Whether it’s a good hot meal, a great read or being piled up on the couch with a good movie, comfort has more than one facet, said licensed counselor and therapist Dr. Wendell Williamson of Opp.

“There’s a popular theory — I don’t know if anyone can ever prove it — but if you think about it, it makes sense,” Williamson said. “When we’re young – say 3-months-old, we don’t have too many stresses in our life if we have good parenting. We don’t know about four-wheelers, ice cream cones or trips to Disneyland.

“If you’ve got a warm dry place to sleep, a dry diaper and a full tummy, all is well in the world,” he said. “The theory is we seek things that give us that same kind of feeling, that feeling of wellbeing.”

Williamson said people need to take time and do things they enjoy to alleviate stress.

“Me, I’m a jogger,” he said. “That’s my routine – I jog four miles a day. My routine gives me a sense of safety and security.

“Experts say there are five things that motivate people,” he said. “The first is safety and security. Our routines give that. Second is belonging, feeling like they’re a part of something. Next is a sense of significance followed by a sense of freedom. The last is to bring joy into our lives, so there’s a reason why we do things that comfort us and bring us joy – it motivates us to live life.”