BALANCE

WELLNESS Comforting ROUTINES

hat’s the first thing you do when you stumble out of bed in the morning? Your regular a.m. decision could impact how the rest of your day unfolds. According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, rituals—intentional behaviors throughout the day that have a purpose—give your brain a perception of control that kicks in when you’re faced with worrying situations. The new study shows that rituals work as coping mechanisms to ward off anxiety. “Rituals give people an increased sense of personal control and structure in their everyday lives and especially during times of great uncertainty, says Sue McDonald, a licensed mental health counselor and life coach in Naples. “When you engage in rituals your mind shifts from focusing on your stress to focusing on the ritual itself.” Read