10 Mindfulness and Gratitude Questions to Improve your Wellbeing

In this Mental Health Awareness Week blog, we share 10 mindful, gratitude-oriented questions and how to meaningfully implement them in your day-to-day life to support your wellbeing.

The Link between Mindfulness and Wellbeing

Mindfulness and gratitude exercises improve wellbeing by anchoring your attention in the present moment and highlighting positive daily experiences.

These 10 questions help rewire the brain to focus on appreciation rather than negativity, reducing stress and boosting joy.

10 Best Mindfulness & Gratitude Questions

1. What happened today that made you smile?

Has anything in particular brought a smile to your lips today? Maybe you met a personal goal; maybe you saw a loved one or simply managed to get dressed – anything counts. We're all at different stages in life, and different things can bring us moments of gratitude and joy.

2. What is a small, everyday comfort you are grateful for?

Perhaps a coffee, warm shower, or comfy chair.

3. What is one thing about your physical body that allows you to do something you enjoy?

This will look different for everyone. Today, you might be grateful for your hands being able to crochet, and tomorrow, your back for being able to support you through gardening.

Take a moment to thank your body for what it gives you.

4. What is a challenge you recently faced?

Reflect on a difficult or tricky moment in the recent present, to lead you on to the next question:

5. What did it teach you?

Now, take the time to note something that you learned from this experience – how will you grow from this? What might you do differently in the future?

Mindfulness can help you draw helpful lessons and reminders from challenging situations, building a more positive, well-rounded approach and improving your mindset.

6. What in your immediate surroundings brings you a sense of peace or beauty?

Can you see some greenery from your window? Or maybe your favourite photo is catching the light at the moment? Think about what you value that's immediately around you to ground you in the present moment.

If nothing around you brings you peace right now, perhaps you could think about one small way to change this - for example, by going on a walk or bringing some of your favourite objects into the room with you.

7. What is a skill or hobby you enjoy using, and why?

Learning a new skill or practising one you already have can be incredibly fulfilling. It can also be useful to reflect on why you've chosen to pursue this.

8. What aspect of your job or daily routine, however small, makes your life easier?

Maybe this is setting out your clothes a day in advance; maybe it's having a clear workspace. Whatever works for you.

9. Who has done something kind for you recently, even if it was simple?

It can feel really special when someone remembers how you like your tea, or sends you a message checking in.

Allow yourself time and space to think about something kind done for you, whether by a stranger or close friend.

10. What about this present moment – right now – is okay or good?

Starting small can be a good way to build gratitude for the life you have, step by step. When you're struggling emotionally, it can be useful to focus on one thing that's bringing you solace, or one thing that feels okay today, until over time, you have a whole list of things you feel grateful for.

How to Use These Questions

• Journaling: Pick one question each morning or evening to write about for 5-10 minutes.

• Mindful Walking: While walking, identify three things in nature you are thankful for.

• Check-ins: Use these to start a meeting or before a meal to shift your mindset.

Learn More about Sustaining Your Wellbeing

We hope you enjoyed this article on mindfulness and gratitude tips, and can start to incorporate these in your daily life.

If you urgently need mental-health support, don't hesitate to contact Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123, or see Mind's website for more mental health helplines.

To learn more micro habits to improve your wellbeing, come along to our next Business Breakfast on Friday 18th September to gain knowledge from our On Track Young People's Team. Find out more by clicking here.

Visit Us at The Matthew Project

You can also pop into our Recovery Centre on Oak Street, now open seven days a week, to see a friendly face and learn more about our services. We have a huge number of weekend activities, such as Bob Ross painting, yoga, drums, arts (including knitting), quizzes, ceramics, and woodworking.

These are great not only for learning a skill but for stress release, quietening the mind, and regaining focus – as well as creating and maintaining connections.