Category: self care

Friday, July 16

Today is Friday, July 16, 2021. Appreciation for today, adding an extra bounce to my step, brightening my surroundings, generating positive energy.

July marks the start of the second half of the year and a time to add sparkle to our days. This week, we explore intentionally start each day with sparkle. Today, add sparkle with visual cues. Add to the list started on Monday and pick one or two to try in the mornings. Here are some ideas.

    • Choose a favorite or colorful accessory or item that cheers you up and makes you feel great, then choose your day’s outfit around it.
    • Water plants, step out into nature, check on the garden.
    • Look for happiness and smiles. Walk your dog and exchange smiles as you pass others walking dogs too.

Photo at the Garfield Conservatory, Chicago- by: Nicole Siparsky, M.D.

Nicole Siparsky, M.D.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Marcus Aurelius, “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

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.   
  • On an inhale, reach your arms up like you are making the letter “V.” Stretch tall, look far out, feel your core.
  • Breath out and release your arms so they are relaxed and dangling and let your shoulders sink.
  • Roll your shoulders forward and then reverse roll. Turn your neck side to side gently and you are good to go.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, July 14

Today is Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Midweek recharge with a brisk walk, appreciating the ducklings staying close together, swimming proudly.

July marks the start of the second half of the year and a time to add sparkle to our days. This week, we continue to focus on intentionally starting each day with sparkle. Today, add sparkle by generating positivity. Add to the list and pick one or two to try in the morning. Here are some ideas.

  • Send out a positive note to someone you know.
  • Express gratitude to someone you see or interact with early in the day.
  • Listen to upbeat music as you get ready for the day.

Photo by: The Peaceful Surgeon

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by soccer player, Tim Howard, “Winning is fun, but those moments that you can touch someone’s life in a very positive way are better.”

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.   
  • On an inhale, reach your arms up like you are making the letter “V.” Stretch tall, look far out, feel your core.
  •  Breath out and release your arms so they are relaxed and dangling and let your shoulders sink.
  • Roll your shoulders forward and then reverse roll. Turn your neck side to side gently and you are good to go.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, July 12

Today is Monday, July 12, 2021. A change of pace this morning, increasing motivation for fitness progress.

July marks the start of the second half of the year and a time to add sparkle to our days. This week let’s intentionally start each day with sparkle. Today, begin to focus on the different ways that help the day start off with sparkle. Start a list and pick one or two to try in the morning. Here are some ideas.

    • Start the day with a huge smile and consider what opportunities for learning you have today.
    • In honor of your body and health, start your day with movement such as sun salutations, a walk or run, an invigorating workout, or stretching routine.
    • Recite your purpose, mission or intentions for the day.

Photo of a bromeliad at the Garfield Conservatory in Chicago, by Nicole Siparsky, M.D.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Maya Angelou, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

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.
  • On an inhale, reach your arms up like you are making the letter “V.” Stretch tall, look far out, feel your core.
  • Breath out and release your arms so they are relaxed and dangling and let your shoulders sink.
  • Roll your shoulders forward and then reverse roll. Turn your neck side to side gently and you are good to go.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, July 9

Today is Friday, July 9, 2021.  Reflecting on the supports we have, people, places or things

July marks the start of the second half of the year.  Let’s check in with ourselves this month to add some sparkle to the second half of the year. Utilize journaling to re-connect with your sparkle. Use these prompts to check in:

  • What do I most love to do?
  • What am I curious about?
  • What work do I do that does not feel like work?
  • What do I want to read more about?
  • What am I doing when I am having so much fun, I forget the time?

Photo by: Victor Malyushev

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Albert Einstein. “A mind that opens to a new ides never returns to its original size.”

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.   
  • While breathing, bring your attention to something that has brought you joy, a baby’s face, friends, family, a garden, the ocean.
  • While focused on joy, feel the smile on your face and send that loving smile throughout your body.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, July 7

Today is Wednesday, July 7, 2021.  Walking, smiling, observing the beauty around us.

July marks the start of the second half of the year.  Let’s check in with ourselves this month to add some sparkle to the second half of the year.  Consider ways to add sparkle to your walking routine.

  • Invite someone new to walk with you.
  • Join a walking club.
  • Try a new walking route.
  • Walk at a different time of day to get a different perspective.
  • Listen to a different genre of music on your walk.
  • Listen to book or podcast while you walk.

Photo by: Zack Silver

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Thich Nhat Hanh “Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”

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.   
  • While breathing, bring your attention to something that has brought you joy, a baby’s face, friends, family, a garden, the ocean.
  • While focused on joy, feel the smile on your face and send that loving smile throughout your body.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, July 5

Today is Monday, July 5, 2021.  Sitting quietly, smiling about all the positive things that have happened today 🙂

July marks the start of the second half of the year.  Let’s check in with ourselves this month to add some sparkle to the second half of the year.  Smiling can enhance our mood, boost the immune system, and lower our stress.

  • Say hello with a smile.
  • Hold the door for a stranger while smiling.
  • Send someone a handwritten note to say hello.
  • Bring someone flowers –just because. Watch them smile.

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, M.D.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by William Arthur Ward, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

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.   
  • While breathing, bring your attention to something that has brought you joy, a baby’s face, friends, family, a garden, the ocean.
  • While focused on joy, feel the smile on your face and send that loving smile throughout your body.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, July 2

Today is Friday, July 2, 2021.  Taking a moon lit stroll is a perfect way to reflect on your day.

July marks the start of the second half of the year.  Let’s check in with ourselves this month to add some sparkle to the second half of the year.

    • Utilize journaling to re-assess aspirations and goals set in the beginning of the year. Use these prompts to check in:
      • What has been going well for me in the first half of the year?
      • Do I need to adjust my aspirations in the second half of the year?
      • What is something I would like to accomplish by the end of the year?

Photo by: Fran Lee

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by W. Clement Stone. “Aim for the moon.  If you miss, you may hit a star.”

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.
    • Take a break during your day to caress your hands.
      • Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
      • With your right index finger gently trace your fingers on the left hand, repeat for the right hand with left index finger.
      • Focus on the gentle sensation of touch.
      • Take 3 belly breaths and smile for the calming break.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, June 30

Today is Wednesday, June 30, 2021.  Walking with friends or loved ones creates an opportunity for beautiful memories.

Try something new in June.  Explore new art forms.  Artistic expression may relieve stress and foster imagination and a sense of accomplishment. 

    • Doodle.
    • Try a coloring book.
    • Learn a musical instrument: harmonica, recorder, guitar, drums, tambourine.
    • Take a dance class or have a dance party.
    • Recite or write poetry.
    • Take pictures of nature with your phone.

Photo by: Alexandra Hillary

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Pablo Picasso “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

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.
    • Take a break during your day to caress your hands.
      • Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
      • With your right index finger gently trace your fingers on the left hand, repeat for the right hand with left index finger.
      • Focus on the gentle sensation of touch.
      • Take 3 belly breaths and smile for the calming break.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, June 28

Today is Monday, June 28, 2021. As the summer rains fall, our gardens flourish.

Try something new in June.  Refresh your clothing style.  Changing your personal style can add energy and confidence to your day.

    • Try to wear a different color palette.
    • Try a different style of clothes, try a dress instead of pants, or a polo instead of a button-down shirt.
    • Add a: scarf, belt, or different jewelry, watch
    • Host a clothing swap with friends or coworkers.
    • Next time you get a haircut, try a different hair style or color

Photo by: Tomasz Maka

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Duke Ellington, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.”

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.
    • Take a break during your day to caress your hands.
      • Close your eyes or lower your gaze.
      • With your right index finger gently trace your fingers on the left hand, repeat for the right hand with left index finger.
      • Focus on the gentle sensation of touch.
      • Take 3 belly breaths and smile for the calming break.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Friday, June 25

Today is Friday, June 25, 2021. Briskly walking and appreciating the fresh air early in the morning.

Try something new in June. Try a new card game. Rules available online or in a book. Alternatively, teach a friend or family member one of your favorites.  So many to choose from, here’s a sampling.

    • Young kids: Go Fish (2-4 players), Crazy Eights (2-5 players), Old Maid (3+ players). Memory (2-4 players).
    • Lots of laughs: Speed (2-4 players), Pig (2-13 players), Blitz (2-12 players), Menagerie (4+ players).
    • Others: Briscola (2 players), Ninety-nine (3 players), Cribbage (2-4 players), Rummy (2-6 players), Scopa (2-6 players), Whist (variations with 2-7 players), Hearts (3-4 players), Canasta (4 players), Euchre (4 players).
    • Advanced: Bridge (3-4 players), Piquet (2 players).

Photo by Dorothea Oldani

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat: 

“I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. I appreciate myself and others as I connect with love and kindness. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness and compassion to all people including me. Together, we can do great things.”

A quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is a happy talent to know how to play.”

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.
    • Now, after a deep belly breath, breathe out with a gentle mouth generating a deep vibration saying, “aah.”
    • Take another deep belly breath and breathe out humming “mmm” with a deep vibration.
    • Repeat deep breaths with “aah” and “mmm” for 5 more cycles, noticing far you feel each of the vibrations in your body.
    • Shimmy your shoulders and shake out your arms releasing all tension. Smile.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP