This week's "Wellness Wednesday" tip is to have an attitude of gratitude! Expressing gratitude creates a healthy mind and boosts immune response. Consider journaling about gratitude every evening and try to focus your first morning thoughts on one thing you’re grateful for.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

On Fridays, Homewood City Schools will be sharing activities students and families can do together for fun. This is a wonderful opportunity to create some good family memories and positive interactions together. Check back each Friday for more ideas you can do with your family members. Click here for this week's activities as well as past activities.

If you're like most families, COVID-19 has changed family rules about the use of devices (smart phones, tablets, laptops). The Child Mind Institute has shared some good information on how to manage screen time during COVID-19, but keep in mind, you know your child best. If screen time alters your child's behavior and makes it difficult for them to complete schoolwork, exercise or finish household chores; only allow it after these tasks are complete. Establishing a routine that works for your family is most important at this time. For more information about managing screen time during COVID-19, click here.

This week's "Wellness Wednesday" tip is to take breaks from news media and social media. While it’s important to stay informed, non-stop exposure to stories about the pandemic may cause you to feel more distressed. Seek updates at specific times during the day — ideally only once or twice — and focus on getting information from credible sources in order to minimize speculation. Consider adjusting notifications or removing apps from your phone to limit your exposure. In addition, try not to compare yourself or your family to others who may seem more productive based on their social media posts. Everyone's family and situation are different. No two individuals, families, or households are exactly alike and it's important to focus on what makes you and your family uniquely you!

“If you continuously compete with others, you become bitter, but if you continuously compete with yourself, you become better.”

On Fridays, Homewood City Schools will be sharing activities students and families can do together for fun. This is a wonderful opportunity to create some good family memories and positive interactions together. Check back each Friday for more ideas you can do with your family members. Click here for this week's activities as well as past activities.

The use of e-cigarette (vaping) products by middle and high school students has been a growing problem nationally. During these unprecedented times with COVID-19, there is a greater concern about vaping. The health effects for youth, especially the effects to their lung health, gives parents the perfect opportunity to talk about these risks. To help youth understand the risks of vaping, the Birmingham Youth Tobacco Prevention Program has created a free online educational program. For more information and to view the program, click here.

This week's "Wellness Wednesday" tip is to prioritize self-care and stress relief. Set aside a dedicated time each day to do something that makes you feel calm and alleviates stress - whether it's quiet-time/meditation, exercising, gardening, cooking, doodling, reading, or whatever helps you de-stress in a healthy way!

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”