Tag: routine

Monday, December 13

Today is Monday, December 13, 2021. Appreciating restorative rest feeling ready to embrace another opportunity to be AWESOME!

A quote from Thomas Dekker. “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.”

Photo by: Robson Hatsukami Morgan

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

Prioritizing sleep to boost our mood and health.

  • Create a sleep routine or try a new routine.
    • Prioritize your sleep by scheduling at least 7-8 hours of time for sleep.
    • Keep your phone out of your bedroom.
    • Stop using electronics at least one hour before bed.
    • Journal your daily reflections and visualize your dream future.
    • Take a warm bath.
    • Practice meditation before bed.

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 quieting meditation before sleep, include Box breathing.
    • Continuing to Belly breath, inhale for the count of 4; hold your breath for the count of 4.
    • Then, exhale for the count of 4; and again, hold your breath for a count of 4.
    • Continue to repeat this pattern at least 4 times or until you are feeling more relaxed and ready for sleep.

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 

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 

Friday, November 26

Today is Friday, November 26, 2021. Reflecting on special moments and their significance.

A quote from John F. Kennedy. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Photos by: Fran Lee

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Create a time capsule to capture special moments in your life. In a special box or even a shoe box, place mementos that represent significant points in your life. Place the box in an out-of-the-way place for you to enjoy in the future.

    • Favorite music
    • Newspaper article
    • Favorite book
    • Favorite outfit
    • Sports equipment from enjoyed activities
    • Special award or recognition
    • Photos

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.
    • As you continue your belly breaths focus on the inhale.
    • Next as you exhale try to extend your exhale for an extra second or two
    • Smile in appreciation for this moment of recharge.

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

Friday, November 19

Today is Friday, November 19, 2021. Just being. Seeing the world changing daily.  

A quote from Agnetha Faltskog, “My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones.”

Photos by: Susan Chubinskaya

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore new ways to laugh and play.

    • Read a favorite comic series.
    • Gift & play funny board games.
    • Plan an outing at a comedy club.
    • Watch a hilarious movie with a friend.
    • Hang out with people who know how to laugh and play.
    • Spend time with a pet.
    • Start collecting funny stories, quotes, pictures that you can return to in the future.
    • Watch a baby or toddler who is laughing hysterically.
    • Look for funny photos.

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.   
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

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, November 17

Today is Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Determined to allow and appreciate the unknowns.

A quote from Theodore Roethke, “Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.”

Photos by: Dr. Susan Chubinskaya

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Trying something new.

    • Playing a new card game.
    • Rearranging the desktop.
    • Creating a new vegetable recipe.
    • Growing a new plant.
    • Joining a new group.
    • Volunteering in a new way.
    • Trying some new stretches.
    • Testing a new perfume or cologne.
    • Listening to a new musical artist.

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.
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

*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 

Monday, November 15

Today is Monday, November 15, 2021. The chill in the air outside highlights the warmth inside.

A quote from Wangechi Mutu, “I believe art is a connection, like passing on a flame.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore art that is new to you.

    • Check out live, recorded and/or virtual theatre or concert performances. Check out the local schools, colleges, and universities to see the local talent.
    • Tour a museum in person or virtually. Guided tours or joining a tour group can expand your understanding of what you see.
    • Stroll through an art show, exhibit or fair. Let the artist share their story with you.
    • Take a pottery class and learn to throw clay on a wheel.
    • Explore dance. Take a class, watch a show, learn the corresponding music.

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.
    • Lengthen your neck and spine as you notice what part of your body is connecting you to the surface you are on, whether you are seated, laying down or standing.
    • Allow yourself to shift into a position that aligns your neck and spine in a neutral posture, releasing tension as you are fully supported.

*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, November 10

Today is Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Journaling to refocus the mind. Reset.

A quote from Kalpana Chawla, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”

Photo by: Nicole Siparsky, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Explore learning and thinking about new ideas.

    • Engage in open conversations with someone who has a different perspective than you. Seek to learn about their perspectives.
    • Read a biography of someone you admire or someone you know little about. Be curious about their life experiences that shaped them.
    • Take a course online or at a local college for the purpose of expanding your mind, learning something new and interesting. History and philosophy departments may be a novel starting place.
    • Engage in an art or music experiences that tap into creative minds and the various forms of expression. Notice what inspires you.

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.
  • Practice gently releasing the muscle tension in your neck.
      1. Gently roll your neck side to side, slowly. Repeat 3 times, each direction.
      2. Gently and slowly tilt your chin down and release your shoulders. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. Bring your chin to neutral.
      3. Roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Smile as you allow renewed energy.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  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, November 8

Today is Monday, November 8, 2021. Fresh air during the morning stroll, setting up for the week.

A quote from Charles W. Eliot, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

Photo, “This morning,” by: Dan Deziel, MD

This November, it’s about novelty for personal growth and confidence, for opportunities to interact with new people, and for play.

Enjoy reading. Find a new book to dive into.

    • Reconnect with a library, in person or virtually. Explore a section to find an interesting new book to read.
    • Find a recommended reading list online or at a local bookstore and see if there’s one that interests you.
    • Consider starting a neighborhood or building lending library and exchange good books with neighbors.
    • Join or create a book club and discuss chosen readings with a group.
    • Keep a log of books you read with a one line summary and review what you are learning or engaged with over time.

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.   
  • Practice gently releasing the muscle tension in your neck.
      1. Gently roll your neck side to side, slowly. Repeat 3 times, each direction.
      2. Gently and slowly tilt your chin down and release your shoulders. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. Bring your chin to neutral.
      3. Roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Smile as you allow renewed energy.

Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  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, November 3

Today is Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Enjoying beauty in unexpected places.

A quote from Roger von Oech, “Everyone has a risk muscle.  You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don’t, it atrophies. Make a point of using it at least once a day.”

Photo by: Fran Lee

This November, we focus on exploring Novel activities.  Experiencing novel activities fosters personal growth and confidence.  It can provide opportunities to interact with new people, and a time to get to know ourselves better.

Trying new workouts can invigorate your routine to continue to reach your fitness goals. These can be modified for your current abilities. Connect with a workout buddy.

    • Cardio drumming
    • Boxing
    • Yoga or Pilates
    • Dance
    • Rock climbing
    • Seated exercises

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.
  • After taking 3 belly breaths reposition your body.
  • Now shake your entire body and say to yourself, “I am letting go of…”
  • Picture the thoughts falling off while shaking your body.
  • Take 3 more belly breaths and smile to yourself for your courage to let go.

*Recharge yourself and share positive energy when you repeat:  

 “I am [*Name*].  I am open to the positive energy around me. As I connect to my courage, strength, and wisdom, I am open to new ideas and change.  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