It might sound silly . . . but self-hugs have very real benefits! Hugging increases levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin, which positively affect your health. A 20-second hug reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate. A 10-second hug a day may fight infections, boost your immune system, ease depression, and lessen fatigue. Wrapping your arms around yourself sends a strong message to your body and your brain: I’ve got you, I love you, and you are okay. Hugging yourself is a quick and free act of self-care. … [Read more...]

First and foremost, staying home equals staying safe. But fresh air, sunshine, and activity can make a world of difference during this time of "physical" isolation---for your mental and physical health. There are things, however, that you MUST think about during this precautionary period---for your safety and the safety of others. Below find tips from Lauren Sauer, director of critical event preparedness and response at Johns Hopkins Medicine. See original article. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at all, stay home.Walk in the least-populated places possible. Instead of walking in areas where groups of people tend to congregate (e.g., parks, beaches), walk in your own neighborhood or on trails. If a trail is too busy, skip it!"Look ahead" and pace yourself, so you can work out how to keep a 6-foot distance between yourselves and others. On narrow walkways, step off the path (keeping that 6 feet) and allow the other person to pass before continuing on. If walking your dog, do … [Read more...]

One fish, two fish, Starfish, YOU-fish! In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday and National Reading Day, we're hosting the 1st ever Seuss-tastic basket giveaway. Why? Reading is truly FUN-damental---especially reading aloud to babies and young children. They learn to love sounds, words, and language. It stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps a child's brain, social skills, and communication skills develop. Contest timing: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2 (Dr. Seuss's birthday) through Tuesday, March 3, at 5:00 p.m. Winner announced: Morning of Wednesday, March 4 Chosen through: Random drawing from all our fabulous Facebook friends who "read" and followed the rules What you might win: A Seuss-tastic gift basket filled with oodles of Seuss-themed items. Books, bookmarks, activity sheets, hoodie, jersey, socks, leggings, bookmarks . . . oh, my! Value = $150 How you can win (super simple rules): It's all about caring and … [Read more...]

Our Starfish Early Education educators come up with the most innovative projects that you can easily tackle from home with your own children. This week's "craft-ivity" is creating tie-dye art using . . . coffee filters. Materials (all found at your local "dollar store" or in your own home): Basic white coffee filtersBingo stampers in multiple colorsNewspaper or paper/fabric layers to protect your table Instructions: Take a coffee filter and fold it in half. Fold your coffee filter in quarters. Daub your favorite colors using your Bingo stamper Unfold and reveal! The ink dries fairly fast. Check out these masterpieces made by Starfish kiddos! … [Read more...]