Tag: exercise

Wednesday, October 7

Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Exercise improves sleep, brain performance and memory, and limits signs of aging. The list of benefits is long.

For the month of October, we invite you to our first Workout Wednesday.

If you are already walking at least 15 minutes daily, keep that going and consider increasing the intensity of the walk by increasing time spent walking or by swinging your arms more or by taking longer striders or even adding hills or stairs to your walk.

*If you are not yet walking 15 minutes daily, you can choose to work towards it. You may also choose a different equivalent activity like swimming, dancing, biking, marching in place, etc.

Now, consider the changing seasons ahead. Write out, as many options as possible, about how you will include at least one 15 minute walk (or equivalent*) -every day- despite the weather changes, unexpected events, celebrations, holidays and schedule changes.

Put that list somewhere you can review it easily to remind you in those times you need it most. ***Make it easy to include 15 minutes of movement daily, within your life and with what may be happening around you.***

An inspirational Quote from Thich Nhat Hanh, “When it comes to health and well-being, regular exercise is about as close to a magic potion as you can get.”

Photo by: Tunchanoke Moontrisri

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am part of the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people. We are all connected. We can be resilient together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Focus on progressive relaxation by tightening and then loosening your muscles starting from your toes, working your way to the top of your head.
    • Take additional deep breaths and release your muscles further.
    • This can take as much or as little time as you choose.
    • Smile a huge smile to release your jaw and mouth muscles and continue on with your day or night, refreshed.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Monday, September 7

Today is Monday, September 7, 2020. Today, we honor parents, teachers and students who are adjusting to new learning environments.

As the beginning of a school year for many, here is an inspirational quote by George Washington Carver, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”

Photo by: Aaron Burden

It is Self-Care September! This month, we offer prompts to energize your self-care routine. We invite you to experiment with any or all the suggested activities to invigorate, your mind, body and spirit.

Self-Care Activity:  Reset with movement. At any time, in any space, moving your body can signal to your body to adapt, heal and thrive. It can also improve mood and the ability to focus and learn. (Tip: This is helpful for children too- especially with eLearning.)

If you are seated for prolonged periods of time, allow your body the freedom to move. Find a way to make more movement a part of your life by linking it with regular activities. Here are 10 suggestions. Pick one or two and establish those new self-care habits that will help you.

    1. Get up every time you answer the phone.
    2. Walk or pace when you listen to a lecture, audio book, podcast or music.
    3. Take the stairs to use the restroom on a different floor.
    4. Open up your chest and stretch out your arms, roll your shoulders back each time you send an email, tweet or post content online.
    5. Use a stand-up desk during all or part of your school or workday.
    6. Add abdominal crunches or push ups or squats during commercials or breaks.
    7. When you are shifting activities, lessons, tasks, choose a burst of activity to reset and clear your mind. For example: march or run in place, perform a set of jumping jacks, practice boxing moves in the air, hula hoop moves or high knees.
    8. Whenever your mind has difficulties focusing, walk to get ice or top off your water or tea.
    9. Go through a series of yoga moves- like sun salutations- in less than 90 seconds before washing your hands at mealtime.
    10. Every time you look at the clock, roll your shoulders and shake out your arms.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am part of the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people. We are all connected. We can be resilient together.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

    • 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.
    • Practice the Mountain Meditation to connect with your inner strength and stability.
      1. Envision a mountain, see the intricate details of the mountain.
      2. Bring the majesty of the mountain inside of you, and be one with the mountain.
      3. Feel the strength and stability of the mountain.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP 

Wednesday, August 19

Today is Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Over millions of years, wind and water have provided us with the most spectacular sites.

The Daily Gifts of Vitality are being released 3 times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, to allow additional days to consider the prompts before advancing.

Inspiration: A Quote from Lao Tzu

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”

Photo by Tom Gainor

We invite you to experience the Joy of Reflective Journaling. You may repeat this prompt until the next one is released.

Reflective Journaling Prompt: Spend some time physically moving your body through an activity more slowly, being mindful. Notice your experience: Did you notice any changes in your mood? How did your body feel? Does your mind calm when you deliberately slow down an activity?

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • Connect with the Ground:
    1. Focus on your feet.
    2. Imagine drawing a chalk outline around each foot on the floor.
    3. See the image. Smile.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and learning every day. I am a part of the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

 

 

Friday, July 31

Today is Friday, July 31, 2020. A beautiful day, watching the colors changing in the sky.  

Inspiration: A Quote from Henry David Thoreau

“What you get by achieving your goal is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement – Established.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes (or more) daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. The objective was not to do the most difficult activity, but to move consistently and modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Achieved 31 Days to Experience the Joy of Movement. Month-end Reflection.

Congratulations to those who participated. At the end of your walk today, pause and smile to yourself to acknowledge your self-care. Look back at your journal and summarize your progress and what you have been measuring (time, distance, step counter, fitness tracker, etc.). Review your commitment to yourself for the next month.

Please feel free to share your experiences with us. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner. We’d love to hear from you.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • Visualize your healing breath.
    1. As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
    2. As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
    3. With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
    4. Remember, you were designed to heal.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings, 

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Thursday, July 30

Today is Thursday, July 30, 2020.  Every time you take one step you use about 200 different muscles—Now that’s the Joy of Movement!

Inspiration: A Quote from Jack Kerouac

“There was nowhere to go but everywhere”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

After your walk today, look back on your walking journal and reflect. What’s changed? What’s the same? What will be your commitment to yourself for the next month? Write it down. “I am going to… [Include who, what, when, where, why].

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • Visualize your healing breath.
    1. As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
    2. As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
    3. With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
    4. Remember, you were designed to heal.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Wednesday, July 29

Today is Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Listening to a beloved classical piano sonata, sharing an experience that was created over 200 years ago. What a wonderful legacy- to have created beautiful music that still captures and elicits emotion among various people around the world centuries later. 

Inspiration: A Quote from Patricia S. Churchland

“Being engaged in some way for the good of the community, whatever that community, is a factor in a meaningful life. We long to belong, and belonging and caring anchors our sense of place in the universe.”

Photo by Dan Deziel, “Tulip Poplar”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement. Day #29.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

The mid-week walk: Relax your shoulders while walking. Roll your shoulders back as you walk. Let your hands be loose. What is your jaw doing? Relax your jaw while you are walking.

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • Visualize your healing breath.
    1. As you breathe in and feel your lungs inflate, visualize that flow of oxygen reach all parts of your body & revitalize all of your cells.
    2. As you breathe out, feel your body settle.
    3. With each breath, feel how you are recharging your body.
    4. Remember, you were designed to heal.

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,  

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Tuesday, July 28

Today is Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Crossing the bridge over water, not knowing what is on the other side, finding the journey continues, seeing more each day.

Inspiration: A Quote from Ken Poirot

“True beauty is a warm heart, a kind soul, and an attentive ear.”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

4 Weeks completed. Walking allows us freedom to move and think. Consider how your body and mind will benefit as you choose how to proceed after July. How has your daily walk fit into your life? Decide what you will keep moving forward.

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
    • Stop
    • Take a Breath
    • Open and Observe
    • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,   

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP  

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Monday, July 27

Today is Monday, July 27, 2020. Reflecting on the privilege of being able to share our Daily Gift of Vitality, we appreciate that humans have found ways to stay connected to other humans even when we cannot see or hear each other. These daily walks provide time to think about opportunities to promote love, healing and compassion in the world.

Inspiration: A Quote from Erik Campano

“Joy is human connection; the compassion put into every moment of humanitarian work; joy is using your time to bring peace, relief, or optimism to others. Joy gives without the expectation—or wish—of reciprocity or gratitude. . .. Joy immediately loves the individual in need and precedes any calculation of how much the giver can handle or whom the giver can help.”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement. Day #27. Moving along.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

5 more days of July. Notice how has your walking changed since the start. Are you walking faster, longer or different routes? Do you swing your arms more? How do feel during your walk? How you feel after your walk? Make a note in your journal when you are logging your progress.

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
    • Stop
    • Take a Breath
    • Open and Observe
    • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings, 

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Sunday, July 26

Today is Sunday, July 26, 2020. Wherever and whenever, looking out into the sky is a reminder that we can rely on there being a day and night, but we cannot predict exactly what it will look like.

Inspiration: A Quote from Adam Pascal

“We are all given a gift of existence and of being sentient beings, and I think true happiness lies in love and compassion”

Photo inspiration by Becky Frederick, “Sunset in Buchanan, Michigan”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement. Day #26

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Sundays are great days to walk for connection. This may be a spiritual or religious connection. It may be a personal connection or connecting with a pet. It may be a connection with nature and your surroundings. It may be connecting with gratitude or simply with yourself. Sometimes, Sunday walks can be longer than other days.

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
    • Stop
    • Take a Breath
    • Open and Observe
    • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP  

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.

 

 

Saturday, July 25

Today is Saturday, July 25, 2020. Listening to the morning birds, watching the sun rise, the cool air is perfect for walking. It’s a slow start to the day.

Inspiration: A Quote from Seneca

“While we teach, we learn.”

Optional 31 Days to Experiencing the Joy of Movement.

Goal: Walking for a minimum of 15 minutes daily which may extend life expectancy by 3 years. If you have achieved this goal already, you may consider increasing the duration or intensity as you progress.

The objective is not to do the most difficult activity, it is to move consistently. Modify these activities as needed for your safety and your abilities*.

Today is great day to walk to refresh. Walk joyfully. Energize with clear fluids. Find your healthiest food options. Give yourself time to rest and sleep. Connect with someone you love. Send a note of appreciation to someone you are thinking of.

Continue to record your progress in your journal. Submit a picture from your walk to the Daily Gift of Vitality blog and/or connect with your walking partner.

Recharge yourself when you repeat:    

“I am [*Name*]. I am resilient and growing every day during new challenges. I believe in the strength in me and the global community. I love myself because I have kindness and love in my heart and soul. As I think about those I love and care for, I send loving kindness out to all people.”

The Mindfulness Activity to practice this week to create Calm Moments:  

  • 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.
  • If you want to release tension, try the STOP technique taught in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses.
    • Stop
    • Take a Breath
    • Open and Observe
    • Proceed

With gratitude and appreciation for all beings,    

Naomi Parrella, MD & Fran Lee, FNP   

*Please confirm with your doctor which activities are appropriate for you.