I think about that when I think of the greatest gift my stepfather gave me from the time I was 12 to when I left for college--he got up and went to work at the same time. He came home every evening at the same time.
Most people take that simple routine for granted, but it was the most precious gift I got after my mom kicked my dad out and married my stepfather.
Similarly, when our family was really tempest-tossed with alcoholism, I reluctantly took what I thought was a boring, crummy job. But, I had to be there in the morning, I knew what was expected of me, I did it, and I came home at night. So, work provides stability and constancy.
Now, I'm trying to work on inward stability, so that I can maintain that calm even if outside forces are swirling. In the meantime, my kids and dog also ground me, as others have said.
Just getting older grounds me. Frankly, from my experience, youth is overrated.