vaccine development, and it is challenging to separate fact from fiction. The American Association of Retired Persons recently released a detailed article highlighting the five most common myths about the vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine development truth.
Chef Marcela brings the community together by sharing her recipes, food, music, singing, and family!
If you're looking to try a new recipe or lift your spirits, cook with Chef Marcela! Chef Marcela is hosting her second @zoom cooking class in December, where she shares recipes, music, and family traditions. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for more details. Don't miss it. Here's what she had to say about her first online fiesta!
What will the workplace culture look like after the Covid-19 pandemic?
At the onset of the pandemic, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommended that employers allow flexible working when appropriate or possible. Eight months later, in November of 2020, many employees are still working remotely full-time or in a hybrid model that splits a percentage of time working remotely and spending a few days at an office location. As many offices begin to close the calendar year and turn toward the future, employees, finance professionals, human resources directors, and CEOs are all questioning what the future of work will look like after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Avoiding health risks during a volatile election: Strategies to protect your mental health
As American enters into the final week of the 2020 Elections, long voting lines, divisive politics, and political attack advertisements are increasing stress levels that are just as historic as the current rate of early voting. The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 70% of respondents to a recent survey say that the elections are a significant stress source. As votes are counted, and our nation learns next week who will lead the next four years of the government, it's important to note that panicking about politics is a bipartisan experience (Chatterjee, 2020). Here are some key takeaways to help you and others in the week ahead.
Is remote work a permanent trend?
At the onset of the pandemic, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommended that employers allow flexible working when appropriate or possible. Eight months later, in November of 2020, many employees are still working remotely full-time or in a hybrid model that splits a percentage of time working remotely and spending a few days at an office location. As many offices begin to close the calendar year and turn toward the future, employees, finance professionals, human resources directors, and CEOs are all questioning what the future of work will look like after the COVID-19 pandemic.
6 Tips to Deal With Financial Stress
There are plenty of things to be stressed about, but for many Americans, financial stress continually outranks everything else.1 Financial anxiety is also linked to physical and mental health issues, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and depression.2
But what’s the right way to deal with financial stress? And how do you lower it while working toward financial stability? Here are six ways to ease your mind about money problems so you can start feeling better in body, mind, and budget.
Income Inequality impact during COVID-19 - Why are some doing better than others?
In America, we embrace capitalistic qualities, and we accept that individuals and businesses who take risks and work hard will benefit from higher incomes. We assume that higher incomes divide us only in our ability to accept a difference in our quality of dinner, and our ability to afford luxury vacations, spacious homes, and overpriced vehicles. We acknowledge that these aspects of our lives will not be equal, and we accept this as fair. But, as Americans continue to understand the full impact of COVID-19 on physical health, mental health, and financial health, a few are just beginning to realize that income inequality separates more than only purchasing power.
An avid newsreader now knows that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minorities and people with disabilities who face multiple barriers in access to essential services (Myers, 2020). Many Americans celebrated healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, and essential employees on social media channels and displays in front of homes at the pandemic onset. Unknowingly, or unwillingly not acknowledging that remote work for everyone is not possible.This is true not only because of the difference in occupations but also because people's ability to work from home is linked closely with the availability internet. Individuals with poor internet connections at home, even in areas with high internet access
Can exercise help prevent Covid-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us appreciate long runs, hiking, and exercising outdoors more than ever before. As we all deal with abnormal amounts of stress and anxiety, more individuals are leaning on exercise to cope with these feelings during such an unusual time. Health experts often discuss the impact that regular exercise has on our overall quality of life. But is it an effective COVID-19 prevention strategy?
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, no scientific data currently exists on the relationship between exercise and its impact on coronaviruses. Still, there is evidence that exercise can protect individuals from other viral infections. Each exercise session mobilizes immune cells that recognize and kill virus-infected cells through recirculation and releases proteins that can help maintain immunity. This means that individuals who exercise regularly are often more resistant to infections and recover quickly if they become infected with a virus (Simpson, 2020).
Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke via Kaiser Permanente
Parts of Northern California are currently experiencing poor air quality due to fires throughout our region. Smoke from wildfires creates unhealthy air. Everyone should follow basic precautions to stay healthy. People who have respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD need to be extra careful.