You may already be familiar with the word trigger. A trigger is a cue that activates a distressing emotional reaction, often associated with a past negative experience or trauma. Triggers can lead to feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or anxiety, and may cause us to react in a way that feels out of proportion to the current situation.

But have you ever heard of a glimmer? A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. It is a small moment that sparks a sense of safety, calm or connection.

Triggers pull us away from regulation. Glimmers return us to it. 

Glimmers are more than just noticing a nice moment. Recognizing and savoring glimmers can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety 
• Increase emotional resilience 
• Strengthen connection with yourself and others 
• Build habits that support mental health 

So, what exactly are glimmers and how do we find more of them?

Glimmers differ for every person, depending on what sparks a sense of joy, calm and safety. Common examples include:

• A smile from a stranger 
• Warm sunlight on your skin 
• Your favorite song on the radio 
• The smell of fresh coffee 
• Laughter with a friend 
• The feel of a light breeze on your face 
• The sound of birds singing in the morning 
• Accomplishing a task that makes you feel organized and prepared 
• A song on the radio that reminds you of a great moment from your past 
• Sounds of the ocean 

Glimmers can happen all the time, every day. But it takes intention to recognize and savor them, in order to reap the benefits. Here are four quick ways to spot your own glimmers.

1. Pause and Notice

Any time you need a glimmer, take a breathe and look around for something that feels comforting. It doesn’t have to be something big; you can almost always find one small glimmer in any moment.

2. Use Your Senses

What sights, sounds, smells, tastes or touches feel good to your body in this moment? Or what sense can you activate with something that provides comfort? Maybe you need to take a sip of something sweet, sniff a familiar fragrance or go for a walk to spot something that brings you a sense of calm.

3. Share About Your Glimmers

Talk about your glimmers with those around you. Text an image of a glimmer to a friend, incorporate the sharing of glimmers into the dinner table conversation or a team meeting. Find small ways to share about your glimmers and invite others to do the same. This reinforces positivity and encourages you to keep focusing on glimmers.

 4. Track Your Glimmers

Use this free download to keep track of your glimmers throughout the day and week. Writing them down and reflecting on them adds an additional layer that can help you gain even more benefit from glimmers.