Clinical Psychologist Weighs in on a Balance of Healthy Mind and Body

A Delicate Balance of Health, Mind, and Body

In a world full of fads and filters, it is increasingly more difficult to rely on answers to the question, “What do you do to stay in shape?” Even when reliable answers exist, the average woman who is working every day, raising children, supporting a spouse, and/or caregiving for an aging parent questions when is there time for meal prepping, working out, or cooking well-balanced meals? One key component often missed in the quest to be fit is the interplay between mental health and physical health. A healthy mindset and effective emotional regulation are essential to sustain true health. How relevant is the mind-body connection? Let’s highlight that there are mental illnesses identified as eating disorders. Similarly, disorders such as anxiety and depression negatively impact one’s sense of self including beliefs about personal ability and appearance. There are stress-related conditions that arise from trying to “do it all” and emotional distress from being overwhelmed, feeling like a failure, or not being good enough. These mental and emotional pressures make it even more difficult to engage in and maintain activities for healthy living. It is essential to look at mindset as a foundational component to being fit and healthy.

Truth in Action

Sharing truth in action to maintain fitness is paramount. Not all desired physical outcomes are achieved by only completing dedicated gym workouts daily. Consultation with your healthcare provider may determine whether other interventions are appropriate to help you meet fitness goals. We should be transparent regarding ALL of our health strategies to promote what is healthy physically and mentally. People you admire for their healthy appearance may take a supplement or have completed surgery to assist in setting, obtaining, and maintaining fitness goals. There is no shame in accessing appropriate interventions and aids. When we are armed with such truth in action, we can develop more realistic thoughts and expectations about what can be accomplished physically.

Standards vs. Strategies

Commitment to comparison hinders a healthy mindset towards personal fitness. Challenge beliefs in a “standard of beauty” to compare yourself to and instead adopt “options for beauty.” Looking at social media influencers, Hollywood celebrities, or friends and family should only help build your appearance preferences. As you identify options for fitness and beauty, you can develop strategies for achieving those options that fit your personal life, health history, and available resources. This creates a mindset of self-acceptance and personal accountability often not achieved when you continuously beat yourself up for not achieving an externally derived standard. And don’t go it alone! Consider having a mental health professional on board to assist with developing appropriate thought control and emotional regulation strategies.

Fitness as a Feeling

It is important to broaden your concept of fitness! Fitness is more than how you look, it’s also about how you feel, physically and mentally. Do you feel winded after a flight of stairs? Are you exhausted after a day’s work? Are you overwhelmed and just want to scream? My personal trainer stated, “Everyone is worried about having a flat stomach and big butt when they should be focused on how healthy their heart is.” When we approach fitness as a feeling, it creates the path to a more holistic understanding of self and health and better control over the strategies you employ. The focus shifts from simply presenting a look to engaging in a quality of life that you take pride in creating. Then fitness changes from a struggle or fight to a way of life that is enjoyable and uplifting.

What is LightStim LED

by Erica Jancelewicz RN, BSN

LightStim LED (Light Emitting Diodes) AKA “Red Light” or “Photobiomodulation” Therapy offers many therapeutic uses and is supported in more than 200 scientific articles and journals. LightStim’s Multiwave patented technology simultaneously emits multiple wavelengths (colors) of light. This combo of red light and infrared light work together to stimulate an increase in blood circulation and reduction of inflammation. LightStim is the first light therapy device to receive FDA clearance for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain, arthritic stiffness (by decreasing inflammation throughout the entire body), muscle soreness, and increased blood flow, which is the body’s natural way of aiding the healing process by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the area of pain.

How does LightStim Therapy work?

LightStim works through Photobiomodulation Photo (Light) bio (Life) modulation (Change).

Our body (just like plants) contain “chromophores” which literally absorb light. Four wavelengths containing Red Light & Infrared Light total 72 LEDs … These include • Amber 605nm • Red 630nm • Red 660nm • Infrared 855nm

These lights feed the cells of the body the exact wavelengths of light needed to:

1. Convert to ATP (adenosine triphosphate) the fuel that cells use to “do their Job” 2. Stimulate the release of Nitric Oxide, which increases the amount of ATP 3. Stop the process of free radical production

This “Perfect Trifecta” reverses the entire degenerative process of “natural aging”.

Benefits of LightStim

– Accelerate wound healing, reduce bruising, redness and swelling – Improves Post Virus Fatigue & Fog – Prevent cell damage by free radicals – Decrease exercise induced muscle fatigue – Improve post-exercise recovery and promote muscle regeneration – Release endorphins to inhibit pain and overall well-being – Improves skin texture and appearance by building Collagen and Elastin

LightStim Works synergistically with other therapies including

– Customized IV Therapy

Supplementation (Glutathione,

Tri-Immune Booster, B-12) – Post Laser Healing

What does it cost & how will I feel after?

We charge $100 for three (40 minute) sessions or $40 for an individual session. Patients report feeling rejuvenated immediately after, improving with each additional session.

Erica Jancelewicz RN, BSN (@avantgardeinjector), has over two decades of Nursing experience, including critical care, preoperative, flight nursing, and recovery room management. She found her true passion in Medical Aesthetic Nursing several years ago! An empathetic and dedicated provider, Erica prides herself on highly individualized care and will stop at nothing to help you achieve your goals! Erica is skilled in multiple modalities including Toxin injections, Dermal Fillers, Microneedling, IPL, Chemical Peels, Medical-Grade Skincare, PRP/PRFM injections for hair restoration and Morpheus8 Laser. Erica is in charge of the Wellness Division at Glo Medical Aesthetics, overseeing modalities and protocols including IV hydration & supplement therapy, LightStim Therapy and Women’s Wellness using ThermiVA device. Erica embraces wellness in her personal life by eating organic and regularly running, lifting weights and playing Tennis.