Have you ever felt captivated by the sight of a vibrant autumn tree or the warmth of the sun on your face? How about the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread or the sound of a child’s laughter?
These everyday moments, known as “glimmers,” are fleeting yet powerful, evoking feelings of joy, calm and well-being.
“Glimmers are the opposite of triggers, which activate the fight-or-flight response and spark stress, anxiety and tension,” says CentraState licensed clinical social worker Amy Metzger, MSW, LCSW. “Glimmers connect you to life’s energy, elevating your mood and eliciting feelings of peace and pleasure.”
Small Moments, Big Benefits
Glimmers can be easily overlooked because we’re so distracted by technology and the fast pace of life these days. But when you do notice them, glimmers can counter the chaos by soothing the nervous system and calming a racing mind. This improves mental health and builds emotional resilience over time.
Noticing and basking in a glimmer can anchor you to the present moment, reducing worries about the future or regrets about the past while promoting feelings of safety, happiness and goodwill.
How to Find Glimmers
Glimmers are everywhere, waiting to be noticed. You don’t have to go out of your way to find them, but you can take a few steps to be more open to experiencing them:
Spend time in your happy place. Put down your devices and spend some time at your favorite beach, coffee shop or nature trail – wherever makes you feel serene and happy.
Engage your senses. Glimmers can be seen, heard, tasted, smelled or touched. From the sight of a rainbow to the feel of a hug, focus on the sensory experience.
Keep a glimmer journal. Write down your glimmers. This helps you remember those special moments while making you more open to recognizing new ones.
Share your glimmers. Spreading joy in this way can strengthen bonds and cultivate gratitude.
“By paying attention to these small but powerful moments, you connect to something bigger than yourself and feel at one with the world around you,” adds Metzger.
LIVE LIFE WELL
Looking for other ways to take control of your health and well-being? CentraState’s LIVE LIFE WELL℠ program can help with education and support to live your best life, no matter where you are on the health spectrum. Visit LIVE LIFE WELL to learn more.
