Have you ever noticed how a burst of sunshine on a cold winter morning can lift your spirits, or how that first sip of coffee can instantly calm your mind? These tiny, joyful moments might not seem like much, but they’re what mental health experts are calling glimmers.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, glimmers can be a welcome reminder that there are small pockets of peace and beauty all around us if we’re willing to look.
What Are Glimmers?
Coined by American clinician Deb Dana, glimmers are the opposite of triggers. While triggers can set off our fight-or-flight stress response, glimmers gently bring us back to a state of safety, calm, and connection. They’re micro-moments, like the warm sun on your face or the comforting scent of fresh-baked bread that remind you life has simple joys to offer.
Glimmers aren’t about big milestones or grand gestures. They’re about pausing to notice the little things that make you feel grounded and supported, even if just for a second. These moments tell your nervous system, “Hey, you’re okay. There’s no danger here.”
The Science Behind Glimmers
Glimmers are small cues that let our nervous system know we’re safe and supported. They’re particularly helpful for people who feel easily triggered, anxious, or who have experienced trauma. When we take the time to notice these tiny joys, we’re actually engaging in a form of nervous system regulation, calming that constant, vigilant scan for danger.
Why does this matter? Because most of us have a built-in negativity bias. Our brains evolved to keep us safe by paying more attention to potential threats than to positive experiences. While that’s great if you’re trying to avoid danger, it can leave you feeling drained and on edge in everyday life.
By noticing glimmers, you’re giving your brain a chance to pause and see the good, not just the bad. You’re telling yourself it’s okay to let your guard down and enjoy what’s right in front of you.
Examples of Glimmers
Glimmers are deeply personal, and what lights up one person’s day might not resonate for someone else. But here are a few common examples to inspire you:
- The warmth of the sun on your skin on a chilly day
- The first sip of your morning coffee or tea, and how it instantly soothes you
- Watching clouds drift by or birds soar in the sky
- The sweet scent of fresh-cut grass in your neighbourhood
- A spontaneous, genuine laugh shared with a friend
- Listening to your favourite song on the radio or in a playlist
- That cozy feeling of being wrapped up in a warm blanket
These small but powerful moments have one thing in common: they ground you in the present and remind you that even in a busy, chaotic world, there are still tiny joys to be found.
How Glimmers Support Mental Health
While glimmers may seem small, research and experience suggest that they can have a surprisingly big impact on your mental health. They can challenge your negativity bias and create a ripple effect of calm that makes the rest of your day feel a little easier to handle.
Since the pandemic, many of us have felt heightened anxiety and uncertainty. We’re living in a time when everything feels more unpredictable, and that can be really tough on our minds and bodies. Glimmers offer a gentle way to push back against that constant worry.
As Deb Dana writes, “Hopefulness lies in knowing that while early experiences shape the nervous system, ongoing experiences can reshape it.” In other words, these tiny moments can gradually help rewire your brain and body for more hope, calm, and balance.
Start Your Own Glimmer Practice
You don’t need any special tools or a lot of time to bring glimmers into your life, just a willingness to slow down and notice what feels good in the moment. Start small: maybe it’s pausing to feel the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands, or noticing how your shoulders relax when you step into a sunbeam.
Try to make a habit of “glimmer hunting” each day, even if it’s just for a minute. These moments can be surprisingly powerful, offering a little boost of positivity and reminding you that even in challenging times, there’s still good things to be found and enjoyed.