Mind Over Matter: Cultivating Resilience Through Gratitude and Self-Care

nwarner12
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

By: Shaurya Kulakarni, Sandhra Tom, Manya Gulati, Tejas Bachu, Dhea Katkuri

This blog post was created by members of the Mind Over Matter HOSA chapter in Forsyth County, GA. It features key messages they’ve shared with their peers throughout the school year. HOSA – Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), provides leadership opportunities to students interested in a future health career. The Georgia HOSA launched in 2000 and serves over 19,000 members in the state.

Over the past year, Mind Over Matter HOSA has been actively promoting mental health awareness among high school students. Their initiatives included a successful bake sale fundraiser, which not only raised funds but also fostered community engagement. They organized a significant event on February 2, 2025, in Cumming, Georgia, aiming to support mental well-being. The team also conducted a meeting with a mental health consultant to enhance their understanding and strategies. Additionally, they maintained an active online presence through their website and Instagram pages, sharing tips and advice to help teens manage stress and other mental health challenges. Their efforts are part of the Mental Health Promotion event in HOSA, sponsored by CVS Health, focusing on promoting mental well-being among high schoolers across the U.S.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed, drained, or disconnected in the midst of life’s challenges. Stress, anxiety, and overwhelming pressures can take a toll on mental well-being, making it important to find ways to stay resilient and healthy.

Mind Over Matter is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement that fosters mental wellness through simple yet powerful strategic practices: gratitude and self-care. By embracing gratitude and prioritizing self-care, we are able to strengthen our emotional well-being and cultivate a mindset that will allow us to thrive.

Mind Over Matter

Mental health is just as important as physical health; however, it is often neglected and dismissed. Many of us suffer through stress without addressing it, overlook our own needs, and struggle to find time to care for ourselves. Mental wellness is not something that just occurs, it is something that we build over time through intentional choices and habits. Mind Over Matter highlights small and effective actions that can have a positive impact on mental resilience.

We hope to remind people that while challenges are a part of life, the way we approach them can make a difference. By cultivating gratitude and prioritizing self-care, we can shift our mindset and create a supportive environment and mindful community.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than just saying “Thank You.” It is an intentional practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small. Practicing gratitude can lead to:

Improved mental health: Regularly expressing gratitude can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by acknowledging the bright side of what may seem like an unfortunate situation.
Stronger relationships: Practicing gratitude can allow for enhanced social connections and deeper relationships.
Increased Resilience: Focusing on the positive helps individuals to better cope and adapt to setbacks and challenges.

Incorporating gratitude into daily life does not have to be complicated. A few ways to practice gratitude include:

Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you are grateful for each day. This could be a supportive friend, a pet that you love, or simply having a moment of peace.
Express appreciation: Take time to thank the people in your life and those around you that support you; sending a thoughtful message, write a note, or than them in person.
Find gratitude in small moments: Even on tough days try to look at the bright side and find one thing that you can appreciate. A warm cup of coffee, a healthy meal, or even a song that lifts your mood.

Self-Care: A Necessity Not a Luxury

Self-care is an essential part of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It is about making intentional choices and choosing habits that support your health, reduce stress, and bring joy into your life.

Self-care isn’t just one thing, what works for one person may not work for another, so it is important to explore the different strategies and find what feels right for you. Some self-care strategies may include:

Mindfulness & Meditation: Taking time to relax, breathe, and be present can reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins, improves overall mood, and boosts energy levels. Even a short walk outside can be a relaxing activity and beneficial to your mental health.
Creative Activities: Painting, writing, playing music, or engaging in other hobbies can serve as a form of emotional expression and relaxation.
Rest & Sleep: Prioritizing rest and setting healthy boundaries ensures your mind and body can get the recovery they need.
Digital Detox: Taking breaks from social media and screen time can help reduce anxiety, comparison to others online, and information overload.

The key to self-care is consistency. Don’t wait until you burnout, regularly check in with yourself and make choices that support your mental and emotional health.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifelong investment in your well-being. Through gratitude and self-care, we can create a space from growth, reflection, and healing.

Mind Over Matter is here to remind you that even the smallest habits and changes in your lifestyle can lead to meaningful change. So, take a moment to pause, breathe, and show yourself a little kindness. You deserve it. Let’s continue to build a community where mental wellness is not just encouraged but practiced and celebrated- one grateful thought and one self-care act at a time.

Some more resources to support mental wellbeing:

Relationships and Health