BOOST YOUR JOY WITH DAILY GLIMMERS!

The simple act of savoring micro moments of happiness is going viral for its ability to soothe your nervous system and boost resilience. Here, easy ways to gather your 'glimmers'—the slivers of sparkle that make life memorable

- BY KRISTINA MASTROCOLA

FROM THE SMILE your little grandson flashes when he’s being just the right amount of mischievous to the warm sip of your morning coffee, happiness typically doesn’t come galloping in like a herd of horses. More often, it tiptoes in small moments or “glimmers,” says Deb Dana, LCSW, author of Glimmers Journal: Reflect on the Small Moments That Bring You Joy, Safety, and Connection. Inspired by Polyvagal Theory—which explains how the vagus nerve helps alleviate stress—glimmers have gone viral on TikTok for a reason: they're equal parts accessible and uplifting.

“In these seemingly unassuming moments, from listening to birdsong to feeling the sunlight on your face, the nervous system—and the vagus nerve in particular—is in a state of regulation,” Dana says, revealing that when she worked with trauma survivors, she learned it wasn't enough to tame stress. “To fully thrive, we also have to experience safety and connection.”

That’s where glimmers come in. “They don’t negate stressful triggers—instead, they remind us that good does exist in this crazy world, so we can then turn toward hardships and not get overwhelmed by them.” Here, easy ways to start your glimmer journey.

COLLECT MEANINGFUL ‘SNAPSHOTS’