When so much in your life seems out of control, it’s a good time to put your focus on things you can control and influence. Let’s look at 5 areas you might want to give more attention to.

Health. When money is tight, consider eating out less and opting for a special meal at home. Eating out regularly can be expensive and unhealthy. When you are doing the cooking, you not only save money, you have more control over the use of more healthy foods, and you get more bang for your buck.

Budget. This is a great time to put more focus on living within your means, paying down debt, and saving for the future. Here are a few ideas to cut back on your spending.

• Look at reoccurring monthly charges and subscriptions. Cancel any that no longer serve you.
• Have the money you would have spent on these subscriptions auto deducted and put into a dedicated saving account.
• Don’t feel like you need to keep up with your neighbors or social media friends. Notice and appreciate and enjoy what you have.
• Drive less by grouping errands, eating out less, carpooling, or working at home when possible. Consider biking and walking more.

Spark creativity. Develop new skills to make yourself more marketable. If safe to do so, learning how to do some repairs and improvements yourself helps you learn new skills and saves money.

Focus on relationships. Consider:

• Cutting back on extracurricular activities and building memories as a family.
• Teaching new skills by cooking, working on projects and cleaning together.
• Finding fun, inexpensive activities to do with friends or family like playing games, going to a museum, going on a nature hike, playing chess, going to a park, or working on a puzzle.
• Eating together. Talk and check-in with friends or family members over a meal.
• Recognizing and expressing gratitude for the good things in your life.

Rediscover nature.

• Consider growing a garden. If you are limited on space, container gardening may be an option.
• Nature activities are often healthy, free, or inexpensive, like going for a hike, kayaking, or visiting a national park.

Times of stress can be challenging, but they become less so when you focus your energies and attention where you have control instead of all the things in the world where you don’t. This may be a great time to focus on your health, to budget, to learn new skills, improve a relationship, or rediscover nature. Don’t let financial news, world events, or personal difficulties determine your happiness. Choose success and practice focusing your attention on things you can control.