As we head into Mental Health Week May 5th to 9th 2025, we often hear important reminders about recognizing our triggers—those people, situations, or environments that negatively impact our mental health. And rightfully so. Understanding our triggers helps us build boundaries, communicate our needs, and protect our emotional well-being.
But what if I told you that knowing your « glimmers » could be just as powerful?
What’s a glimmer?
The term glimmer was coined by psychotherapist Deb Dana. Glimmers are the small moments that spark a sense of joy, calm, safety, or connection—signals to our nervous system that we’re safe and well. They are the opposite of triggers, and while they might seem subtle, they’re profoundly important in building resilience and mental well-being.
Glimmers can be fleeting or steady, personal or shared. They’re the simple things that help us feel like ourselves again – anchored, grounded, and at peace.
Maybe it’s:
- The first sip of coffee in the quiet morning light
- Hearing your favorite song unexpectedly on the radio
- A short walk in fresh air during a hectic day
- The feeling of your dog curling up beside you
- A meme or joke from a positive social media account
We often overlook these glimmers because they seem so… ordinary. But tuning in to them is a way of honoring what keeps us well – not just what pulls us down.
Why Glimmers Matter
In a world full of stressors, our minds are trained to spot the negative as we’re wired for survival, after all. But our well-being depends on more than just defense mechanisms. It requires intentional nourishment of the things that lift us up. When we know our glimmers, we can seek them out, build them into our routines, and use them to regulate our nervous system in a healthy way.
Think of glimmers as mini recovery tools. The more we notice them, the more easily we can shift from stress to calm, from overwhelm to clarity.
How to Identify Your Glimmers
Try this short reflective exercise:
Recall a moment from the past week when you felt genuinely at ease, joyful, or connected.
Notice what was happening in that moment—who you were with, what you were doing, what sensations you felt.
Write down three of these moments—your personal glimmers.
You can also ask yourself:
- What makes me feel grounded?
- When do I feel the most like me?
- What small joys show up in my day without me forcing them?
Make Glimmers Part of Your Wellness Rituals
Once you’ve named your glimmers, try to intentionally include them in your week:
- Add a short “glimmer break” to your calendar each day—5 minutes to listen to music, look at a favorite photo, or step outside.
- Share your glimmers with a friend from work or a loved one—it might prompt them to do the same.
Mental health includes healing from what hurts, and it’s also about building more of what helps. So yes, know your triggers. But don’t forget your glimmers.
They may be small, but they can light the way.
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