This week an order of bread bags saved me from a lot of extra stress. Although I know the chances of contracting COVID-19 from foood packaging is extremely small, I found myself religiously washing my hands every time I touched the sandwich bag that came from the store. So I ordered a pack of my own bread bags, and now I transfer bread and lots of other foods into new bags after I pick up an order of groceries, just so I don’t ever have to think about the packaging again. I’ve also found the bread bags make great makeshift gloves for my hands when I gas up the car or have to touch doors in public places. I would love to know what surprisingly handy finds or hacks you’re using during this time! Let me know at [email protected].

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Janie

Take Back Your Life

It seems we all begin work emails the same way right now: concerned, overly personal and repetitive, whether we’re emailing colleagues or professional contacts or “just following up” with total strangers.

But at this stage of the pandemic, COVID-19 doesn’t need to be an icebreaker for work communications, said Lisa Orbé-Austin, a licensed psychologist and executive coach. She told HuffPost reporter Monica Torres that when composing an email, the more distant the relationship is, the more acceptable it is not to ask for information you wouldn’t normally be getting in a response. Still, there is a right and wrong way to approach coworkers and people you know that acknowledges reality and expresses understanding without sounding trite or tortured.

Everyone's writing the same email greeting. Do this instead.

Deal With It

In mid-April, the government began sending out direct payments to Americans as part of the larger coronavirus stimulus package. While the money is much needed by those who lost income as a result of the pandemic, many are wondering whether there’s a catch. Will the money be taxed later? Is it simply a tax refund advance that will need to be paid back next year? If you’re confused about how stimulus payments affect your taxes, you’re not the only one. Here’s what you need to know.

Do you have to pay taxes on your coronavirus check?

Pro Tip:

You're bathing with washcloths, sponges, bath mitts and shower poufs. Can the coronavirus live on them? In a word, yes, although a cotton washcloth is less likely to be a problem than a plastic pouf or brush. Dermatologists recommend washing bath accessories after every use during the coronavirus pandemic, as opposed to every three to four weeks in normal conditions. Here’s what to use.

Want More Practical Magic?

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