Between work, relationships, and everything else, it can feel like you’re just trying to keep up in life. However, one of the best ways to get a handle on things isn’t by adding more to your plate or trying to force everything into place, but by actually practising gratitude. Sounds simple (and a bit cheesy, admittedly), but this one little habit can make a big difference in how you handle the crazy things life inevitably throws your way. Here’s how being grateful can help you feel a bit more in control, even when everything around you feels like it’s spinning.
1. It helps you focus on what you can control.
When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get stuck on what’s outside your control—what’s happening at work, what someone else is doing, the bad luck that seems to follow you around. But gratitude? That pulls you back to what you can control. It reminds you of the little things that are actually within your power, like your reaction to things, your decisions, and how you choose to look at the situation. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it gives you a bit of clarity. The more you focus on the positives, no matter how small, the more you realise there’s still a lot you have a say in.
2. It puts things in perspective.
When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, it’s easy to think it’s the end of the world. The great thing about gratitude is that it gives you perspective, which really comes in handy. When you take a moment to think about what you’re thankful for, it can help you realise that what you’re dealing with right now is just one part of the bigger picture. Yes, there are challenges. Yes, things might not be going the way you want. But there’s always something you can appreciate, whether it’s a supportive friend, a comfortable bed, or even a good cup of coffee. It’s not about ignoring the tough stuff, but about finding balance in what’s going right.
3. It helps you take a step back.
When everything feels out of control, we tend to react, don’t we? We snap, we get anxious, we worry about what’s next. Thankfully, gratitude helps you pause. Instead of reacting impulsively to the situation in front of you, it gives you a moment to breathe. Taking a step back, even for just a few seconds, can make a world of difference. It helps you check in with yourself, recalibrate, and approach the situation with a clearer mind. You might not have control over everything, but you do have control over how you respond.
4. It builds your resilience.
Let’s face it: life throws some unexpected and sometimes terrible things your way, usually when you least expect it. Sometimes, it feels like you’re dodging one thing after another, but gratitude builds your resilience. It doesn’t make the tough stuff disappear, but it strengthens your ability to bounce back. When you make gratitude a habit, you start to train your brain to focus on what’s going right, even when things are tough. You start to realise that you’ve handled challenges before, and you’ll handle them again. Each time you come out on the other side, you’re a little stronger, a little more confident in your ability to weather the storm.
5. It keeps you grounded.
When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next or what you wish would happen. Gratitude helps you ground yourself in the present moment. By taking a minute to appreciate what’s happening right now—whether it’s a warm hug from a friend or just the fact that you have a roof over your head—it pulls you out of the “what-ifs” and into the “right now.” It reminds you that even in the middle of chaos, you have things to be grateful for, and that helps you stay level-headed.
6. It helps you see the bigger picture.
Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of things, it’s hard to see beyond the current stress, but gratitude helps you zoom out. It reminds you that there’s more to life than just the struggle you’re facing right now. Yes, the tough stuff matters. But so does the good stuff—the things that make you smile, the things that bring you peace, the things that give your life meaning. When you take time to appreciate all that, it helps you realise that there’s more to your life than just the hard times. You start seeing the whole picture—good and bad—and that can be empowering.
7. It improves your mood.
Gratitude isn’t just about seeing the bright side—it’s about shifting your mindset (yep, I know you hate that word, but bear with me). When you practice gratitude, you’re rewiring your brain to focus on the good things, which can have a real impact on your mood. You might not feel like celebrating when everything feels tough, but when you start focusing on what you’re thankful for, it brings a little light into the day. That’s not to say gratitude will make all your problems go away, but it will help lift your mood, even when things feel heavy.
8. It creates space for what matters.
Gratitude helps you see what really matters to you. When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to get distracted by everything around you—the drama, the expectations, the stress. But when you practice gratitude, it helps you cut through the noise and focus on what’s really important. What do you appreciate the most? What brings you joy? When you know what you’re grateful for, it gives you more clarity on how to spend your time and energy. It makes it easier to say no to the things that drain you and yes to the things that lift you up.
9. It makes your relationships so much more rewarding and harmonious.
Gratitude isn’t just for yourself — it can really improve your relationships with other people, too. When you take time to appreciate the people in your life, it deepens your connection. Whether it’s thanking a friend for being there for you, acknowledging your partner’s efforts, or simply appreciating your family, expressing gratitude strengthens those bonds. It’s easy to take the people around you for granted, but when you show gratitude, it makes them feel seen and valued, and that creates a stronger, more supportive network. And having that support when life feels overwhelming is incredibly powerful.
10. It makes you more present.
In a world that’s always rushing and multitasking, it’s easy to forget to be present. But when you practice gratitude, it brings you back to the moment. It’s about appreciating the here and now, not constantly worrying about the future or obsessing over the past. And when you’re more present, you can better manage the stress that comes your way. Whether it’s taking a minute to enjoy your meal, appreciating the little moments with your loved ones, or just taking a deep breath in the middle of a busy day, being present helps you feel more in control and at ease.
