Boost Your Mental Well-being During These Uncertain Times

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused uncertainty, stress and worry for many for the past few weeks. Even as businesses reopen and restrictions are lifted, many Americans are experiencing considerable anxiety.

With more than half of Americans reporting to Dynata, a survey insights firm, that they think the COVID-19 pandemic will last six months or more, many health experts are concerned about the nation’s mental health.

While experiencing stress or anxiety over the health and economic fears brought on by COVID-19 is normal, if you don’t take steps to cope with these feelings, you can put yourself at risk for long-term health effects.

Try these tips to keep your coronavirus-related stress and anxiety under control:

• • Stay informed, but don’t obsess—It can be easy to become overwhelmed by watching the news and reviewing the updates of the COVID-19 situation. While it’s important to be informed of the situation, you should not obsess over the news.
  • • Focus on what you can control—Focusing on the things you can’t control, like the course of the pandemic and actions of others, will only fuel anxiety and stress. Instead, focus on things that you have control over, including staying home when possible, washing your hands, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
  • • Connect with friends and family—Sometimes, the best way to cope with your stress is to talk to a loved one. Leverage technology to safely talk with friends or family during these times.
  • • Use healthy coping mechanisms—There are a variety of healthy ways to mitigate your stress and anxiety, which include getting exercise, sticking to a routine, spending time outside and meditating.
  • • Talk to a professional—If your stress or anxiety is overwhelming, contact a licensed mental health professional.

  The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily life and caused stress and anxiety for many, even as we enter our new normal. If left unchecked, these feelings can have negative effects on your mental well-being. Take steps today to keep your stress and anxiety under control. Read More

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a final rule that allows employers to pay bonuses or other incentive-based pay to salaried, nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week. The final rule clarifies that payments, in addition to the fixed salary, are compatible with the use of the fluctuating workweek method under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Final Rule

The final rule allows employers to pay bonuses, shift differentials and other incentive payments to employees who are paid under the fluctuating workweek method. The final rule also establishes that supplemental payments must be included in the calculation of the

regular rate, unless excluded under the FLSA.

The DOL anticipates that the final rule will grant employers greater flexibility to provide bonuses or other additional compensation to nonexempt employees whose hours vary from week to week.

Employer Takeaway

Under this method, employers can compensate employees with only half of their regular wage rate for overtime hours, as long as all of the requirements are met.

Employers should review the final ruling and consider the fluctuating workweek method as a cost-saving option to compensate employees who are not exempt from the FLSA’s overtime wage payment requirements. Read More

The IRS released Notice 2020-29, which provides temporary flexibility for midyear election changes under a Section 125 cafeteria plan during calendar year 2020. The changes are designed to allow employers to respond to changes in employee needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This guidance relates to midyear elections for:

• • Self-insured and fully insured employer-sponsored health coverage
• • Health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs)
• • Dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs)

Employees may be permitted to prospectively make election changes described in the notice, regardless of whether they satisfy existing midyear

election change rules.

The relief applies to all types of health FSAs, including limited-purpose health FSAs. In addition, employers are permitted to limit midyear elections for health FSAs and DCAPs to amounts no less than amounts already reimbursed.

Employer Action Steps

Employers using this relief may determine the extent to which such changes are permitted and applied. If these changes are permitted, the employer must adopt a plan amendment by Dec. 31, 2021, and inform employees of the change. The amendment may be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2020.

Changes to the plan may implicate other applicable laws, such as participant notification requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Read More

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity every day doesn’t have to be a chore. An easy way to make exercise fun for the whole family is by playing outside. Being active outdoors is a great way for you to reconnect with nature and stay healthy.

Why Exercise Outside?

Exercising in nature has been proven to improve one’s mental and physical health. Being outside also helps to promote higher vitamin D levels, a vitamin the body makes when skin is directly exposed to the sun. Many people are deficient in vitamin D, so exercising outside can be a great way to correct that.

In addition, outdoor activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost immunity and lower stress. Exercising outside can feel less routine than working out in a gym.

Where to Go

There are many different places you can go to be active outside. You can exercise in your backyard or visit a local, state or national park.

What to Do

It’s easy to find affordable activities that you can enjoy outdoors. Some of these activities include:

• Walking or hiking—Go for a walk around the block after work or after dinner to get your heart pumping. Hiking and walking have been proven to improve heart health and can help you maintain a healthy waistline.
• Ride your bike—Riding a bike helps improve balance and endurance. Biking is a fun,

a fun, family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy. Consider biking to work or school to sneak in some extra exercise during the week.

• Go swimming—This low-impact activity burns more calories per hour than almost any other activity, and has been shown to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health.

What to Bring

If you’re spending more than an hour or two outside, make sure you bring these items with you:

• Water so that you can stay hydrated, especially if it is warm outside
• Healthy snacks like nuts and carrot sticks
• Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays
• Rain gear if rain is in the forecast
• Extra layers in case it gets cool outside
• A backpack so you can carry all of your supplies with you

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