Each day brings a whirlwind of emotions and events, causing our moods to ebb and flow. It’s easy to fixate on the trials and tribulations that bother us. Whether it’s a rude comment from a coworker or a rain cloud rolling in, there’s a constant string of incidents that ‘trigger’ us throughout the day. So, we’re deciding to flip the script.
Let’s focus on the ‘glimmers’ of the world. ‘Glimmer’ is a positive trigger that puts us in a good mood like a perfect meal or a fun conversation with a friend. Finding the glimmer in your day is a great way to appreciate the small bursts of joy we experience and embracing the magic of the simple things.
The psychology of glimmer
The glimmer trend originated on social media as people started realizing that small pleasures like a patch of fresh flowers or a wafting smell from a bakery would instantly boost their mood. The trend expanded as everyone, even psychologists, realized how impactful a glimmer can be.
The trend was brought to USA Today where they reported that the idea of a glimmer was created by Deb Dana, a licensed social worker who specializes in complex trauma. Dana wrote in her book, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, that glimmers have the opposite effect of triggers and make the nervous system feel safe and relaxed as opposed to scared or angry. Glimmers result in people feeling more positive after a long day having taken notice of the things that made them feel good rather than focusing solely on the negatives.
Finding glimmer in nature
The great outdoors is full of glimmer. There’s something wonderful to discover around every uncharted corner. Amidst wildlife and fruitful vegetation, there’s something out there waiting to ignite some glimmer in you. Nature opens our minds to the idea that there are entities bigger than us. Surrounding ourselves with wilderness brings peace of mind that reminds us that our triggers are just a small part of this vast universe.
Getting fresh air and experiencing nature has significant positive impacts on mental health. Studies have proven that an outdoor excursion can elevate your mood and offer cognitive benefits such as improved memory and reduced stress. These same studies explain that enjoying nature is in our DNA. Our ancestors flourished in the wilderness, cultivating societies without the crutch of modern technology. It’s human nature to love nature!
Locking yourself inside on a sunny day only increases your risk of being triggered by something going wrong in your enclosed space. Opening yourself up to a fresh, lively patch of nature can expose you to relaxing sounds of birds, running water, a cool breeze, a burst of sunshine, and a cute interaction with an animal. All of these things would never dare to trigger you – only glimmer!
Finding glimmer in our pets
This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but one of the easiest ways to experience glimmer throughout the day is from our pets. In everything they do, from their playful antics to their softer, cuddlier side, our animals bring us comfort and solace in ways we can’t live without. A quiet afternoon with the cats or a whimsical stroll through the park with the pups could brighten your day and keep your mood up.
Animals have been known to reduce stress levels and subside anxiety. They’re the friends that don’t judge you and the playmates that are always around to have a good time. Through their unconditional love and the bond with their favorite humans, our pets have the amazing ability to lift our spirits and glimmer us throughout the day. Pets take away some of the loneliness we may be feeling and offer us constant comfort. Our furry friends are live-in glimmer masters and we’re here for it!
A great way to get some glimmer from your pet is to find fun and creative ways to bond with them. Teach them a new trick to expand their repertoire and add some entertainment to your busy schedule. Maybe invest in a special toy that’ll add some glimmer to your animal’s day, too and enjoy watching them play with it. Or, take your antsy pup to the park for the day to experience two glimmers at once – nature and puppy love. And if you’re in a baking mood, whip up a special treat for your eager pup. It will certainly get them wagging their tail and put a smile on your face.
Choose to highlight the glimmer in everyday tasks, like making a nourishing smoothie, taking the dog for a walk, or finding ways to surround yourself with gratitude. Soak up the rays and let the bad energy and negative bits disappear out of your life. Glimmer is all around us, and it’s our job to embrace it. Join us in participating in this joyful trend and inviting endless positivity into our lives.
