An Antidote for Stressful Times
Navigating Uncertainty
Stressful moments can often feel like a dense fog — they blur our perspective, narrow our vision, and make it hard to see what’s just ahead.
In these moments, gratitude acts like a small lantern. It doesn’t eliminate the fog entirely, but it helps illuminate the next step. When we’re overwhelmed, gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is fine — it’s about gently shifting focus toward what’s still steady, supportive, or even meaningful, in the midst of uncertainty.
I have always heard the saying that “Gratitude can act like a superpower”, but it’s only in moments of high stress that this phrase rings true for me and the clients that I work with. Keep reading to discover if this could become true for you!
How does pivoting our attention really support us?
When life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or out of control, turning to gratitude might feel counterintuitive. (i.e. “How does thinking about what I am grateful for actually pivot my circumstances?”)
The truth is, gratitude may not change your circumstances — but it can shift your perspective. That shift can help you see new possibilities, respond more intentionally, and support your emotional well-being. Stress is a natural response to difficult situations, and we all deserve moments of reprieve to steady ourselves and prepare for what comes next.
What we know from researched insights:
Gratitude reduces stress
🧬 The practice of gratitude has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels
Gratitude enhances emotional regulation
🧠 Gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the brain region associated with emotional processing, empathy, and decision making
Gratitude boosts resilience in the face of adversity
💪🏼 Gratitude fosters resilience and supports the use of adaptive coping strategies as opposed to strategies that don’t serve us (i.e. avoidance or denial)
Gratitude improves cognitive function
❤️ Positive emotional states induced by gratitude have been shown to broaden attention and thinking, improving creative problem solving and flexible thinking
Off The Page: Actioning The Insights
Change the perspective — Change your life
The many facets of a single diamond
In my experience, gratitude offers a powerful shift in perspective. It’s like turning a diamond to reveal a new facet—what once felt heavy or overwhelming can start to look different. When we’re stressed, we often fixate on a single angle of our experience, which can cloud our thinking.
Gratitude helps us step back and notice what else is true. This doesn’t erase the difficulty, but it brings clarity, lightens the emotional load, and opens us to new possibilities. It’s not a one-time fix, but a daily practice that helps us see more of what’s still shining.
Take a look below at practices to bring into your week:
Gratitude Journaling
With no expectation on what you need to list, set aside a few moments each day to notate three things that you are grateful for and why. This practice can be done at the start of your day or at the end — decide on what speaks to you the most.
Gratitude Visualization
Close your eyes briefly and bring a moment in which you were seen, supported, and joyful to your minds eye. Without judgement or expectation, fully feel and reflect upon how this memory impacted you in the present.
Sharing Gratitude
Take a moment to reflect upon a person in your life who brings you support, validation, and understanding. In your mind, share appreciation for this individual being by your side. If you feel so inclined, share with them directly. Allow them to witness the impact that they have upon your life.
Thank You
Thank you for joining me this week! I’m excited to keep sharing insights from my work, research, and personal journey with you.
Did something resonate with you? Curious about applying these strategies in your life? Or know someone who might benefit?
Use the link below to schedule a consultation or forward this newsletter to a friend!
Extras
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Join me in The Library
I have recently published The Library at charanbashir.com. Here you will find a collection of reads that have cultivated inspiration, joy, curiosity, insight, discovery, and self reflection + you can check out my current reads and read along with me.
Explore the Shop
Passionate about wellness? I am currently partnered with two brands that focus on the creation of products to support individual wellness. Navigate the links below to learn more!
Soothing, slightly weighted, pre-shrunk materials that provide comfort and calm as you take on your everyday.
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