5 Quick Rituals for a Better Day

Five experts provide fresh ideas for carving out small pockets of calm during even the most hectic, hair-raising times.

Eat the Same Breakfast Every Day

There’s something to be said for consistency. Knowing exactly what you’re going to eat—and when—decreases stress and sets you up for a less harried morning. Plus, your mood won’t determine what you put on your plate (making it less likely that you’ll find yourself eating a glazed doughnut). Choose a healthy dish that you enjoy: an omelet with vegetables, oatmeal with seeds and nuts, or Greek yogurt with muesli and fruit, for example. You’ll begin your day with energy as well as certainty.

Susan Kleiner, Ph.D., is a registered dietitian and a coauthor of The Good Mood Diet ($24, amazon.com).