Look out for ‘glimmers’
You may have heard the word ‘glimmer’ from psychologists and mental health advocates on social media. It’s the opposite to a trigger – which sparks a negative thought process – and is commonly understood as a moment of joy, which help you create a sense of safety and stillness.2
These moments of joy will vary from person to person – sunlight filtering through a window, a child taking their parent’s hand, your dog sneezing in surprise – but they have one thing in common. You have to be present – or conscious of your surroundings – to notice them.
“We can often spend our time thinking about what’s coming up and what has been and spend little time in the present moment.”3 says Harriette. She suggests using your breathing to find “a moment to switch the brain’s focus, to see how our body is feeling and what it needs in that exact moment.”
You can also create moments of enjoyment and stillness in your day, for example through may
yoga or meditation. You’ll find a quick tip for doing this over on our
YouTube. Or try some
aromatherapy, a holistic therapy which harnesses the fragrances found in aromatic plants. There's some evidence to suggest these may help support your mind, body and general wellbeing.
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