Helpful Hints for Your Financial and Physical Health

Have you been financially impacted by COVID-19? Whether through job loss, reduction of hours or missed work due to childcare issues, many people are finding themselves in situations they never anticipated. While we all work to navigate these unexpected challenges, here are some tips that may be helpful.

  • Expanded Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment payments have been increased and include workers that were previously excluded and cover those with a reduction in hours. Be sure to visit https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment-benefits for more details.
  • Paid Sick and Family Leave: Employers with less than 500 employees have been mandated to offer two weeks of paid sick leave and 12 weeks of extended family leave under the Coronavirus Families First Response Act.
  • Deferred Payments: Some banks and credit unions will offer to defer one payment a year for car loans or mortgages. Be sure to contact your financial institution to see if they can offer any relief during this time.
  • Student Loan Payment Deferral: Payments on federal student loans are deferred until October 2020.
  • Resources for Food: Cobb County has multiple sites for emergency food and meal distribution. Please see the map on the Cobb Community Foundation’s website for details HERE.

 

It is also important to be mindful of your own physical and mental health. Times of uncertainty and extreme stress can have an impact on your quality of life. It is important to take care of yourself so that you can help care for others.

  • Find ways to stay in contact with friends and loved ones. Phone calls, video chats and even emails or text messages can help you feel connected.
  • Make your bed every day. It is one small task that can help motivate you to complete other tasks.
  • Get some fresh air. Whether it is from the safety of your porch, your balcony or an open window, it can help lift your spirits.
  • Remain active. Go for a solo walk in your neighborhood, do some light stretches, easy calisthenics or a full home workout. Choose what works best for your current situation.
  • Make healthy eating choices. Healthy meals and snacks can help you maintain better focus, keep energy levels consistent and help keep you from consuming empty calories. Choose fruits over sugary sweets or air popped popcorn over potato chips.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is critical to feeling like yourself. Be sure to do your best to get 6-8hrs of sleep a night.