Month: December 2021

Wednesday, December 8

Today is Wednesday, December 8, 2021. Spotting a Cardinal (bird in picture) in nature can have many meanings. Among them: Love, confidence, balance, loyalty, luck, and a sign that someone who has passed is watching over you.

A quote from Coco Chanel. “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”

Photo by: Ray Hennessy

December Delights are here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Surround yourself with beauty.

    • Set up your home, work, or study space to include your favorite colors.
    • Place beautiful photos or art so you see it frequently.
    • Add plants inside to bring nature indoors.
    • Listen to favorite music in the background.
    • Stimulate your senses with aroma therapy simmering cinnamon, using essential oils, candles, or potpourri.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
  • Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
  • Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love and positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Rush University   

http://www.DailyGiftOfVitality.com

Monday, December 6

Today is Monday, December 6, 2021. The windy day reminds me that difficult times are temporary.

A quote from Pablo Picasso. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”

Photo by Jeremy Bishop

December Delights is here. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Share a token of appreciation through the mail or drop it off at home or leave it on their desk.

    • Send a pretty picture postcard.
    • Write a friendly note.
    • Deliver a plant.
    • Share some fresh herbs.
    • Gift a favorite book.
    • Wrap a box of delicious tea for someone.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • Lean and rest your head towards the right shoulder and hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch. Then, repeat on the left side. Feel a gentle stretch.
  • Bring your chin to your chest and look down. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch.
  • Lace your fingers behind your lower back and gently lift your chin and look up. Hold for a count of 3. Feel the gentle stretch and then return to neutral & roll the shoulders back and down. Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner strength, I can absorb and magnify the love and positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, December 3

Today is Friday, December 3, 2021. Finishing the work week, planning recharge time.

A quote from Princess Diana, “Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”

Photos by Nicole Siparsky, MD

December Delights returns. This December let’s focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

Focus on your daily self-care routine:

    • Upon waking, rehydrate with a glass of water.
    • Start your day watching the sun rise.
    • After waking, do some gentle yoga stretches or go for a morning walk.
    • Listen to uplifting music.
    • Pack your favorite lunch.
    • Buy yourself pretty flowers.
    • Enjoy some aroma therapy.

2021.12.03.collage

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
    • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
    • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, December 1

Today is Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Appreciating the beauty and joy of the birds sitting outside my window.

A quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. “Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.”

Photo by Nicole Siparsky, MD: Wicker Park Fall

December Delights returns. This December lets focus on gifts of Love and Joy- to yourself and others.

You can use positive affirmations throughout the day to honor your life’s path.

  • Post positive affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you will see them often: on your computer, the refrigerator, the mirror; in your car, your wallet, your calendar.
    • I believe in myself.
    • I deserve to be happy.
    • Everything is temporary.
    • I accept all of me with Love.
    • I am growing wiser each day.
    • I honor my life’s path.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind:  

  • Straighten your spine. Roll your shoulders back and down, smile to yourself, & relax your jaw.
  • Take slow deep belly breaths, allowing your stomach to rise with each breath in and relax with each breath out. You may find that each breath gets better and better. Allow your shoulders to relax on each exhale.
  • For a calming lift, try Bumble Bee Breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale through your nose, cover your ears with the palms of your hands.
    • Exhale making a bumble bee buzz, continue to exhale for as long as you can. Repeat this cycle for at least 3 breaths.
    • When done, check in with your body and notice the calming response.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to the positive energy around me. I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP