Behavioral health expert shares simple ways to reduce stress, build connection and foster resilience
HOLLAND, Mich., Nov. 3, 2026 — As the Thanksgiving season encourages people to reflect on what they're grateful for, Holland Hospital is highlighting how gratitude can support mental health long after the holiday has passed.
At Holland Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, that philosophy comes to life through the Kindness Rock Garden, where patients create and share hand-painted messages of hope, encouragement and gratitude with others. Just months after launching, the garden has already distributed more than 60 rocks throughout the community.
The project reflects research linking gratitude practices to improved sleep, reduced stress, stronger social connections and overall well-being. Studies also suggest gratitude may be particularly beneficial for older adults, as it has been associated with lower levels of social isolation, a known risk factor for cognitive decline. According to Heather Holt, LMSW, a social worker with Holland Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, gratitude can be a valuable tool for supporting mental health, especially during periods of stress, isolation or uncertainty.
“Gratitude can train our brains to look for the positives around us,” Holt said. “Looking for situations that bring positive appreciation will change our perspective. What we often need is a tweak in our perspective to help get through difficult situations.”
While gratitude is not a substitute for professional mental health care, Holt says it can be a valuable practice that complements other coping strategies. One of the most overlooked aspects of gratitude, she says, is slowing down enough to notice what's happening around us.
“Things that can block gratitude are being busy and inundated with information,” Holt said. “Take time to notice what is around us, which is a practice.”
Holt encourages people to build mindfulness into activities they do every day. Whether it's taking a walk outdoors, brushing their teeth or pausing for a few moments of reflection, being present can help people notice moments they might otherwise overlook.
“Brushing your teeth is something you do daily,” Holt said. “Take that time to think about what you appreciate, or that feeling or taste of the toothpaste. Being present and slowing down. It's okay to slow down.”
She also recommends spending time outdoors and intentionally noticing the sights and sounds of the season. “Really notice the seasons and find things to appreciate, whether it's the cooler weather, the leaves, sounds of birds, wind or silence,” Holt said.
Holt also recommends keeping a simple gratitude journal, writing down three things each day that brought joy, comfort or appreciation. Other simple practices include sending a handwritten note or expressing thanks to someone who has impacted your life.
The Kindness Rock Garden puts these principles into practice by encouraging visitors to paint rocks with messages of hope and encouragement, keeping one and sharing another with someone else.
“I've seen people pausing at the garden and picking up a rock,” Holt said. “Talking to their therapist about how much it means to them to have something that someone else made that connects with them. It could be another patient or a caregiver, kid or provider.”
Holt acknowledges that the holidays can be difficult for some people. “For those who have negative experiences around the holidays, it's okay,” Holt said. “Not everyone will have the perfect holiday and that's fine. Find something within your circle that you can appreciate.”
She encourages people to use the season as an opportunity to share gratitude and appreciation for the relationships we have. Her biggest takeaway this season: “We all deserve to share kindness with someone,” Holt said. “We don't know everyone's experiences.”
For more information about Holland Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, visit hollandhospital.org/behavioralhealth.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
Nov. 3, 2026