Mental Health Week is a reminder that caring for our minds is just as important as caring for our bodies. This year’s theme — gratitude — gives us a simple but powerful tool: the practice of saying thank you.
Research shows that gratitude can lower stress, improve sleep, and strengthen relationships. But beyond the science, gratitude helps us pause and notice the good in our day — the hug from a child, the laughter of a friend, or the beauty of a Central Queensland sunrise.
Here are three simple ways to practice gratitude this week:
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Start your morning with thanks. Before you reach for your phone, think of three things you’re grateful for.
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Share it with someone. A quick text or word of thanks to a friend, co-worker, or family member can brighten their day and yours.
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End with reflection. Write down one highlight from your day, no matter how small.
When we choose gratitude, we lift not just ourselves, but the people around us too.
Resource 1: Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness Workbook
Sometimes it’s one thing to read about gratitude, but another to actually live it out. We’ve put together a simple Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness Workbook with daily exercises that help you notice the good, slow down, and bring encouragement into your everyday life.
👉 Download Your Gratitude Journal Here
Gratitude isn’t just about what we feel — it’s also about how we treat each other. During the week, we’ll be sharing some simple reminders often called the “One Another” verses. They’re short, practical lines from the Bible, but you don’t have to be religious to see how much wisdom they hold.
Imagine what our homes, workplaces, and communities could look like if we lived these out — more encouragement, more kindness, more patience, less judgment.
Here are just some of them:
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“Be at peace with each other.”
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“Love one another.”
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“Honour one another above yourselves.”
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“Accept one another.”
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“Serve one another in love.”
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“Carry each other’s burdens.”
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“Be kind and compassionate to one another.”
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“Encourage each other and build each other up.”
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“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
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“Pray for each other.”
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“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Each of these is a small shift — but imagine if we all put even one into practice this week.
Tune in with us all week long, 4-12 October, for more on Queenslands Mental Health Week