CNBC Make Itis posting a new financial task to tackle each day for a month. These are all meant to be simple, time-sensitive activities to take your mind off of the news for a moment and, hopefully, put you on sturdier financial footing. This is day two of 30.

Financial experts often advise tracking your spending and saving so that you know exactly where your money is going. That's partly because the stress of the current moment paired with the ease of buying things online can mean spending money you don't intend to spend.

Today, take 15 to 20 minutes to set up a system to catalog where your money goes each day and week.If you haven't completed yesterday's task, start there: Review how your spending has changed over the past few weeks and if it's still in line with your goals.

Then, commit to a method to track your spending going forward.There are a number of ways to do this, but you should pick the one that's easiest for you. Here are a few examples:

"Setting up a system to track your spending and savings is a powerful act of self-care during the current crisis,"Andrea Ferrero, co-founder of Pockets Change, a personal finance website, tells CNBC Make It. "I've been a financial educator for over a decade and one of the best pieces of advice I've heard came from a high schooler who said, 'If we don't create a plan for our money, someone else will.'"

Once you start tracking, you'll get a sense of how you are acclimating to new life, and financial, circumstances, Lindsay Sacknoff, head of consumer deposits, products and payments at TD Bank, tellsCNBC Make It.

"Keeping tabs on cash flow during this time is key to understanding your new financial norm," says Sacknoff. "More time at home requires budgeting adjustments to asses where money needs to go and where it can be cut out."

Once you've decided on the system you'll use to track your spending, stick to it. Whenever you purchase something, write down how much you spent and what you spent it on. You can also set up alerts each time your credit or debit card is charged, which can help you catch recurring expenses and subscriptions you may have forgotten about (not to mention fraud). You can do this via your card issuer's app or website, under account alerts.

At the end of each week or month, tally your spending to see where your money is going and if any of your purchases surprise you. Be sure to include subscriptions, memberships, bills and other monthly expenses. As you review your purchases, ask yourself the following questions:

Then, keep it up."Tracking is a lifelong habit like brushing your teeth," says Ferrero. "You have to keep doing it."

Don't miss:

Check out: The best credit cards of 2020 could earn you over $1,000 in 5 years

Read more:
It's easy to mindlessly spend right nowhere's the first step to take to avoid it - CNBC

Many of us have had to make significant changes to our everyday lives in the face of uncertainty and adversity. As life continues to change, its important that we show ourselves compassion through this process. Here are some things you can do to protect your mental health during this time.

Whether youre reading the news or scrolling through social, it can be hard to get away from negative news and information. Thats why its important to set healthy boundaries for ourselves. Boundaries serve an important role in our lives, especially when we are feeling anxious or experiencing a crisis. Here are some ways you can set boundaries around how you interact with COVID-19 information:

Knowing what we need and communicating our needs clearly can help to protect our own mental health and energy. Here are some examples of things you can say to set boundaries with those around you:

When we are experiencing a crisis or being bombarded with information, it can be difficult to process our feelings and emotions in a healthy way. Increased stress and anxiety levels may cause us to snap at those we love or leave us feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.

One way to process emotions in a healthy way is to practice journaling. Journaling allows us an opportunity to explore our feelings, process them and move forward. If youre new to journaling, try setting a timer for 2-5 minutes to write. If you dont fill the whole time thats okay.

If youre unsure what to write about, try one of these prompts to get you started:

As we navigate changes and work to adjust to a new normal, it can be good to reflect on our thoughts and behaviors to find bright spots and avoid landmines:

Bright spots

Bright spots are things that have a positive impact on our mood, energy or day that we want to keep doing or create habits from. To find brightspots, consider the following questions:

Landmines

Landmines, on the other hand, are things that negatively impact us. They may leave us feeling drained, ruin our mood or leave us feeling lousy at the end of the day. To uncover landmines, consider the following questions:

Once youve discovered your bright spots and landmines, write them out into two lists. Set reminders for yourself to do the things on your bright spots list and create systems to help you avoid the things on your landmines list. For instance, you can set a reminder to go for a walk every day at noon if that is one of your bright spot activities. If spending too much time on social is on your landmines list, try to set boundaries around your use. You may set a 10-minute timer or use an app that blocks certain accounts once youve hit your daily limit.

Self-care is any activity that we intentionally do to take care of our own mental, emotional and physical health. Sometimes, self-care is short term, like eating a sweet treat. Other times, self-care is more long term, like learning how to budget or getting enough sleep each night. The important thing to remember is that self-care looks different for everyone. If someone elsesversion of self-care doesnt match your own, thats okay. Do what you need to do to feel better.

Here are some ideas of what self-care might look like for you right now:

Its important to create a self-care plan that works for you. Set aside time each day or week to enjoy those activities.

If youre feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member and let them know what youre going through. While we all might be experiencing the same thing, it may impact us differently. Take the time to talk to someone about your emotions and where you might be struggling.

You can also schedule a free virtual appointment with Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) by calling 303-492-2277. Services are confidential, and counselors can help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources. Students commonly work with CAPS to address concerns about stress, sadness, worry, relationships, academic performance, family problems and financial struggles.

SilverCloud Online Mental Health is a confidential program that offers access to online programs for stress, anxiety and depression. Each module offers information, tips and activities to help better understand your emotional wellbeing. This program is available for free to all CU Boulder students, grad students, staff and faculty.

Health & Wellness Virtual Programs are available to support students and graduate students through this transitional time. Students can find resources for counseling, medical care, coaching, online fitness classes, confidential support, live events, stress-relief activities and more.

More Health & Wellness Articles

More here:
6 ways to protect your mental health during a crisis - CU Boulder Today

Believing in ones own abilities makes parenting during a crisis easier, which bolsters a sense of self-worth and strengthsuddenly, your other problems feel lighter. If youve been a parent for any length of time, no doubt youve proved yourself able to change in ways you never thought possible before you had kids. Youve lived with less sleep than ever before. You swore youd never let your kid wear a princess dress or Spider-Man mask out of the house, and we all know how that ended. Youve already sharpened this skill, and it is a crucial tool for this new season.

Before Jake died, if you had asked me whether I was capable of labor without my partner, or bringing home a newborn without him there, I might have told you no, not possible. But crises can teach you a lot about your capabilities.

Practice makes slightly better over time. Its no practice makes perfect, but perfect is not what youre after. Youre not instantly going to be an expert homeschooling mom who also works a full-time job, nor should you try. Once youve decided what kind of mom or dad you are, do something small every day to put that identity into practice. Clear puts it this way: Prove it to yourself with small wins.

Read: Kids don't need to stay 'on track' to succeed

For me, in 2015, that meant getting out of bed (grief is physically exhausting, but grief plus third trimester is a doozy), keeping a job, taking my kids outside, and wrestling my toddler into a Mogwai costume for Halloween, by God. Every day, I got a little better at doing the things that make a home happy. Many days, my small win was a hot breakfast, and that was all I had in me. Some days, I had a hangover and it was Cheerios in my bed for the toddler until I could Skype with my therapist. On those days, I was the kind of parent I wanted to be only for a couple of hoursand that was fine too.

In the midst of a crisis, youre just getting through an hour at a time. Later, you advance to a day at a time. The idea of forever is crushing. So give yourself a shorter timeline. Get through this morning, get through Monday, get through this week, and watch Tiger King with a glass of wine when you're done.

In her best-selling book on resilience, Option B, Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg recounts how she trained herself to see the possibility of light in the darkness after her husbands death: I tried a cognitive behavioral therapy technique where you write down a belief that's causing you anguish and then disprove it. I wrote, I will never feel okay again. Seeing those words forced me to realize that just that morning, someone had told a joke and I had laughed.

Youll have to make the same progression with your family now. Write your story, start small, get a tiny bit better every day, and give yourself a break.

Finally, remember how cool your kids are. My daughters got me through my crisis. Parenting is not easy, even in ideal conditions. But my responsibility to my children saved me from a worse fate. Standing in my kitchen in sweatpants, in a life that no longer felt familiar, I listened to the sound of sizzling bacon and my girls laughter, and knew that I was getting up every day to give them what they needed.

Originally posted here:
Its Okay to Be a Different Kind of Parent During the Pandemic - The Atlantic

Weve all heard the phrase, Its not personal; its business. However, Id argue my place of business is personal. Where I choose to invest my time, energy and ideas is a direct reflection of me.

The COVID-19 pandemic is throwing most business plans off course. Organizations are figuring out how to operate, day by day, as breaking news unfolds about social distancing and government policies. While people fear the economic impact the pandemic will have on businesses and employee livelihood, a time of crisis is also an opportunity to bring to life a companys mission and values in unique ways by making it personal.

The three key tenets to the make it personal model include: using talents for good, adopting a people-first mentality and building meaningful connectivity.

Using Talents For Good

In a crisis, seize the opportunity to rise to the occasion and determine how your product or service can alleviate some of the stress in these uncertain times.

Disney is a great example. While its theme parks are closed due to COVID-19, the company is embracing its mission to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe by releasing Frozen 2 and The Rise of Skywalker early. Knowing people are suffering from cabin fever as they hunker down in their homes, Disneys small gesture of leaning in and adjusting plans is just the ticket to give people some relief.

Chipotle is committed to cultivating a better world through its food products and culture. As such, the chain is creating virtual lunchtime hangouts with celebrities through Zoom, and up to 3,000 people can join. Fueling togetherness is critical right now, given so many people feel isolated. The chain is also offering free delivery on orders of $10 or more since people cant eat inside the restaurants.

Additionally, French luxury conglomerate LVMH is using its perfume and cosmetics factories to manufacture free hand sanitizer for France to help with the shortage. This is a perfect example of a company creatively problem-solving and leveraging its tools resources, and talents for good that goes way beyond meeting the bottom line.

Putting People First And Leaning In

In a lot of industries, people are what differentiate a product. Its imperative for companies to prioritize staff needs in times like this. Lean into them, and theyll lean right back. Recognize the unpredictable conditions crisis creates, and encourage flexibility.

Many working parents could be at home trying to facilitate in-home learning while schools are closed. Show them you have their backs. This is team building at its finest. Band together. Because when you take care of your people, they take care of your business.

Building Meaningful Connectivity In A Work-From-Home World

As I explained in one of our companys blog posts, A companys talent pool is their greatest PR asset. No one is closer to your company values or brand promise than those on the inside. Loyal employees will sing their organizations praises in times of glory and come to its defense in times of crisis ... Yet, internal communication is often overlooked or not given the level of creative treatment that external communication receives.

This is especially apparent in moments of urgency and crisis. While technology enables us to be connected 24/7, it takes a little more TLC from leadership to build meaningful connectivity. Here are some quick tips:

1. Establish A Communication Task Force

Centralize where news, intel and policies take place to ensure clear, consistent messaging all throughout the organization. This team should be lean so it can act fast given the fluidity of crisis situations. Delegate key spokespeople to rally the troops and own the functionality of the business. Communicate updates early and often.

2. Empower Employees To Give Back

Figuring out how to manage the day-to-day business is challenging enough. For some, this is their only key performance indicator (KPI). However, for others, it means some projects are put on the back burner until further notice. Keep these employees engaged by encouraging them to problem-solve issues happening in the community or industry you work in. Some will eagerly raise their hands, while others will need to feel they have the license to jump in and get their hands dirty.

Help guide this team of change agents to respond to a crisis with solutions that reflect the companys mission and values. This will help build your brand and advocacy in meaningful, timely ways. Imagine if every company acted this way and the greater impact it could have on the world.

3. Encourage Self-Care

Lead by example. If employees see members of leadership engaging in virtual lunches, happy hours and daily walks, then theyll feel more secure that they can take care of themselves in the same way. Its mission-critical to nurture and advocate for positive mental health during a crisis. Humanize communication beyond email by leveraging video software, the company intranet and social media, and embrace playful memes or GIFs to connect.

Making it personal in times of crisis enables creative problem-solving, reaching a higher company purpose and employee retention. Ultimately, getting personal can lead to better business results.

Here is the original post:
Let's Get Personal: How Businesses Can Stand Out In Times Of Crisis - Forbes

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) news, regulations and infection rate all grow day by day, keeping on top of the financial assistance available to independent contractors and small-business people can be challenging.

So too can keeping up on reliable sources of information about personal safety, self-care and the pandemic itself.

MASSAGE Magazines editors curated these one-click-away resources to help you connect to the most current information about financial assistance and loans; state regulations; news about the virus; and keeping yourself healthy and safe.

1. Small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees, as announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of Labor.

Refundable Payroll Tax Credits

2. The CARES Act promises unemployment benefits for independent contractors and loans for small-business people, among other things.

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business Entrepreneurship Guide to the CARES Act

3. The CARES Act might not offer enough financial relief to Americans, according to finance experts. Conversations about an new act to help the Act are underway.

Forbes Report

4. The Small Business Administration is funding up to $2 million to small businesses and nonprofits experiencing disruption from coronavirus.

SBA Disaster Relief Funding

5. Some state boards of massage are allowing massage therapists to complete all required CE online; some are waiving fees; others are waiving CE. For the most accurate information, contact your state board directly.

Contact information for State Boards

6. Sometimes like this time, right now we have to do whatever we can to stay afloat. Get some nitty-gritty advice on saving, recycling and working (not as a massage therapist) in 21 Tips to Save Money, Cut Spending, and Keep Your Practice Poised to Re-Open With the Coronavirus Pandemic is Over.

21 Tips

7. You might reach, or have reached, a point where you need help feeding your family. Theres no shame in that. The United Ways COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund will support communities throughout the U.S. with food, household supplies and more. MASSAGE Magazines advertisers are contributing to our Massage Relief Effort, which goes directly to the United Way. The link below takes you to a page where you can search state-by-state and county-by-county for assistance where you live.

United Way COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund Local Responses

8. The Small Business Majority, a national small-business advocacy organization, maintains a COVID-19 resource page featuring articles and podcasts pertaining to both state and national topics.

SBM COVID-19 Page

9. NPRs map of the U.S. is updated daily and shows how many cases and deaths related to coronavirus have been reported in each state.

Map: Tracking the Spread of the Coronavirus in the U.S.

10. The New York Times, which normally keeps its content behind a paywall, has made all coronavirus-related coverage free of charge.

NYT Coronavirus Breaking News

11. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Preventions Coronavirus Disease 2019 page covers topics including health policy, its response to the pandemic, and helpful tips like how to wear cloth face masks and reduce stress.

CDC.gov

12. Coronavirus Daily is a daily news podcast all about the pandemic. Brought to you by NPR, it includes stories from NPRs science, international and business reporting teams, to name a few.

NPRs Coronavirus Daily Podcast

13. Grief. Stress. Anxiety. Fear. Most of us are feeling all of these emotions, one by one or sometimes all at once. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley offers articles, podcasts and videos on Self-Care, including Three Tips from a Therapist for Calming Your Coronavirus Anxiety.

Greater Good Science Center

14. Writing can help release emotions and provide a respite from stress. The article, Write to Heal from Trauma, Loss & Illness: 7 Prompts to Explore Now is designed to help.

Write for Self-Care

15. Yoga in your living room? Of course. You probably have some CDs ready to pop into the DVR player now. Did you know you can take free classes in yoga (and tai chi and hip hop dance and pretty much anything else that can be videotaped?) Welcome to YouTube.

Yoga for Vulnerability

16. A healthy immune system is always important; it builds physical resilience but do not believe anyone who says you can stave off the coronavirus with a strong immune system, as that is not proven.

Self-Care Habits to Benefit Your Immune System

17. Cooking every meal in ones home is a privilege and can get a bit stale. Plus, snacking. Still, the only podcast list we felt we should include here is the Top 10 from Taste of Home.

Taste of Home Top 10 Food Podcasts

Do you know of a source you think we should include in our next update? Email it to edit@massagemag.com. And stay healthy.

Karen Menehan is MASSAGE Magazines editor in chief. Her coronavirus coverage includes Massage Therapists Who are Independent Contractors or Business Owners will Benefit from CARES Act Approved by Congress; Help During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Massage Relief Effort FAQ and Coronavirus and Its Impact on the Massage Industry.

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Read the rest here:
Do You Need Help? Here are 17 Resources on Finances, Business & Self-Care for Massage Therapists Coping with the COVID-19 Shut-Down - Massage...

It may seem like the world is constantly in flux, particularly right now, as we find ourselves in such unforeseen circumstances. But even during a pandemic, there are some nuggets of wisdom that will always ring true.

As people across the world stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and find themselves with more time on their hands, there's no better time pick up one of these classic self-help books and learn a thing or two about living life for when it all starts back up again.

These seven picks might be more than 20 years old, but the advice they contain is timeless.

Dale Carnegie

This is the oldest one on the list dating back more than 80 years and yet its probably the most famous, as it was named one of Time magazines 100 most influential books of all time. It promises to get you out of a mental rut, help you make friends easily and quickly, teach you how to increase your popularity, and how to become more persuasive and win new clients or customers, as well as boost your earning power among other things. Dale Carnegie, a public speaker and writer, may have been born in 1888, but he would still be one popular man today.

Tony Robbins

Love him or hate him, American life coach, public speaker and writer Tony Robbins has a knack for turning peoples lives around. Awaken the Giant Within wasnt his first book, but it is arguably his most influential. First published in 1992, it provides readers with tips on how to clarify their personal values, resolve any internal conflicts, master their emotions and overcome bad habits that have been holding them back. Its packed with research to back up his assertions, as well as practical guidelines to follow. Not many of us can say we dont need that kind of advice.

Norman Vincent Peale

Case studies and practical instructions are what fill the pages of this 1950s book by Norman Vincent Peale, an American minister and author best known for popularising the idea of positive thinking. His book helps boost self-confidence, build power and determination to reach your goals, break the cycle of worrying too much, improve personal relationships, assume control over your life and, ultimately, be kinder to yourself. The international bestseller was written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying and worthwhile life. Who doesnt want that?

Eckhart Toll

German-born spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle is highly praised within the world of mindfulness and meditation. Hes written a number of books, but this one is perhaps his most beloved and has been translated into more than 50 languages. In it, were introduced to the idea of enlightenment, and how the mind is its natural enemy. Tolle teaches people about their role in the creation of their own pain, and how to live fully in the present, as opposed to constantly lamenting or yearning for the past and worrying about the future. Once youve finished with that, you can move on to his other bestselling work, A New Earth: Create A Better Life, a personal favourite of Oprah Winfreys.

Stephen R Covey

Theres a reason why companies still send employees on this course: it just never gets old. The business and self-help book by American educator, author and businessman Stephen Covey presents a principle-centric approach to problem-solving both in our personal and professional lives. He uses insights and anecdotes to lay out a step-by-step method for living with fairness and integrity, allowing us to embrace the wisdom and power to adapt to change. He does all this while explaining seven habits that are grouped into three categories: independence, interdependence and continual improvement. The book has sold more than 25 million copies around the world since it was first published, and became the first non-fiction audiobook in the US to sell more than one million.

Pema Chodron

Pema Chodron, the only female author on this list, is an American Tibetan Buddhist nun and, for many people, her bestselling book When Things Fall Apart has been life-changing. Its a classic from 1996, but she tackles topics that are particularly poignant for today. She addresses how we can continue to live life when everything seems to be falling apart, when we are constantly overcome by fear, anxiety and pain. The solution, she says, is to move towards painful situations, rather than backing away. She draws from Buddhist wisdom and offers tools for transforming suffering and negativity into endless joy.

By Robert Greene

American author Robert Greene is best known for his books on the mastery of strategy, power and seduction. He has written six international bestsellers, but this one, his first, is his most enduring. Its a practical guide for people who want to gain, observe or protect themselves against ultimate control. He distils 3,000 years of history into these 48 truths, drawing inspiration from the lives of influential historical figures, from Niccolo Machiavelli to Queen Elizabeth I and Henry Kissinger. Laws include never outshine the master, enter action with boldness and crush your enemy totally. It has sold millions of copies and is particularly popular with the rich and famous, including Kanye West, Jay-Z and Will Smith.

Updated: April 3, 2020 04:32 PM

Excerpt from:
Timeless tips: 7 classic self-help books to read while youre staying at home - The National

Global mental health platform InnerHour will offer its online programmes and self-help tools pro bono to help mental health professionals, employees working from home and college students to better cope with stress, anxiety, depression because of the changes brought about by COVID-19 in peoples lives.

Also read: Work from Home in the time of COVID-19

InnerHour's self-help app has benefited nearly 6 lakh people globally, its founders Dr. Amit Malik and Neha Kirpal claimed in a press statement.

The organisation will offer a range of clinical tools and self-help psychological activities, topical content, webinars, bot-based check-ins and voice or video therapy sessions available in seven languages.

The mobile application has been live for 18 months and provides for self-awareness through free assessments, a range of cognitive behavioural therapy based self-help tools delivered, support communities and a step-care approach. It uses algorithms and data/intelligence with the guidance of trained therapists to identify unique user needs and create a highly personalised programme suitable for each user. Users can also avail live sessions with therapists via text,voice, video through InnerHour's network of 120 therapists across 60 cities in India.

Also read: COVID-19: Work from home, a difficult strategy for non-IT companies to adopt

The covid pandemic has brought great socio-economic uncertainties, giving rise to increased anxiety, depression, addiction and suicide the world over. Together, we can resolve to find the optimism, resilience, and emotional balance to tide over these challenging times, and help provide access to treatment and care, for those who need it. Our mental health problems and solutions are much the same across boundaries, race and colour. Lets join hands and share a pledge, the statement said.

#MyMindMatters #MentalHealthForAll.

The app has 5 lakh downloads globally, of which 40% are from India with a similar number from the U.S., followed by other countries across the globe.

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(WJCL) - Organizations everywhere are taking special precautions because of concerns over the Coronavirus.One of those organizations is Bluffton Self Help. Bluffton Self Help is a nonprofit that works to help neighbors in need.But at this time, their services will look a little different. Its our responsibility to prevent the spread of disease locally, but we really want to serve our community where its needed most," says Kimberly Hall, Executive Director of Bluffton Self Help.Until further notice, the clothing closet is shut down. No clothing donations will be accepted, and clothing items will not be distributed.Food items, however, will still be available during normal hours but through a modified, drive-thru style.Drive through our parking lot, drive around to the back of the building, and a volunteer or staff person will load pre-packaged groceries, essential items into their car," says Hall.Additionally, the nonprofit has set up a COVID-19 fund to support affected families. Were here for the community through mortgage/rental assistance, financial support, utility assistance, everything from that even to families who normally wouldnt access our programs here. We want to make sure were here for our community," says Hall.Typically, this nonprofit only serves clients who live and work in Bluffton.But right now, theyre extending help to neighbors beyond the town, too.We wont turn anybody away. If anybody calls us and is in need of help, we will make sure we can help them," says Hall. Right now, Bluffton Self Help is in need of paper bag donations.If youd like to donate to their COVID-19 support fund, click here.

(WJCL) - Organizations everywhere are taking special precautions because of concerns over the Coronavirus.

One of those organizations is Bluffton Self Help.

Bluffton Self Help is a nonprofit that works to help neighbors in need.

But at this time, their services will look a little different.

Its our responsibility to prevent the spread of disease locally, but we really want to serve our community where its needed most," says Kimberly Hall, Executive Director of Bluffton Self Help.

Until further notice, the clothing closet is shut down.

No clothing donations will be accepted, and clothing items will not be distributed.

Food items, however, will still be available during normal hours but through a modified, drive-thru style.

Drive through our parking lot, drive around to the back of the building, and a volunteer or staff person will load pre-packaged groceries, essential items into their car," says Hall.

Additionally, the nonprofit has set up a COVID-19 fund to support affected families.

Were here for the community through mortgage/rental assistance, financial support, utility assistance, everything from that even to families who normally wouldnt access our programs here. We want to make sure were here for our community," says Hall.

Typically, this nonprofit only serves clients who live and work in Bluffton.

But right now, theyre extending help to neighbors beyond the town, too.

We wont turn anybody away. If anybody calls us and is in need of help, we will make sure we can help them," says Hall.

Right now, Bluffton Self Help is in need of paper bag donations.

If youd like to donate to their COVID-19 support fund, click here.

Original post:
Bluffton Self Help commits to helping neighbors in need through modified services - WJCL News

The Valero gas station at 120 Watchung Ave. had a sign that announced new temporary hours, but was not open during those hours on Friday, April 3. ANDREW GARDA/STAFF

by Andrew Garda garda@montclairlocal.news

While Gov. Phil Murphys executive order closing all non-essential businesses to the public has left gas stations free to continue to operate, some have decided to shut off their pumps.

Lukoil, at 632 Valley Road in Upper Montclair, Valero, at 120 Watchung Ave., and Delta, at 2 Orange Road, are closed, though Valero had a handwritten sign that read, New Hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., hopefully temporary.

The station was not active during those business hours on Friday, April 3.

Two other Delta stations in Montclair one at 651 Bloomfield Ave. and another at 223 Harrison Ave., on the border with West Orange, remain open. The Delta on Harrison runs gas from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, while the mechanics work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Delta on Bloomfield did not answer phone calls.

The Exxon at 264 Bloomfield remains open 24 hours a day. The Shell station at 115 Bloomfield is also open but was unable to be reached for specific hours.

The 76 station at 45 Claremont Ave. will close for the next week, according to an employee at the station, and then decide what to do going forward.

New Jersey is the only remaining state to be completely full-service at the pump, with Oregon allowing self-service in counties with 40,000 or fewer residents. The ban on self-service fuel filling has been in place since 1949, when service station owners lobbied to get rid of it. It has survived in part because of concerns about safety and jobs.

There has been pressure building to change that during the COVID-19 pandemic, though.According to an article on CSPDailyNews.com, which covers news in the convenience and petroleum retail sectors, the New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association recently sent a letter to Murphy asking for a temporary suspension of the self-service ban and outlining the risks a full-service employee may face even with precautions in place.

COVID-19: NJ GOVERNOR SAYS FLATTENING CURVE WORKING, DONT STOP

COVID-19: MONTCLAIR AMBULANCE UNIT NEEDS HELP

The NJGCA represents a group of independently owned fuel retailers. Sal Risalvato, executive director of NJGCA, expressed concern that employees cannot follow the recommended six-foot distancing while fueling vehicles and have to handle money or credit cards.

There have been many instances in which motorists have insisted on pumping their own gas and have refused to allow attendants to even touch their credit cards, Risalvato stated in the article.

All open gas stations are attempting to follow the health and safety guidelines to avoid spreading COVID-19. Attendants wear gloves while working the gas pump, and many are wearing masks.

Oregon recently lifted its total ban on customers pumping gas. According to an April 1 article on CSPDailyNews.com, the move was to help ease labor issues stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, which has resulted in employees who were unable to work due to health issues, find day care for their children, or were just too worried about exposure to contagion.

There are concerns that the virus could spread via gas pumps as well, though there have been no definitive answers as to how long it can live on various surfaces.

Murphy indicated on March 31 that the state has no plans to revisit the law at this time. He said at his Friday, April 3, press conference in East Orange: I will not commit political suicide this morning in East Orange. Im not going near who pumps the gas.

Meanwhile, with the recent stay-at-home orders across most states, gas sales have dipped along with prices. The Associated Press reported early last week that the average price in New Jersey was down nine cents from the previous week and 45 cents from the same time in 2019.

Link:
COVID-19: While some gas stations close, Montclair still has plenty of fuel in the tank - Montclair Local

Allour lives have been changed dramatically by the coronavirus pandemic. Most of us are being sequestered at home, manyare losing jobs and some of us have had to cancelmilestone events, such as weddings and graduations. But we are not the first people to experience tough times and we won't be the last.

Weveselected 10 books, mostof which have appeared on USA TODAYs Best-Selling Books list, that readers have turned toover the years for comfort during difficult times. Some books are spiritual and religious, offering solace. Others are secular and pragmatic, offering a littletough love. All provide some insight on how to improve our current circumstances and remind us thatthough we may feel cut off from the world, we are most definitely not alone.

"Ego Is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday(Photo: Portfolio)

The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph, by Ryan Holiday.The author uses stoicism and its ancient adherentsfigures such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Cato to argue that much of life is beyond our control, but not all of it. If we focus on what we can control and let go of the rest, we have an opportunity to improve.

When Bad Things Happen to Good People, by Harold Kushner.This classic, originally published in 1981, predates our best-seller list but does not preclude its popularity. Kushner, a rabbi, addresses the dichotomy of a loving God and human suffering. Kushner dedicated the book to the memory of his sonwho died at the age of 14 of an incurable disease.

More: 100 books to read while stuck at home during the coronavirus crisis

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It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered, by Lysa TerKeurst.Life does not always turn out as we planned. According to Christian author TerKeurst,sometimes when thingshappen in life that are beyond our control, we question Gods goodness. TerKeurst explains to readers how to turn their own disappointments in God into divine appointments.

"Man's Search for Meaning," by Viktor Frankl.The neurologist and psychiatrist chronicleshis life in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. He argues that one's mindset can affectone's future, and that meaning and purpose can be found in almost any circumstance.

"You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times" by Max Lucado(Photo: Thomas Nelson)

"You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times," by Max Lucado.Lucado, a pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, encourages readers thateven though it wont be painless and wont be quick, difficult times can be gotten through with the help of God.

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams. The Dalai Lama and Tutu are both spiritual men who suffered years of exile and hardship. Yet both Nobel Prize-winners were still able to find joy. The pair look back over their lives and answer the question:How do we find joy in the face of lifes inevitable suffering?

Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames, by Thich Nhat Hanh. In addition to fear and anxiety, many of us are experiencing anger. In a book that was popular after the 9/11 attacks, the Buddhist monk gives advice on transforming the negative emotion we all experience into something positive.

"Crushing" by T.D. Jakes(Photo: FaithWords)

Crushing,by T.D. Jakes.Similar to Kushner, Jakes addresses the age-old question, why do the righteous suffer and where is God when they do? Jakes, through sharing examples of his own crushing life experiences, encourages people to have hope and trust in God during difficult times.

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works, By Dan Harris.People are feeling anxious, understandably. Harris knows something about that:Thejournalist had a televised panic attack in 2004. What helped? Meditation. Harris recounts his own journey through spirituality and self-help that led him to the adoption of the age-old practice.

More: 50 great books to entertain quarantined kids, whether they're newborns or high schoolers

More: Travel the world in spite of coronavirus by reading these 10 transporting travelogues

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, by Mark Manson.Dont let the title fool you: The book actually takes an empathetic look at the cold, hard fact that life is not fair for everyone. Manson does not sugarcoat with platitudes but reminds us that, in life, we need to find meaning in all moments, good or bad.

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Coronavirus reading: 10 inspirational books that offer advice on how to live in tough times - USA TODAY