Tag: recharge

Wednesday, June 1

Today is Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Today is the start of the second half of 2022.

A quote by John Keates.  “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Photo by Kedar Gadge

Finding Joy in June.  As we start the second half of the year, let’s focus on ways we can find joy. Being joyful can extend your life, relieve stress and pain, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Start your day with joy:

    • Put on your favorite outfit
    • Wear perfume or cologne
    • Try a new hair style
    • Wear jewelry—accessorize
    • Try a new shade of lipstick
    • Put on some fun socks

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Listen to your breath as you continue to breathe deeply. Allow yourself to pause your activity and just listen and feel your breath moving in and out of your body.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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, May 27

Today is Friday, May 27, 2022. Seeing the new growth on the trees and bushes, listening to the ducklings finally large enough to stand taller than the grass, observing the maple tree “helicopters” flutter to the ground.

A quote by Lucy Larcom, “He who plants a tree, plants a hope.”

Photo by César Ardila

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others. Use your imagination to picture what a happy day could look and feel like. Consider, what can you add to your life from that image? What can you be doing now, to increase those “happiness factors” in your life?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Breathe in fresh air, allow the energy to flow throughout the body.
    • Exhale the unnecessary, feel the body reset.
    • Repeat several more times and smile to yourself.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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, May 20

Today is Friday, May 20, 2022.  Can’t help but smile watching the ducklings pause in the grass, distracted by something, then run to catch up with their parents.

A quote by Aristotle, “Happiness depends on ourselves.”

Photo, Miniature Cactus Flowers, taken by Nicole Siparsky, MD

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Engaging familiar, pleasant scents can elicit happy feelings.

    • Walk through a floral garden, along the beach, in the woods or across a fresh cut lawn.
    • Cook a favorite dish.
    • Grind coffee beans.
    • Brew a fragrant tea.
    • Infuse water with herbs.
    • Add a favorite essential oil to your bath towels.
    • Wear your favorite perfume or cologne.
    • Boil orange peels and/or cinnamon.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head to the right for a breath cycle, releasing the shoulders. Repeat on the other side.
    • Continuing to breathe, gently stretch your neck muscles as you tilt your head up with a breath cycle and down with a breath cycle. Keep the shoulders relaxed and smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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, May 13

Today is Friday, May 13, 2022.  Wondering how can I be helpful today?

A quote by:  Helen Keller. “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” 

Photo taken by: Fran Lee

Continuing a Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Volunteering offers us an opportunity to connect with others and it is naturally rewarding.

    • Volunteer or donate to your favorite charity
    • Contribute at a food shelter
    • Help out at an animal shelter
    • Do the grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor
    • Cut your neighbor’s lawn

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Explore alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Wednesday, May 11

Today is Wednesday May 11, 2022.  Feeling the breeze cooling me from the warming sun.

A quote by: Atul Gawande “I said there are at least two kinds of satisfaction, however, and the other comes from human connection.  It comes from making others happy, understanding them, loving them.”

Photo taken by: Erin Donalson

We continue this Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Spending time with family or friends, strengthens connections which has been shown to promote happiness.

    • Have a regular family game night
    • Eat dinner together
    • Go for a family walk after dinner
    • Reach out to a friend you have not talked to in a while
    • Have a picnic
    • Host a family reunion

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Explore alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Monday, May 9

Today is Monday May 9, 2022.  Appreciating the pleasant aromas flowers provide.

A quote by Lady Bird Johnson.  “Where flowers bloom so does hope.”

Photo taken by: Fran Lee

We continue this Magical May!  This month, we explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Research has shown flowers make you happier. 😊

    • Pick some flowers from your garden to enjoy them inside
    • Send flowers to someone you care about
    • Visit your favorite park that has beautiful flower gardens
    • Peruse your favorite garden center
    • Engage your senses at a botanical conservatory

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • Explore alternate nostril breathing, starting by exhaling completely.
    • Alternating from one side to the other, close one nostril with your thumb to breathe in and then repeat with the other nostril to breathe out.
    • Breathe in Left nostril, breathe out Right nostril. Breathe in Right nostril, breathe out Left nostril.
    • Continue this sequence for several more cycles.
    • Smile at completing this self-care activity.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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

Wednesday, May 4

Today is Wednesday, May 4, 2022.  Wondering how can I make myself laugh today?

A quote by Catherine Rippenger Fenwick.  “The body cannot heal without play.  Your mind cannot heal without laughter.  Your soul cannot heal without joy.”

Photo taken by: Fran Lee.  Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

It’s Magical May!  This month we explore things that make us HAPPY.  Being happy can enhance our lives, boost the immune system, help us build connections with others. 

Today, let’s find things to laugh about!😊 Laughter can ease pain, improve your mood and help you deal with challenging situations.

    • Watch a funny classic television show
    • Look up jokes on the internet
    • Watch a video of puppies playing
    • Share some time with an old friend
    • Watch young children playing in the park

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • As you continue to breathe, offer the loving kindness statements to yourself and/or others who are important to you: May I be safe, May I be HAPPY, May I be healthy, May I live with ease.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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 

Monday, May 2

Today is Monday May 2, 2022.  Feeling happy for the boundless gifts I can find outdoors.

A quote by Dalai Lama.  “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

Photo taken by: Nicole Siparsky, MD, Glen Falls Nantahala National Forest

 Let’s make this a Magical May!  This month, we will explore things that can make us HAPPY, even for a brief moment.  Being happy can enhance your life, boost the immune system, and help build connections with others.  Research has shown getting outside simply makes you happier.😊

    • Go for a hike in the forest
    • Take a walk in your favorite park
    • Walk through a neighborhood and appreciate the gardens
    • Eat a meal outside
    • Stand on the grass without your shoes
    • Bird watch
    • Scrunch your toes in the sand

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • As you continue to breathe, offer the loving kindness statements to yourself and/or others who are important to you: May I be safe, May I be HAPPY, May I be healthy, May I live with ease.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my inner self, I am open to the Happiness 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, April 29

 Today is Friday, April 29, 2022. Wondering what good I can contribute today.

A quote by Joseph Campbell “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.”

Photo taken by Tony

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s close the month with an activity for continued growth. Reflect on what areas of your life you want to grow in and choose a focus area to just think about. Some examples are below. Writing some of your thoughts may activate your mind to help you.

    • Personal relationships: Making new friends? Reconnecting with friends? Spending more time with loved ones? Creating deeper connections?
    • Your career, your calling: Changing career path? Engaging in more meaningful work? Pursuing your dream work? Realigning with your values? Taking classes?
    • Charity: Improving ways to volunteer or contribute in more meaningful ways? Discovering additional ways to serve others? Joining organizations that make a difference?
    • Personal health: Getting check ups and screenings? Learning about and implementing a nutrition strategy to promote health and healing? Establishing physical activity goals and plans? Setting self-care routines? Blocking enough time to sleep? Finding mental and/or spiritual support?

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • With every refreshing breath cycle, think about an individual that you appreciate and send out positive energy and warmth to that individual.
    • Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to 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

Wednesday, April 27

 Today is Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Observing several wild turkeys persist as they fly short distances, working their way up the trees.

A quote by Abraham Lincoln, “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”

Photo taken by Piotr Figlarz

April is about Springing forward.  Let’s take some time to explore strategies and activities for continued growth. Consider the ways you can include more nature into your life.

    • Go to a park.
    • Visit a nature conservatory, botanic garden or arboretum.
    • Get digging in the garden.
    • Bike, walk, jog, ride through a nature reserve.
    • Swim in the lake.
    • Watch the sun rise or set over the water.
    • Stare at the stars.
    • Surround yourself with plants in your home or office.
    • Add nature scenes as your screen saver.
    • Pause and just observe the trees and plants outside.

Use this Mindfulness Activity to Re-energize your Body and Mind whenever you need a moment to reset – while waiting, before, after, or to transition between activities:

    • 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.
    • With every refreshing breath cycle, think about an individual that you appreciate and send out positive energy and warmth to that individual.
    • Smile.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

“I am [*Name*]. I can do this. As I connect to my vision, courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to 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