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Press Clippings
& Interviews
March
2010
Dr. Kathleen Fuller helps her patients change their outlook and actions in life by reconnecting with what they loved to do as a child. Read More >>
March
2010
Ziquin's Teleconference
Featuring Dr. Kathleen
Fuller
March 2010
"How To Overcome Your Fears"
Center of Life Health, Inc.
FREE Teleconference
February 2010
"Learn to AskThe Right Questions"
Center of Life Health, Inc.
FREE Teleconference "Thank you for adding insights"
January 2010
"Feelings Are Your Keys to Self-Esteem"
Center of Life Health, Inc.
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BY AMY GRISAK • March 12, 2010 Amy interviews Dr. Kathleen Fuller
The next time someone says you act like a child, consider it a compliment. It turns out taking a cue from kids can greatly boost your health and well-being.
In nearly 40 years of working with children and adults, Dr. Kathleen Fuller, a cognitive behavior psychotherapist and author of "Not Your Mother's Diet," helps her patients change their outlook and actions in life by reconnecting with what they loved to do as a child.
Find what moves you
"Playing does relieve stress," said Fuller. "It's a form of self-expression that many adults have lost."
"Kids are willing to stretch their imaginations and roll with the punches, while adults get stuck," said Susan Andrus, a Bozeman mom of a toddler. She is an artist who has performed in various forms of theater most of her life. From her experience with all aspects of the stage, she appreciates the value in her son's antics. She sees there are lessons to be learned if you lighten up.
The tricky part about play is it isn't always easy. "If you've ever watched a 2-year-old trying to put a bead on a string," compared Andrus about the challenges in a new activity. "But, when he's finished, oh the triumph!"
Ask any toddler, the hardest part is taking that first step. Fuller has her patients go through a series of breathing and visualizing, remembering what they enjoyed as children and taking a step to do it.
If fishing was a favorite activity growing up, she encourages them to grab a rod and reel and head out for a couple of hours. Just like riding a bike, whether you used to paint or play on the gym set, you never forget.
Snack time
Kids are like little hummingbirds needing to rejuvenate their energy reserves with frequent small meals. It would be good for many adults to follow their example. Instead of holding out for hours, only to pig out at meal time, grab simple, preferably healthful snacks.
Fuller said, "I do this. I usually have a snack around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. to keep my blood sugar level up."
Eat only until full
Ever notice how young kids don't stuff themselves? When they're done, they're done. With many adults who view a buffet as a personal challenge, it's obvious we've lost some sense along the way.
Andrus said the 6-month-old infant she babysits just started eating solid foods. "She's crazy about food," she said. "She gets excited and jumps up and down, but when she's full, she's done. No matter how much she likes the taste of the avocados she won't open her mouth for another bite. If I sneak a bite in, it just falls right back out."
Fuller said our habits, including how we view food, develop in stages. During the toddler years, "most know when they've had enough." But oftentimes a parent steps in to encourage more, even if it's vegetables or something healthy.
"They're in tune with what their bodies need," said Fuller. By pushing food beyond what a child instinctively needs, we're undermining future choices.
The hardest part is saying "no," even as an adult. But try not to let the caring aunt or grandmother push that piece of pie on you as you literally listen to your gut.
Nap time
Naps are counterintuitive to our workaholic culture, but we might be hindering ourselves. There is lots of scientific evidence showing naps increase productivity.
Fuller said in a Harvard University study "students were encouraged to take a nap to consolidate what they learned."
Besides making lessons stick, Fuller said naps are shown to lower blood pressure and body temperature, stimulate creativity and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
"All the benefits are just wonderful," she said.
The South American tradition of a "siesta," a short afternoon nap typically between 2 and 4 p.m., is common throughout the world. Businesses close so people can sleep.
Fuller said she's been known to spread out her yoga map in her office, and take a short nap. "I sleep for 15 minutes. It's very effective."
Wise words
Even though we're all grown up and think we have all of the answers, restoring some of our childlike behavior can be one of the smartest things we do.
Fuller said she loves the thoughts from the book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," where the author, Robert Fulghum, wrote, "Think of what a better world it would be if we all — the whole world — had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap."
— Amy Grisak is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in gardening, local food and Montana stories. She lives in Great Falls with her husband and two young sons.
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