April 23, 2020

While certain stressors can be avoided or eliminated entirely in our daily lives, there are many things – especially now – that are not fully in our control and can lead to a pile-up on our “mental plate.” Fortunately, there are tactics that you can start using right now that move beyond traditional coping mechanisms to form the practice of “relaxation training,” a technique used to channel stress and stimulate your body’s relaxation response.

In this installment of our Wellness Education Series, join UCF RESTORES Mental Health Clinician Yemanja Krasnow and Dr. Deborah Beidel for an overview of this approach and demonstrations of actionable practices designed to help you navigate daily challenges, get better sleep and improve your overall well-being.

There’s a big difference between “getting sleep” and getting truly restorative rest. Click for a list of do’s and don’ts – based on the practices and habits that make up what we call “sleep hygiene” – that will help you make the most of your nighttime rest and, as a result, function better – with reduced stress and anxiety – on a daily basis. Plus, we’ve included a printable sleep log to help you track your sleep hygiene progress. For more information, be sure to check out our video – co-hosted by Dr. Deborah Beidel and UCF RESTORES Mental Health Clinician Chloe Findley – on the importance of a healthy sleep routine.