Healthy Mind and Body - part II

_by Malinda Fasol, PhD
Reading time: 3 minutes

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Healthy Body:

    As counselors, we help our clients work through emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational issues. Often times, we forget to integrate physical well-being.  We need to inquire about the client’s diet, sleep, and exercise.  Also, make sure the client has had a physical within the last year. We remind the client that we are not MDs or dieticians, and the purpose for inquiring about one’s physical habits is so we can better help the individual work towards goals and improve overall lifestyle.


Diet:

    With all the fads and trends, how does a counselor know what is the best approach to helping a client make wise decisions regarding diet? You want to look for diets that enhance the brain. Dr. Daniel Amen, Dr. Mark Hyman, and Dr. Nicholas Perricone work from the philosophy that what you eat either enhances your brain or hinders it. They are more concerned about one’s overall health and brain function than they are with tricks and gimmicks. Dr. Amen provides a list of the top 50 brain foods along with practical suggestions to help a person begin introducing healthy foods into their lifestyle. Remember, when you are working with clients, the focus is on a healthy lifestyle rather than focusing on a particular diet. Inquire about when the client had his or her last meal and what he or she ate. Sometimes clients might say they feel sluggish or grumpy to discover that they haven’t eaten all day.  Or, clients may feel jittery and you discover that they drank 62 oz of Mountain Dew. You want to help the client be aware of how he or she is treating one’s body and mind. Again, you want to remind the client to consult with a physician prior to changing diet plans.


Exercise:

    Exercise is beneficial and a necessity for everyone. Exercise boosts blood flow and keeps the brain healthy. We have more energy and a positive outlook on our situations when we engage in regular exercise. We feel better about ourselves, which helps us with our work, relationships, and spirituality. Discuss your client’s exercise regimen. Find out the type and frequency of their exercise routine, and make sure they are keeping hydrated.  Remind the client to consult with a physician prior to beginning a new exercise program.


Sleep:

    Sleep rejuvenates the brain, which means we need to practice good sleep habits. Adults need at least 8 hours of sleep. Inquire about your client’s sleep environment: is it free from clutter and distractions; comfortable room temperature, is the room dark, and is the TV off. You also want to inquire about sleep habits. For example, does the client wash one’s face before going to bed; meditate/pray; stretch muscles for about ten minutes to relax the body. You want to make sure the client avoids caffeine, alcohol, vigorous exercise, and eating heavy meals before bedtime.  Dinner should be eaten at least three hours before bedtime. Also inquire if the client has a regular sleep schedule. Sleep is critical to overall well-being, and we need to educate our clients on the value of sleep.


Breathing:

    Breathing is so basic, and yet often overlooked in counseling sessions. Breathing is involved in everything we do. When we are tense, stressed, and anxious, our breathing becomes shallow, and we breathe from our chest. We need to teach our clients diaphragmatic or belly breathing. Have your client sit comfortably and have him place one hand on his abdomen and one hand on his chest. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Tell the client to breathe deeply into the abdomen and feel it expand to the count of five and pause to the count of one. Client will exhale slowly to the count of five. Repeat at least five times. Watch to make sure the client’s chest has minimal movement and that his muscles are relaxed. The breathing should be smoothed and relaxed throughout the exercise. You will also instruct the client to think of positive thoughts or emotions while doing this exercise. 
As counselors we need to demonstrate to our clients the value of having a healthy mind and body. If we want God to use us as His instruments then we need to take good care of ourselves so we can better serve His Kingdom.

Malinda Fasol, PhD, LPC, NCC
Focus for Living
Website: www.focusforliving.net

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_Recommended Resources:
    Amen: Change Your Brain Change Your Life
    Amen: Healing Anxiety and Depression
    Amen: Change your Brain Change your Life Cookbook
    Hyman: The UltraMind Solution
    Perricone: The Perricone Promise and The Perricone Prescription
    www.amenclinics.com
    www.drhyman.com
    www.heartmathstore.com