By Maggie Seaver As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the U.S., public and local health authorities are encouraging citizens to avoid gathering in large groups for at least eight weeks, and urging retailers and restaurants to either close or consolidate their offerings. Hundreds of schools have closed temporarily, and companies across all industries have asked their office employees to work remotely for the foreseeable future.

By Lauren Phillips Thinking you know how to recycle properly and actually being able to do so are two very different things. (It doesn’t help that the rules of recycling seem like they’re always changing, or that they vary by location.

By Maki Yazawa Though local, fresh foods are often the most sought-after, there are certain ingredients that taste great, last longer, and are equally fresh when purchased (or kept) frozen. Here are seven items worth considering freezing right now for long-lasting freshness—you'll limit food waste, too. 1 Nuts. Extend the shelf life of nuts by freezing them in airtight containers and freezer-safe bags.

By Katie Holdefehr In the world of home maintenance and upkeep, there are some things that feel nice to replace—like when you switch out your pillow covers or buy fresh bath towels. And then there are those things that are crucial to replace (and often!). The items on this list fall under the second category. Hang onto these four household staples longer than you should, and you risk spreading germs, dirt, or dust around your entire home.

You’ve been in bed for an hour now and still can’t fall asleep. You’re anxious thinking about your job or your 401(k); some problem with your kids that's setting you on edge; the unsettling state of the world or the unstoppable inertia of time. Whatever the issue, you can’t get it out of your head, but replaying the problem and trying to cope with the anxiety then and there doesn’t work. Then you start fretting about not being able to sleep.

By Trevor Wheelwright You have a skincare routine and an exercise or stretching routine, but do you have a routine for your internet privacy? Practicing good privacy hygiene can keep your digital information (and other personal details) protected, preserved, and generally in good shape—and it doesn't have to be intimidating.

By Katie Holdefehr When it's time to spring clean, we may think we have to tackle every single item on the to-do list right away. But actually, there are some home maintenance tasks that it's better to wait until fall to complete. To help you sort out which things to spring clean ASAP and which can be safely put off for a few more months, we've compiled the list below. Then, you can breathe a little easier knowing that it doesn't have to all get done right away.

By Betty Gold Whether it’s peak summer, mid-winter, or somewhere in between, there are a few shelf-stable grocery items that chefs and health experts recommend you always have at home to stay healthy and happy in the kitchen. Each one of these pantry products is incredibly versatile, meaning they can be added to everything from breakfast smoothies and scrambled eggs to salads, sheet-pan dinners, soups, stews, or spaghetti sauce.

By Real Simple Editors Working from home sounds like a huge perk—and it certainly has its benefits—but ushering work into your home can have some unpleasant side effects for your work and home life: Think decreased productivity, longer working hours, and decreased work-life balance. Fortunately, the right working from home tips can help you make the most of bringing the office home without any downsides.

By Katie Holdefehr This cold and flu season, amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, there's been one message we've heard time and again: Wash your hands! But if you don't know how to wash your hands the right way or aren't diligent about your technique (have you really been singing the entire "Happy Birthday" song twice?), your hands might not be as clean as you think. But don't worry, it's not too late to refresh your hand-washing skills.