Sometimes life gets hard. It’s really easy to get overwhelmed by the exams, the group projects and the meetings with all of the different groups you’re involved in. If you add looking for an internship or job into the mix, sometimes it feels so hectic and chaotic that it gets hard to breathe.

As Thanksgiving gets closer, giving thanks becomes more and more important. Sometimes you have to take a step back. In those moments where life feels suffocating, you have to take a deep breath and take a break. In those times of chaos, sometimes the little things are the things to be most grateful for.

All it takes is a change of perspective. Instead of looking at all the big things that feel scary and overwhelming, I have found it most helpful to look at the little things. Looking at the big blue sky or taking a deep breath when you walk outside and smell the crisp clean air, you find moments of clarity.

Looking at the gorgeous blue sky and enjoying the leaves changing color before your eyes, you get your sense of calm back. In that moment, you can focus on what really matters like having great friends in your life, being healthy and having family members that love you. Those are what you should focus on in those moments.

The things that seem so big and so hard to handle— balancing school and your social life or trying to find a job—will all work out. As much as you wish you could look into a crystal ball and see how everything will all shake out, life, unfortunately, doesn’t work out like that.

As I continue my search for a job and try to enjoy senior year, I constantly have to remind myself to take a deep breath and look at the little things in life to be thankful for. I have found that taking an hour out of my day to go for a run, or go to a yoga class helps me bring everything full circle. Clearing my head and getting a chance to breath deeply helps me focus on the good things in my life. In those moments, take a walk, go outside and enjoy the sunshine, or hit the gym and get those endorphins flowing. Not only will you de-stress, but you will also be able to have a moment of clarity.

Don’t think about what seems overwhelming and scary. Look at the little things in life and be grateful. You are on the right track and doing the best that you can and that is wonderful. You have your health, your friends and your family. You are blessed. Be grateful to have those things in your life and the rest of everything will fall into place.

Sometimes life is hard. Take a step back and appreciate the little things.