Blog for Better Living

The Importance of Physical Health for Psychological Wellbeing

By: Other | October 7, 2016

Written by Kelly Anderson, Ph.D. Numerous research studies have found an association between physical health and mental health. When such studies have found a correlation, or link, between physical and mental health, several themes have emerged consistently: Those with mental health concerns are at a higher risk of developing chronic health issues Poor mental health […]

Sleep Hygiene

By: Other | July 15, 2016

Written by Asal Azizi, Psy.D. A good night’s sleep serves many important functions for our overall health. Physically and psychologically our bodies need to rest and repair overnight, which is essential as one gets older. Specifically, the brain relies on sleep for many cognitive functions such as retaining information and consolidation of memory. Unfortunately, sleep […]

Anxiety, Depression, Sleep/Relaxation

Self-Care for the Caregiver – Part 2

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | July 1, 2016

Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it also involves many stressors. Caregiving can make an impact on your health, relationships, and state of mind. That’s why taking time to relax, rest, and recharge isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity! In this second part of the two-part series, Self-Care for […]

Self-Care for the Caregiver – Part 1

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | June 24, 2016

On an airplane, an oxygen mask descends in front of you. What do you do? As we all know, the first rule is to put on your own oxygen mask before your assist anyone else. If you are a caregiver, this rule often is the first to fly out the window. Caring for yourself is […]

Relaxation Exercises for Your Body and Mind

By: Other | May 13, 2016

Written by Kelly Anderson, Ph.D. Stress! It’s a feeling that most people can relate to and it happens more often than we would like. Not only does stress cause us to think negatively, but it can make us feel physically uncomfortable too. Coping with stress effectively, before you feel overwhelmed, can help to prevent longer-term negative […]

Mindfulness, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Emotionally Preparing for the Holidays

By: Other | December 7, 2015

Written by Jennifer Wendt, Ph.D. As we arrive in the holiday season we journey through a powerful emotional experience. While the magic of the holidays can be a wonderful time, most of us do not experience bliss at every step of the journey. There are often emotional highs and lows experienced throughout the season. We […]

Health and Mood

By: Other | March 10, 2015

Eat, Sleep, and Be Merry: How Your Health Regimen Impacts Your Mood Written by Stefanie Platt, Psy.D. As a child, I grew up in a household where my parents were ill-informed on the significance of nutrition. They were blessed with fast metabolisms; subsequently, they did not feel compelled to focus much attention on dietary needs […]

Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation

Stress Relief: Take a Mental Vacation

By: Other | July 24, 2014

Written by Francine Martinez, Ph.D. It is summertime and people all around you are planning their getaways, except you. You hear stories of snorkeling in the Caribbean, hiking in the Sierras, or cruising the Alaskan coastline and your thoughts are, “It must be nice….” Vacations, short or long, are great stress relievers; the literature on […]

Need a vacation from your vacation?

By: Other | April 11, 2014

Written by Missy Betts Many of us either just got back or are getting ready to leave work or school for a week-long Spring break. During long vacations, we can sometimes load ourselves up with activities to utilize and take advantage of all that free time. This can lead to coming back from your vacation […]