But the constant spring of information, precautions and warnings, whether it's straight from the CDC or some recirculated, dubiously-sourced post on Facebook, can take a real toll on your mental health.

A pandemic is a rather abstract villain, so it may help to sit down and really consider what specific threats worry you. Do you think you will catch the coronavirus and die? "The fear of death taps into one of our core existential fears," says Bufka. "But you have to think about what your fear is, and how realistic it is." Consider your personal risk and how likely it is that you will actually come in contact with the virus.

Of course, you could have other, more practical fears. "Some people may worry about what would happen if they were moved into self quarantine, or if they're not able to work. They're wondering if they would have access to groceries or childcare," says Bufka. "Again, people have greater abilities to manage hardships than they think they do. Think about a plan. Consider options if you can't telework. Do you have savings? Do you have support?" Being prepared for your fears will help keep them in scale.

Since action can allay our anxieties, you may want to also consider what you can do to help others who may be more affected by the outbreak than you. Service workers, medical workers, hourly workers and people in the restaurant or entertainment industries may have their livelihoods paralyzed or have to put themselves in disproportionate danger. "It will be important for us as communities to think about how to support these individuals whose lives are going to be disrupted," Bufka says. "How can we even this burden and support those who have less options?"

People are going to talk. But if you want to run to a friend to discuss the latest outbreak cluster or your family's contingency plans, try not to create an echo chamber. "If you are overwhelmed, don't necessarily go to someone who has a similar level of fear," Bufka says. "Seek out someone who is handling it differently, who can check you on your anxiety and provide some advice."

If you can't seem to get a handle on your thoughts, professional help can be an option. "It doesn't need to be a long-term thing," Bufka says. "It means you can get some guidance for this specific situation."

In short, don't get so wrapped up in thinking about the coronavirus that you forget the essential, healthy practices that affect your wellbeing every day. "In times of stress, we tend to minimize the importance of our foundation when we really should be paying more attention to it," Bufka says. Make sure you are:

Practicing mindfulness, meditation, yoga or other forms of self care can also help center you in routines and awareness, and keep your mind from wandering into the dark and sometimes irrational unknown.

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How to keep coronavirus fears from affecting your mental health - CNN

Jacinda Ardern with a print-out of the Spinoff 'Flatten the Curve' visual by Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)

With the exception of arrivals from the Pacific islands, those coming from every country in the world will be required to self-isolate for a fortnight. It follows the cancellation of the remembrance service scheduled for tomorrow in Christchurch and confirmation of a sixth positive Covid-19 case in New Zealand, a man who had been in the US.

The Spinoffs coverage of the Covid-19 outbreak is funded by Spinoff Members. To support this work, join Spinoff Members here.

The New Zealand government has announced a step change in measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, with arrivals from all countries required to self-isolate for a fortnight upon arrival in New Zealand. The measures go into effect from midnight tomorrow, with the Pacific region exempted. Australia is not exempted.

New Zealand will have the strongest restrictions in the world, said Ardern.

In effect, the change means incoming passenger numbers will reduce to a trickle, but the government believes that the public health imperatives outweigh the economic and social implications.

At a media conference in Auckland, Ardern said New Zealand had not seen the volume of cases experienced elsewhere, but needed to flatten the curve.

We must go hard, and we must go early.

The decision will be reviewed in 16 days, and applies only to passengers, not freight. Ardern also announced there will be exit controls applied to those travelling from New Zealand to Pacific islands. No one who had been out of New Zealand in the last 14 days, in casual or close contact within anyone confirmed as having Covid-19 or showing symptoms of illness would be permitted to travel.

Announcements on guidelines for social gatherings, new support measures for people in self-isolation and a business support package will be announced in the next few days.

Previously the requirement to self-isolate applied only to arrivals from South Korea and Italy, as well as New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who have been in mainland China or Iran. A blanket ban on foreign nationals travelling to New Zealand from China and Iran remains in place.

As of midnight Sunday every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, will be required to enter self isolation for 14 days. Everybody, said Ardern.

The Pacific are exempted from this measure, but they are the only ones. Anyone from these countries, though, will be required to self isolate should they exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms on arrival in New Zealand.

(The Pacific is defined as the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu & Wallis and Futuna.)

The announcements follow a meeting of the Covid-19 Cabinet Committee, set up to coordinate and direct the government response to the outbreak, as well as a full Cabinet meeting.

At the media conference Ardern held aloft a print out of the gif created for The Spinoff by Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris.

The goal is to ultimately flatten the curve. That doesnt mean you have no cases. It means the pace at which you receive them is at a rate such that you can make sure people are cared for in the places they need it most, be it with mild to moderate symptoms at home, or be it in critical care if required, said Ardern.

The decision meant New Zealand would have the widest ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world. We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas this helps reduce the risk of a New Zealander bringing Covid-19 in, said Ardern.

She also announced that all cruise ships would be directed not to come to New Zealand until at least the end of June.

We do not take these decisions lightly, we know these travel restrictions will place a significant strain on the aviation industry and anticipate some routes will reduce or cease for a period of time, she said.

More than a million passengers passed through the border at Auckland International Airport alone in January.

The changes come on a day marked by an intensified New Zealand response to the outbreak.

Early this afternoon a planned service to mark a year since 51 people were killed at prayer in two Christchurch mosques was cancelled. Organisers said the event, which had been scheduled for 3pm tomorrow at the Horncastle Arena, would not go ahead owing to the risk of Covid-19.

Just moments after the announcement, the Ministry of Health revealed that New Zealand had its sixth confirmed case of Covid-19, with a 60-year-old man, who had recently returned from the United States, testing positive in Auckland.

The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said they had taken a pragmatic decision to cancel the Christchurch event. Were very saddened to cancel, but in remembering such a terrible tragedy, we shouldnt create the risk of further harm being done.

In a statement, she said: The advice we received for this event, is that based on people travelling from different parts of the country and from overseas, if there was a case it could be difficult to trace those who had come into contact with that person, so we are taking a cautious approach.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said: My understanding is what changed was very much a focus on this not being a ticketed event and the risks around traceability. So if there was a case then it would be harder to trace all the contacts that were made. That was probably exacerbated because it is hard not to embrace people at a remembrance service. I think if it had been something else it would be much easier to stand back, but your heart naturally goes out to be people and there is a desire, a need to embrace, and that creates a risk situation.

The health of the community comes first. We were gathering tomorrow to commemorate the worst possible events you could imagine. It would have been worse to have added to it: the fear that it could have acted as a vector.

Spokespeople for the Al Noor and Linwood mosques said they accepted the decision had been made in the public interest, and would hold small gatherings tomorrow for their own communities and Muslims visiting the city. Al Noor spokesperson Tony Green said they would be small events with known members and a few invitees.

The Pasifika event which was to have taken place in Auckland this weekend was yesterday cancelled, but a range of other events, including the St Patricks Day parade on Queen Street and Super Rugby games, have proceeded.

Tomorrows scheduled service in Auckland has also been cancelled.

The sixth positive test for the coronavirus involves an Auckland man in his 60s who recently returned from the US. He did not require hospital treatment and is in self-isolation at his home.

The Ministry of Health said that because he did not become unwell for more than three days after returning home, they do not believe anyone else on his flight is a close contact.

In a statement, the ministry said: Once he became unwell, the man did everything right. When friends in the US alerted him to their possible link to a Covid-19 case in the US, on Wednesday he phoned ahead to the GP and told them of his travel history and his symptoms.

The man was then assessed in his car by his GP, with the GP wearing appropriate protective equipment, and a test swab taken.

A handful of close contacts who were at a church service he attended at 8.30am on Sunday 8 March at St Marys church in East St Papakura shortly before becoming unwell are being contacted and put into monitored self-isolation.

New research suggests that some people may be able to transmit Covid-19 virus for up to three days before they display symptoms. Writing in The Spinoff yesterday, microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles said: This is in line with influenza and several other viral infections. Its obviously a worrying development as it does mean that people may be more infectious in the early stages of Covid-19 than we initially thought.

As well as the six confirmed cases, there are two other cases considered probable officials believe they have had Covid-19.

Health officials are currently scaling up the ability to contact trace individuals who have been able exposed to others with Covid-19, in anticipation of further positive cases.

The ministry statement said: With regard to concerts and other large gatherings we have coming up, including this weekend the ministrys advice is to please stay home if youre unwell.

In Australia, official guidance is that no public events with more than 500 people in attendance should go ahead.

The White House has performed a handbrake turn in its own approach, with President Trump in recent days banning travel from continental Europe for 30 days and declaring a national emergency as the number of positive cases spiral.

Meanwhile New Zealand First minister Tracey Martin has gone into self-isolation. This follows her recent engagements in Washington DC with Peter Dutton, the Australian minister of immigration, who announced yesterday that he had tested positive for Covid-19.

Anyone feeling unwell should ring Healthline on the dedicated Covid-19 number: 0800 358 5453 or ring their GP.

This story was updated at 4.30pm to include the prime ministers announcements.

The Spinoff politics section is made possible by Flick, the electricity retailer giving New Zealanders power over their power. With both spot price and fixed price plans available, you can be sure youre getting true cost and real choice when you join Flick. Support us by making the switch today.

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Covid-19: All arrivals to NZ must self-isolate for 14 days. Heres what you need to know - The Spinoff

A GROWING community is hoping to build a volunteer bank of people who can offer assistance to those self-isolating in their area, across the island.

The proposal is open to anyone, although particular emphasis has been place on people who are elderly, vulnerable or alone.

Help could include getting essential supplies, a friendly phone call or generally assisting people during this difficult time.

The total number of people testing positive for coronavirus rose to 1,140 in the UK yesterday, with a second case confirmed on the Isle of Wight.

If you are part of an organisation that could help coordinate the community response, or an individual wishing to help, please get in touch with IW Coronavirus Community Help Facebook page by clicking here.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Follow @iwcponline

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Isle of Wight community are you able to assist those vulnerable and in self-isolation? - Isle of Wight County Press

While social distancing has been adopted as a proactive measure to protect our physical health, its important to maintain social connections and look after our mental health, too. Here are some ways to care for yourself during times of uncertainty.

Important information regarding CAPS

As of Friday, Mar. 13 Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) will be operating on a reduced service schedule.

At this time CAPS will be providing walk-in services online. Please call 303-492-2277 to set up a walk-in appointment.

Additionally, CAPS will continue to provide individual therapy and psychiatric follow-up appointments online based on provider availability. At this time all groups and workshops are cancelled.

Due to licensure laws, all students receiving CAPS services must be present in the state of Colorado at the time of their appointment. Our staff will provide support and work to connect students who are out of state with local resources.

Given the sensitive nature of what we do, we are working diligently to provide the best services we can at this time. We appreciate your understanding and support. Please continue to check the CAPS website for updates as the situation evolves, or contact the CAPS office at 303-492-2277.

Routines give us structure. They also provide comfort and a level of predictability to our lives. Recent changes have disrupted many of our routines, but that doesnt mean we should let them go completely. Try to stick to routines that you enjoy or modify your routines to fit your new schedule. This can help you manage additional stress or anxiety that may come with major life changes.

For instance, if you usually get coffee with friends on the weekend, try to recreate a new variation of that routine. Consider taking your coffee to-go to enjoy the fresh air outside and get out of your room. If you are missing your friends, schedule a time to video chat with them like you normally would in person.

While many routines help us stay connected socially, they also play a role in our class schedules, homework and other school-related activities. If youre struggling to stay motivated or feel overwhelmed by the transition to online classes, try to create a new routine for yourself:

News cycles, social media and other outlets can sometimes bombard us with negative news. If you start to feel overwhelmed, consider taking a step back to focus on the good things that are happening, too.

One way to emphasize the positives is to practice gratitude. Grab a journal and start writing 3 things youre looking forward to each morning and 3 things youre grateful for each night. Gratitude can be as simple as getting your favorite cup of coffee or the warm weather. You can also download free gratitude journaling apps like Grateful (iOS) or Gratitude (iOS, Android).

Practicing mindfulness is another great way to focus on good in the moment. If youre feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, try to tune in to yourself. Turn off all distractions and take 5 deep breaths. This will help your body calm down so you can focus on being present. Paying close attention to your senses can also help you feel more grounded.

If youre unsure where to begin, try out free mindfulness apps like Jour (iOS). This app can help you check in on your mood and practice mindfulness throughout the day. Smiling Mind (iOS, Android) is another good option that coaches you through a variety of 10-minute mindfulness activities each day.

Change impacts us all differently. We also process our emotions differently. While we may think we can handle things ourselves, asking for help is an important component of self-care because we cant always manage everything on our own.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) will continue to provide services to students on a reduced schedule. They will be providing walk-ins online through their telehealth platform. You can call 970-492-2277 to schedule a walk-in appointment. CAPS will also continue to see students for individual therapy and psychiatric follow-up appointments online based on provider availability. Therapy groups and workshops are not available at this time.

For students who are interested in self-help, there are a number of resources available online. CU Boulder offers SilverCloud, an online mental health resource for students struggling with stress, anxiety and depression. Students can complete activities and learn techniques for managing their mental health.

Students can also access online platforms like Happify. This free online program provides tools and activities to help you manage your thoughts and feelings. They also offer free apps for iOS and Android, so you can take your mental health care on the go.

More Health & Wellness Articles

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3 self-care tips for this week | Health and Wellness Services - CU Boulder Today

Right now, the world is in the midst of an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus was first found in China back in December, but has since found itself in countries across the world, including the United States. The World Health Organization has officially declared this a global pandemic, and officials are warning everyone to avoid public gatherings, wash your hands, and avoid contact with others if you can help it.

For a lot of us, symptomatic or no, that means holing up in our homes, working remotely (if you are afforded that option), and self-quarantining until its safe to come out again. Social distancing is the key to avoiding the virus or, if you might have it, spreading it to others.This, of course, means many of us have a lot more time on our hands than we might normally. So what better time to work through our respective streaming queues?

As a public service, we here at Consequence of Sound have assembled a quick and dirty guide to the movies, TV shows, games, and videos we think will help you escape (or, in some cases, lean into) the chaos around us. So, wash your hands (20 seconds minimum!), grab your laptop, and read on.

Clint Worthington Senior Writer

Editors note: You can find a complete and updated list of the impacted cultural festivals, concerts and other cultural events here.

Were you shaken, maybe even stirred, to find out that the much-delayed No Time to Die was delayed yet again? Hold on to your martini because theres plenty of 007 to go around until it finally, hopefully, maybe drops in November. While not all of his world-renown adventures are available for streaming, Amazon Prime, HBO Go, and Netflix have several titles to revisit from the comforts of your disease-free couch.

Specifically, and in sequential order: On Her Majestys Secret Service (Amazon Prime), Moonraker (Amazon Prime), For Your Eyes Only (Amazon Prime), A View to a Kill (Amazon Prime), The Living Daylights (Amazon Prime), License to Kill (Amazon Prime), Goldeneye (Amazon Prime/Netflix), Tomorrow Never Dies (Amazon Prime/Netflix), The World Is Not Enough (Amazon Prime/Netflix), Die Another Day (Amazon Prime/Netflix),Casino Royale (HBO Go), and Quantum of Solace (HBO Go).

It can all be very confusing, so be sure to consult our franchise guide.

Michael Roffman

While news of Corona the beers demise at the hands of corona the virus are deeply exaggerated, Coronas most loyal son, Dominic Toretto, is feeling the heat. Among the many recent cinematic casualties of the coronavirus pandemic is Fast 9, which has delayed release by an entire year amid concerns over the virus effects on global stability. Still, until such time as you can see Dom and his familia enact #JusticeforHan, there are nine other films (and an animated TV show!) to tide you over until the gang meets again.

Itll take a bit of doing, though: The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Tokyo Drift are all available on USAs streaming service (Hulu has an add-on); Fast Five (HBO), Fast & Furious 6 (FX), Furious 7 (FX); Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw (HBO). Fast & Furious (confusingly, the fourth one) and The Fate of the Furious will all require rentals.

But, turn your eye to Netflix, and youll find the kid-geared CG animated series Fast & Furious: Spy Racersin which a government agency recruits a group of car-happy teens, led by Doms younger cousin *checks notes* Tony Toretto, to take down an evil car-based crime organization. If you really need your Fast fix until the ninth one comes out in 2021, thats an option?

Clint Worthington

Arguably the greatest hit to the entertainment industry has been the live scene. So many concerts and festivals have either been canceled or postponed over the past two weeks and its truly a stroll through Bummerville. Eventually, were going to get that itch for live music again (if we havent already), which is why itll be nice to put on a rock n roll movie every once and awhile. Sadly, a good number of the headliners ahem, Almost Famous, Control, This Is Spinal Tap, The Commitments, and Popstar will cost you a few bucks. However, there is a wide swath of music-fueled movies for your perusal; it just depends upon the depth of your roster of streaming networks.

Act accordingly: 24 Hour Party People (Starz), A Star is Born (HBO Go), Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure (Starz), Bill and Teds Bogus Journey (Vudu), The Blues Brothers (Starz),Bohemian Rhapsody (HBO Go), The Dirt (Netflix), The Doors (Amazon Prime), Inside Llewyn Davis (Amazon Prime), Josie and the Pussycats (Starz/Showtime/Amazon Prime), The Last Waltz (Amazon Prime), Purple Rain (Netflix), Ray (Starz), Rock N Roll High School (Cinemax), School of Rock (Showtime), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Netflix), Sing Street (Vudu), Singles (Vudu), Stop Making Sense (Amazon Prime/Vudu), Straight Outta Compton (FX Now), That Thing You Do (Cinemax), Waynes World (Amazon Prime/Hulu), Waynes World 2 (Amazon Prime/Hulu), Yesterday (HBO Go)

Of course, if youre in the mood for some non-fiction, you could tune into This Must Be the Gig or revisit the shows sprawling back catalogue. Host Lior Phillips has spoken to over dozens upon dozens of your favorite acts about their first concerts, worst shows, and so much more. Below, you can hear Liam Gallagher wax nostalgic about his experiences in the live scene and so much more.

Michael Roffman

We were so close to reuniting with the Abbots. Alas, well have to wait until Paramount and John Krasinski decide when its safe to return to theaters again. Fortunately, that gives us plenty of time to revisit the 2018 original, and Hulu is currently streaming A Quiet Place. Seeing how the whole thing revolves around a family hunkering down amidst a time of chaos, the nature of the story is all too fitting for current times. Even better, you wont have to worry about any crinkling, sniffing, or coughing while you watch. Below, you can extend the domestic nightmare with a great deep dive by The Horror Virgin. Michael Roffman

Right about now, living in a galaxy far, far away might not seem like too hazardous a proposition. That said, Star Wars is currently in a really interesting place, even if The Rise of Skywalker wasnt your cup of tea. We enjoyed it more than most, but if youre looking to revisit Episode IX to see if it really was as good/bad as you thought, nows as good a time as any as it drops digitally on Tuesday, March 17th.

But if you need some alternative Star Wars content in your life, the non-film legs of the franchise are stronger than ever. If youre feeling some lo-fi space Western energy, spin through the eight chapters of The Mandalorian on Disney+ again while sipping some bone broth.

Or if youve got a console fire up Jedi Fallen Order (PC/Xbox/PS4) and take out your frustrations on many hordes of hapless stormtroopers with your handy-dandy lightsaber. Burning Mans probably canceled too, so where else are you going to find a twink in a poncho twirling a glowstick?

Clint Worthington

What better time to indulge in the isolation and claustrophobia of The Overlook Hotel? Well, if you havent got around to either a.) seeing Mike Flanagans cruelly underrated Doctor Sleep or b.) its expansive three-and-a-half-hour directors cut, then you might want to check into Amazon Prime. The epic sequel to Stanley Kubricks The Shining is available to rent and the Doctor is a perfect guest to join your self-quarantine.

Though, if youre really thirsty for the Torrances, you could spend a whole day at the Overlook by also renting Kubricks 1980 masterpiece. Hell, go meta and make it a true-blue family occasion by grabbing the just-released Shining board game. Then, you can close out the night by hanging with The Losers Club, who recently covered Stephen Kings 2013 novel and Flanagans adaptation. Anything more and were concerned.

Michael Roffman

After being canceled and stowed away, The Hunt is ironically one of the few new films hitting theaters right now. As we outlined in our mildly positive review, Blumhouses tongue-in-cheek romp is a grisly rollercoaster reimagining of The Most Dangerous Game and chock full of thrills. So, if you need to escape your house, you could always take a risk and join Betty Gilpin at the cineplex. Just bring your Purell. Michael Roffman

For all you sadists out there, know that there are plenty of flicks with viral scares to keep you itching, squirming, and smiling? Whatever floats your boat. Now, were confident there are other films were glossing over here apologies if were not all racing to watch this stuff but weve gathered a number of the biggies. From 28 Days Later to The Crazies, Outbreak to Quarantine, youre in good company.

Grab a mask and binge, baby, binge: Contagion (Cinemax), The Crazies (Tubi), Outbreak (Netflix), 28 Days Later (Hulu), Carriers (Netflix), Pontypool (Shudder), The Girl With All the Gifts (Hulu), Children of Men (Hulu), The Stand (Vudu), and Quarantine (Starz).

If you need a break from the screen, you could always actually read Stephen Kings The Stand. The similarities to now are a little jarring, but thats all part of the fun, right? And because the idea of a book club is currently out of the question, feel free to join The Losers Club, who devoted not one, not two, but five episodes to the epic tome.

Michael Roffman

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Coronavirus Self-Care: How to Quarantine With Movies and TV - Consequence of Sound

By Manisha Aggarwal-Schifellite Harvard Staff Writer/The Harvard Gazette

The New York Public Library recently reported that Dale Carnegies 1936 bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People, was one of the librarys most requested books of all time. But despite the success of Carnegie and other self-help authors over the decades, scholars and literary authors often dismiss the genre as poorly written and commercial.

By contrast, literature has historically been framed by self-improvement advocates as an unproductive distraction for readers seeking personal growth. In a new book, The Self-Help Compulsion: Searching for Advice in Modern Literature, Harvard Assistant Professor of EnglishBeth Blumtraces the historical relationship between ambivalent shelf-fellows of self-help and literature from the 19th century to the present, highlighting the different ways the two kinds of writing have influenced one another, and how readers have engaged with books as guides for becoming better people.

GAZETTE:Why did you choose this topic?

BLUM:The seeds of this project began when I was teaching a class called Reading for Life Advice: From Socrates to Self-Help. While teaching the class, I became really interested in the story of Samuel Smiles, who wrote the first book to be called Self-Help. The name was in circulation in other texts, but he published Self-Help in 1859, which was earlier than I thought the industry had started. The guide was written as a way to inspire working-class laborers to persevere to improve their conditions through self-education. The other point that interested me was the extent to which Smiles used literature in his manual. One of the great pieces of advice from Smiles is that you shouldnt waste your time reading novels or literature, but ironically there were quotations from literature throughout the book. The quotations were decontextualized and then reassembled in interesting ways. So already, in one of the first self-help books, you see a real reliance on literature and an invocation of literary authority, yet at the same time a denunciation of literature as escapist and a diversion. It stirred my interest in this dynamic and often rivalrous history between self-help and literature.

GAZETTE:Did you find that these connections remained an important part of self-help in the 20th century?

BLUM:The more I investigated, the more I realized that there was this really substantial history that hadnt been explored in literary scholarship: a history of self-help that went back further than I had thought, to include, for instance, the New Thought Philosophy movement of the 1920s, which is a fascinating mind-cure philosophy that emerged around the time of literary modernism. It was a direct precursor of todays positive thinking movement. All of these pamphlets were emerging in the 1920s arguing that you could use your mind to achieve anything you want in life through positive visualization, meditation, and repeating mantras.

I was also surprised to uncover examples of so-called serious authors who had had some encounter with self-help and were responding to it. One of the most striking examples is the case of Virginia Woolf, who had a famous feud with Arnold Bennett, an Edwardian novelist who was considered very stodgy. Woolf critiqued him for being realist, materialist, and boring. But Bennett was also a hugely popular early self-help author who wrote books like How to Live on 24 Hours a Day, Self and Self-Management, and Literary Taste: How to Form It. Woolf was aware of these books, so it became interesting for me to consider Mrs. Dalloway, which is a novel that famously takes place in a single day, alongside Arnold Bennetts How to Live on 24 Hours a Day. For an example of a similar yet reverse relationship that I discuss in the book, take famous advice columnist Dear Abbys vexed response to Miss Lonelyhearts, a 1933 short story by Nathanael West about an advice columnist suffering from a nervous breakdown. Thats a really intriguing case of self-help commenting on the limits and methods of fiction.

Why do people turn to literature for advice when there are so many other, more willing sources of guidance?

GAZETTE:How do you bring your findings on the relationship between self-help and literature into your teaching?

BLUM:One of my really popular classes is called How to Live: When Literature Meets Self-Help, where we read the contemporary novel and directly address questions like: Why do people turn to literature for advice when there are so many other, more willing sources of guidance? What is the relationship between the rise of commercial advice and the decline of religious authority? One assignment asks students to go to the Coop or the Harvard Book Store and look at the different ways self-help and literature are shelved, who is reading them, and to assess what the bookstore is trying to say about genre and audience by those different designs and displays. In all of my classes, I am interested in the question: How can a formal literary choice for example, stream of consciousness or narrative omniscience reflect an argument about how a person should live? Its a concern thats threaded throughout a lot of my teaching. Students are eager to think about the life relevance of literature, and this is a tendency that professional academic literary critics are ambivalent about, but in general it can be a great way of bringing a student into a text and inviting them to consider the way the literature theyre reading responds to and prepares us for the challenges of daily experience.

GAZETTE:What does the landscape of self-help look like today?

BLUM:Self-help operates in waves, so you have one trend and then a reaction to that trend. For a long time, the self-help model popularized by How to Win Friends and Influence People was focused on how to please other people, to say what they wanted to hear in order to get what you needed from them. Much of contemporary self-help is reacting against that other-directed philosophy and the burden it places on the individual. Examples of that style include books like Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals by Rachel Hollis, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero, and Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu. All these contemporary books take the anti-people-pleasing approach, advising people to learn to redirect their sense of self-worth away from other people and away from the workforce and toward a more inward, self-determined metric for contentment.

GAZETTE:Are others writing about these books?

BLUM:A lot of the extant scholarship on this topic focuses on its rather negative political implications, particularly the idea that individuals are responsible for their own well-being and happiness in a way that absolves institutions and governments of responsibility for supporting people and making conditions more equitable. These are important arguments to make, but part of what drew me to this project was the slightly more affirmative story that I saw in the history of people turning to self-help, not just because they were being manipulated or out of a sense of political helplessness, but because they were successful in using books to improve their conditions. To me thats a hopeful thing because it shows that theres a strong demand for that textual-advice relationship. Its one that professors of literature or the humanities can tap into in productive, socially responsive, and personally transformative ways.

This interview was edited for clarity and condensed for space.

(Reprinted with permission from the Harvard Gazette.)

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Self-help books, literature, and how they help us live - India New England

The risk to earnings is clearly high but Spectris has self-help levers and our analysis suggests that it is probably better placed than many peers"

Berenberg gave a leg up to () on Friday, upping its rating to hold from sell highlighting the mid-cap instrumentation and controls company's self-help levers and dividend attractions.

The German banks analysts also raised their target price for the FTSE 250-listed stock to 2,250p from 2,065p, with the shares currently trading at 2,366p, up 4,.6% on Thursdays close.

In a note to clients, Berenbergs analysts pointed out: These are unprecedented times and we continue to assess the pros, cons and sensitivities of the UK industrials that we cover.

While Spectriss 2019 results did little to alleviate several of our concerns, we believe it would be wrong to ignore the companys more diversified business model, balance-sheet strength, potential portfolio reshaping and clear commitment to return cash to shareholders in these uncertain times, they added.

The analysts concluded: The risk to earnings is clearly high but Spectris has self-help levers and our analysis suggests that it is probably better placed than many peers. With the 150p special dividend a further attraction, we upgrade to Hold.

See the article here:
Spectris upped to hold" by Berenberg, highlights self-help levers and dividend attractions - Proactive Investors UK

Some people have labeled the international spread of the COVID-19 virus Coronageddon, which is a very scary and frightening thought. In fact, yesterday it was announced, The global coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization which expressed increasing concern about the spread of the disease and alarming levels of inaction. (Sky News)

However, during times of an international health crisis sometimes fear and fear of the unknown can become a larger crisis then the pandemic. Peoples fight or flight mechanism becomes activated; yet theres nowhere to go and no one to fight.

One of the best remedies to reduce widespread fear from escalating out of control is to seek accurate knowledge and information about the virus. I recommend you check with World Health Organization, http://www.who.int, or the Centers Disease Control And Prevention http://www.cdc.gov, which are reliable sources that provide daily updates every 24 hours along with all the pre-emptive steps you can take to limit your risk of exposure to the virus. Status updates on the severity of the disease and global actions that are being taken to limit it from spreading are happening on an hourly basis.

Here is some basic information that is documented on the CDC website that may help you grasp and understand the trajectory, scope and magnitude of the virus.

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated COVID-19). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.

More cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the United States in the coming days, including more instances of community spread. Its likely that at some point, widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States will occur. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it.

The WHO has recommended the following, All countries should increase their level of preparedness, alert and response to identify, manage and care for new cases of COVID-19. Countries should prepare to respond to different public health scenarios, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing cases and outbreaks of COVID-19. Each country should assess its risk and rapidly implement the necessary measures at the appropriate scale to reduce both COVID-19 transmission and economic, public and social impacts.

In the interim, we must care for ourselves and our loved ones and do our best to stay mentally and physically healthy. Here are six (6) tips on how to develop a behavioral maintenance regimen that will help you calm your levels of fear and anxiety in dealing with all the known and unknowns about the virus.

6 Tips to Stay Calm and Mentally Healthy

1. Pay close attention to the evidence. This includes knowing who is at risk. The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Finding preemptive ways to prevent the virus from spreading is critical and a civic responsibility to save the vulnerable groups, not because the virus is a death sentence.

2. If youre not showing symptoms of illness, face your fears and continue to live your life. Fear begets fear and isolation begets more isolation. Stocking up on food supplies and toilet paper as if the world is coming to an end is a catastrophic fight or flight response. Follow all the protective measures the CDC has recommended to safeguard yourself and your family from contracting the virus.

3. Make a conscious decision to avoid listening to a group think mentality which could fuel paranoia and get the best of you. If youre in situations where all anyone is talking about is the virus, take a break. Dont over-saturate your brain. Thats when your thoughts would tend to careen away from evidence-based thinking and into fear-based thinking. Limit your intake of media coverage to once a day for a brief amount of time, if necessary.

4. Dont let people pleasing behaviors get in the way of following whatever you believe is the best way to handle yourself during this time. Be your own person, act responsibly and go about your life safely and practically. Avoid letting the noise of other peoples behavior, opinions or choices infiltrate yours.

5. If youre being tested or diagnosed and are self-isolating or being quarantined, you may develop feelings of loneliness, depression, and/oranxiety about being cut-off from your normal life routines, friends and family. Dont stop communicating. I recommend that you stay in touch with your loved ones and co-workers and maintain social contact with them via the phone, texting or FaceTime.

6. If youve contracted the virus and feel well enough, figure out how to make use of your down time. Try to catch up on a task youve been meaning to get to such as organizing photo albums, closets or drawers, read a book, binge watch your favorite TV series or clearing out spam from your email files. If you have a creative hobby, indulge. Its important to keep your brain entertained in a multitude of ways (productive, creative) during a very challenging time.

Remember, this is a new virus and there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. Exercise commonsense, self-quarantine if applicable, practice social distancing, follow the all the preventative steps and instructions that have been recommended and avoid panicking at all costs. Remain extremely cautionary and respect the Corona virus poses serious ramifications and threatens our ability to sustain our lives in the way were accustomed. It requires us all to act responsibly and protect each other.

Continued here:
Taking Critical Steps to Social Distance and Self-Care to Help Stem The Spread of the COVID-19 Virus - Thrive Global

When you think of being self-aware, you may have flashbacks to self-help books and guided meditations. But would you even consider how self-awareness can affect communication with the people in your life? Would it dawn on you that your ability and willingness to know yourself can improve your ability to know others?

If youre stuck in the perception that communication is all about what you say, youll miss out on how self-awareness can affect communication.

It rarely occurs to most people that listening is the most important part of communication. If youre all ears and no talk, what kind of communication is really going on?

A lot, actually especially if the listening starts with yourself.

And this is what self-awareness is all about. Its not a chapter in New Age spiritualism or a state of mind achieved only under hypnosis (although hypnosis can help).

Awareness is the ability to be conscious of the experiences and stimuli that ultimately determine how you take in and process information. What you think, believe, and sense is a reflection of what is already dwelling and stirring within you.

There are three parts to this internal experience: your thoughts, your emotions, and your bodily sensations.

Thinking, as you would imagine, is connected to the mind, while sensing is connected to the body. Intersecting the two is feeling the emotional component that can be affected by your thoughts, but isnt always logical.

Self-awareness is your ability to recognize and separate these different experiences so you can address each for what it is.

Think about the last heated argument you had with someone the kind of argument that left you feeling out of control, flushed, confused, exhausted. Can you remember what you thought, felt, sensed? Or did it all run together and intensify an already intense situation?

Did you find yourself saying things without thinking first? Tossing around accusations and assumptions as if they were facts? Perhaps not being able to distinguish what was coming from within yourself from what was coming from the other person?

Most importantly, did you find it difficult to listen deeply listen to the other person? If you were asked to repeat what the other person said and to express understanding of it, would your mirroring be accurate? Or would it reflect your personal experiences, biases, feelings, disappointments?

Self-awareness is the antidote to this internal flooding. Especially in situations of conflict, it isolates and identifies your internal filters. It helps you to know what is actually happening inside of you. Am I projecting my own thoughts onto this person? Am I feeling a specific emotion like anger or sadness? Is my body giving me signals like numbness or flushing?

Go back to that heated argument and try to remember things that were said and reactions to them.

Phrases like I feel like you and you never/always/dont are land mines when it comes to effective communication. They muddle the internal experiences of thoughts, feelings, and sensations, leaving the speaker confused, the listener defensive, and the situation more intense.

Imagine now how that argument would have sounded if you were able to separate the components of your interior experience.

What if you had been able to recognize your sadness as a feeling and your assumption of lack of love as a thought? And what if, instead of saying, I feel like you dont care about or love me, you spoke with clarity out of your self-awareness? I feel very sad, and what I am making up in my mind is that you dont love me anymore. Is that true?

By recognizing the components of your own inner life, youre far more likely to take ownership of it.

I feel like you is really a side-door introduction of a thought an assumption, an accusation. But feelings are feelings they arent always logical and they dont need to be justified or defended. They simply are.

Thoughts, however, are the seat of our judgments, assumptions, and biases. They are closely connected to our beliefs, which form a frame of reference for how we see the world.

If you want to understand how self-awareness can affect communication, you need to understand the distinctions and interrelations between these interior players.

And, just as importantly, you need to accept responsibility for that inner experience that only you have. Its up to you to identify it for what it is and then express it clearly, authentically, honestly, and compassionately.

The deep yearning within any relationship is to feel heard deeply, soulfully heard and understood. At its purest level, all communication is an outreach for this satisfaction.

But we are not mind-readers, no matter how close we may be in our relationships. So its incumbent upon each of us to listen deeply listen to what accumulates and stirs within ourselves.

Then and only then can we hope to communicate accurately what we long to have safely, lovingly reflected back to us.

And in that reflection lies the hope of resolution, healing, and moving forward.

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Originally posted here:
How Self-Awareness Can Affect Communication With Anyone In Incredibly Positive Ways - The Good Men Project

Operations at all Michigan Secretary of State offices will be limited to critical services that must be done in person over the next three weeks to help stem the spread coronavirus.

From Monday to April 6 all 131 branch offices will only offer services for transactions that must be conducted in-person and only by appointment, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday. Walk-ins will be asked to make an appointment, for the same day if available.

"The goal is to eliminate any potential crowding in our offices, and thereby support the work of Governor Whitmer and her administration to protect the health of all state employees and Michiganders," Benson said in a news release.

The types of transactions available in-person at branches during this three-week period will be limited to:

During the three-week period the number of appointments available will be increased, and same-day appointments will continue to be available. Services will also continue to be available online, by mail and at new self-service stations across the state, many of which accept cash. Saturday branch services will be suspended but weekday hours will be expanded as follows:

All existing appointments, including those not for the three limited transaction types, will be honored. Those who have appointments scheduled for noncritical services are asked to consider canceling them to make the slot available for someone else. Before scheduling an appointment, residents are strongly encouraged to use online, self-serve kiosk and renewal-by-mail options.

The Department of State will also lift the restriction that requires demonstration of insurance to renew driver's licenses.

"Some people may not be able to conduct their business with us before their transaction expiration date," Benson said in the release. "We will waive late fees during this period, and we have notified Michigan State Police of our change in operations, and asked that they convey this information to local law enforcement."

Appointments can be made at Michigan.gov/SOSAppointments and by calling 888-SOS-MICH.

Read the rest here:
Michigan Secretary of State limiting branch operations to critical services over 3-week period - Crain's Detroit Business