The Coronavirus has changed all our lives. Whether this means canceling a trip, traveling less, working from home, or not visiting family members, its effect is profound and wide-ranging. I’m writing this from Spain, where we are on lockdown.

Being Positive

A positive mental attitude is vital at this
time. Here are some of the ways that I like to think these days:

• By staying at
  home and not traveling, I am not only protecting myself, but I am protecting
  other people.
• I am grateful for
  my health.
• Spending a lot of
  time at home is a change but gives me time to do things I always wanted.

That last point – doing things that you don’t
normally have time for – is really worth thinking about. When you turn a
negative into a positive, then you take control. Rather than be a victim of
some misfortune, you can find ways to make some part of this a good thing.

What’s Worked for Me

I am in Spain at the moment and the lockdown
means that we can leave the house to buy groceries, go to the pharmacy, or get
medical care. We can also walk the dog but are encouraged to keep that to a
minimum.

The army patrol the streets and if you are
walking with someone, they will ask you to stay one meter apart. The rest of
the time, we are inside. Here’s what has worked for me during that time:

Doing Exercise at the Same Time Each Day

Any type of movement, even a few stretches,
counts toward exercise. But when there is a set time to move, then I actually
do what I have planned. Afterwards, I always feel a little better.

Making Mealtimes the Center of the Day

I often eat to fit my day, but now I really
look forward to preparing food, sitting with the people in my house, and
stretching out the experience. Think how the French treat meals – that’s what
I’m going for.

Spending at Least 30 Minutes a Day on Self-Improvement

I speak French but, sharing a house with
French people, I have a great chance to improve my language, so I study my
French grammar and vocabulary for at least 30 minutes a day. I also play guitar
and have some pieces I’m working hard to learn.

Why Self-Improvement Can Be Vital

Most of us, retired or not, have worked in a
job where we are run off our feet – and the day passes so quickly. Some might
have worked in a job where there wasn’t much to do – for example, a shop with
few customers – and the day took forever to pass.

Obviously, if we are to be stuck indoors, we
would like our days to pass quickly. Therefore, we need to be active, we need
to be disciplined, and we would ideally spend some time learning something or
working on something we wish to improve.

I am a guitar teacher, and when I connect via
Skype to give lessons these days, my students are delighted to have their
lesson. When I speak to them now, I finish the call by setting them a “mission”
for next week. Something that would be truly satisfying to master – yet quite a
challenge.

I know that after the call if you were to say
to one of these students, “Hey, you’re going to be playing a lot of guitar this
week because of the lockdown,” they would probably reply with, “Yeah, and I
can’t wait.”

Think About Other People

I get a great feeling when we end our lesson
calls with a mission for the week ahead. I think it’s important for each of us that
we help frame the upcoming months as a challenge to improve each and every day.

Maybe there is someone you know who would bury
themselves in a project if you gave them a little inspiration and encouragement.

We all have something we put off “until we
have more time.” This could be learning a musical instrument, getting fit, reading a certain book, or
learning a language. Wisely using your time to improve yourself or learn something
new is now more important than ever.

How do you stay positive in the current
situation? Have planning and schedules worked to improve your daily routine?
What activities or projects have you picked up that you don’t normally have
time for? Please share your experiences with our community.

If the past couple of weeks have taught us anything, it’s that we’re lucky to have so many things at our fingertips. Things like takeout when we’re too tired to cook, yoga classes for when we need to zen out and the many beauty treatments that bring out our inner Beyoncé at a moment’s notice. In the grand scheme of things, doing something as simple as going a couple weeks without a dye job is hardly brave. However, as I begin to settle into my WFH aesthetic, seeing celebs with grown-out roots is actually kind of inspiring, whether it’s by force or choice (because dark roots are an actual trend, too).

It’s a reminder that one, giving your hair a break isn’t that big of a deal. Two, it sheds light on other treatments that are actually useful right now, like nonstop masking to combat dryness (and boredom). Lastly, if nothing else takes you out of your funk, consider it a badge of honor for doing the right thing and staying inside. Plus, the dark roots, light strands vibe is definitely cute. Need proof? Here are just a handful of famous beauties embracing their natural roots with plenty of selfies to show for it.

Kelly Ripa

Instagram.com/kellyripa.

The TV host put herself on “root watch” weeks ago and decided to embrace her grays.

Katy Perry

Source: Instagram

Go to the second slide and prepare to be mesmerized by the pregnant singer’s glowy AF skin and dark roots.

Tamera Mowry

Source: Instagram

The actress and TV host is letting her gray hairs fly.

Kevin Hart

Source: Instagram

Thanks to social distancing, we get to see the comedian in all of his salt-and-pepper glory.

Dua Lipa

Source: Instagram

The singer has been slaying in platinum blonde hair and black roots since the start of 2020.

Camilla Belle

Source: Instagram

Are those black roots we see peeking just above dark red strands?

Margot Robbie

Source: Instagram

Dark roots are nothing new for this beauty, who donned this look throughout the 2020 award season.

Hailey Bieber

Source: Instagram

The slicked back look truly elevates the model’s dark roots.

Beyoncé

Source: Instagram

Is there a look this woman can’t pull off (dark roots included)? We think not.

Reese Witherspoon

Source: Instagram

A blonde beauty who isn’t afraid to go to the dark side.

Sarah Silverman

Source: Instagram

These grays are definitely on point.

Teddi Mellencamp

Source: Instagram

The reality star used this pic to jumpstart the #hotmessrootandnailchallenge.

Bebe Rexha

Source: Instagram

Behold, the power of accessories.

Cynthia Erivo

Source: Instagram

The singer and actress normally keeps her hair silver, but appears to be giving it a break as she stays inside.

Zoey Deutch

Source: Instagram

She’s got this.

Lady Gaga

Source: Instagram

When Mother Monster says stay in, we listen.

Lindsay Hubbard’s Green Graphic Tee on Instagram

Summer House Instagram Fashion 2020

With everyone and their mother talking about the self-isolation saving grace that is Netflix’s Tiger King, I think it’s safe to say that big cats are definitely having a moment right now. As is Carole Baskin Lindsay Hubbard quarantining here in her apartment in a cute green graphic tee, whose super affordable price tag definitely won’t kill your savings account or husband.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Daydreamer Tee on Sale

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Photo & Info: @LindsHubbs

Originally posted at: Lindsay Hubbard’s Green Graphic Tee

While your roots aren’t the most important thing to worry about during self-distancing and working from home, it’s possible a little gray hair coming in is starting to drive you crazy. Don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best gray root cover-up that will give you a little update for a Zoom meeting, Bumble video date or just because it makes you feel better. There are both temporary fixes and more semi-permanent ones with natural-looking color for all hair shades and types.

All you have to do is apply the powder using the brush or applicator right onto your hair. Make sure you part your hair where you usually do and just literally color over your grays. It can also camouflage dark re-growth on lightened or highlighted hair. You can also pull your hair up and apply the product along your hairline. Give the formula about three minutes to dry and blend it out with a brush. Don’t stress about gray hair that’s far back towards your crown that can be tough to access. If you don’t see them, chances are no one is noticing them either.

Not sure what color to choose? Always go a little darker than you think. The worst thing that happens is you get a trendy shadow root vibe. Most products come in six or seven color options, from platinum to black. Since gray hair shows up the strongest on darker hair, it’s easier to cover. When you’re ready to shampoo, the color will come right out. Shop our favorite options, below.

dpHUE.

dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit

Color Wow.

Color Wow Root Cover-Up

Garnier.

Garnier Express Retouch Gray Hair Concealer

Buy: Garnier Express Retouch Gray Hair Concealer $9.99

Madison Reed.

Madison Reed Root Reboot Color Activator

L’Oreal Paris.

L’Oreal Magic Root Precision Temporary Gray Concealer

Rita Hazan.

Rita Hazan Touch-Up Stick

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

True wealth is
found no place else but in the joy of giving. Look past your fears and start
positioning for the opportunities that lie around the corner. Now is the time
to take the perspective of sufficiency
instead of deficiency.

As a society, we can
shelter in place – technology at our fingertips,
and food delivered at our doors. As we don a daily attitude of gratitude, we
can free ourselves to share with moxie and momentum.

What we do now to
utilize our character strengths as well as appropriate our financial assets
will usher in happier, fulfilled, and changed families, communities, and world.
YOU have the opportunity to co-create what is next.

Yes, our health
care providers are on the front line of this challenging time, but many others are
also stepping up to serve. Those with financial resources to share are being
called on in ways that may take them out of their comfort zones.

Everyone has a
vital part to play in unfolding solutions, and non-profit organizations are critical,
strategic partners. They need your continued, generous support.

ReFUND and QCD – What Are They?

As you look at how
to best share your financial resources right now, there continue to be
creative, strategic ways to do so. If you have not filed your taxes yet (you
now have an extension until July
15^th, 2020) consider ReFUND.

The SECURE act
changed the timeline to start taking your required minimum distributions (RMD).
For anyone turning 70 ½ in 2020, you do not need to take your RMD until age 72.
However, if you turned 70 ½ last year or before you need to continue to take it
annually.

The amount you need
to withdraw is based on the account value of your IRA on 12/31/2019. If you
have several IRAs, look at their overall total amount. With current market
volatility, you could take your entire RMD from the most conservatively
positioned portfolio.

As part of your
giving plan, you could utilize the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Contact
your advisor or custodian and request that they send your RMD to a qualified
501C3 organization directly.

This keeps the
income off your 1040. Since many people are using the standard deduction now
rather than itemizing, this will keep your taxable income lower.

Just Give

Write a check or
transfer funds from your Donor Advised Fund. It is simple – just do it. Many
times we hold back because of accountability, or desire to make sure it is
going where intended.

This is unchartered
territory, and we are banding together to help – all hands on deck, dollars on
the table. Yes, be wise about where you give and how you do it – but do it.

This pandemic has
created the great equalizer. It impacts every man, woman, and child, regardless
of color, creed, political affiliation, or economic standing. We have a moral
imperative to co-create a new and better world.

Giving generously
to causes and organizations as well as your neighbors is no longer a luxury of
abundance but an expression of sufficiency. Talk with your financial life
advisor to discern the best, tax efficient, and productive ways to give.

As a final note,
please make sure any organization you approach is trustworthy. Many scams
circulate in the world today, trying to take advantage of those who want to
help the most needy in our community. Be vigilant and take time to thoroughly
research an organization before opening your wallet.

How do you
manage donations in hard times? Do you have a mindset of sufficiency or deficiency?
Which organizations do you support by volunteering, and which ones do you
support financially? Please share with our community!