For those of us feeling like 2024 is a continuation of the dumpster fire that has been life since COVID, let’s put a positive spin on things as we get through summer. After all, everyone knows being an optimist is just plain healthier for even the grouchiest, most easily sunburnt of us (Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being).
Glimmers-What is that?
Anyone heard of triggers? Yes, well, know we’re going to focus on glimmers. While I’m not the most up to date on the newest fads, I can get behind this. Glimmers, similar to triggers, are small moments in time that bring up an emotional response-in the case of glimmers, feelings like joy, awe, and serenity. You get the gist. Anyways, here are some things to do around the home that are common glimmers for our community members:
- Good smelling beverage. Ok, let’s be clear, the hot beverage would be for inside, air-conditioned, moments. Nothing is worse than a hot beverage in 90-degree weather. Anyways, a warm or iced beverage, depending on preference, with particular flavors whose scent bring to mind happy moments of life. For me, it’s usually vanilla, peppermint, chamomile…Point being, the beverage’s scent should be associated with a positive moment in time. Bonus points if you are drinking it somewhere quiet and with a pretty scene. Note-if tea, coffee, etc. is not your thing, you don’t have to drink it. Just smelling it is fine too.
- Cuddling under freshly dried covers. I don’t know if it’s just me, but snuggling under covers, especially fresh out of the dryer, makes me instantly relax and brings about feelings of comfort and peace.
- Humming and singing. While obvious, verbal vocation like humming or singing, even if the same verse repeatedly, can bring feelings of fun and joy. Also, a concert in the shower sounds like a great way to start the day. You can also do it while cooking, cleaning, or even just relaxing. Bonus point if you can create your own verbal soundtrack to your humming.
My own glimmer list:
- Playing balloon volleyball
- Visiting the pet store
- Playing with squishy/slime toys
- Putting stickers on random items
- Listening to rain sounds/actual rain
While many may say these items are childish, whoever said there is a set way to act?
Try writing a list of your own glimmers. Considering how many of us are constantly bombarded with triggers of all types, finding and deliberately seeking out these micro moments of joy, relaxation, and other positive emotions is vital. Bonus points if they can be experienced with minimal effort throughout a busy or emotionally draining day.