Have you ever noticed how a certain song lifts your mood instantly or how a sudden noise makes your heart race? These moments are tied to what we call glimmers and triggers – two powerful concepts that shape how your nervous system responds to the world.
What Are Glimmers and Triggers?
- Triggers are cues that send your nervous system into stress mode. They might cause feelings of anxiety, tension, or even emotional overwhelm. Whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation, or just feeling rushed, triggers push us into the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Over time, repeated exposure to triggers without effective coping mechanisms can lead to chronic burnout, adrenal fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.
- Glimmers, on the other hand, are the small, often unnoticed moments that bring feelings of safety, joy, or peace. A warm cup of tea, the sound of birds, or a friendly smile—these subtle cues signal your body that you’re safe, inviting a sense of calm and connection. Glimmers might seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in building emotional resilience and nurturing your nervous system.
Why They Matter
Identifying your triggers is essential for understanding what disrupts your balance, but recognising your glimmers is just as important. Glimmers help your nervous system find moments of safety and ease, building your capacity for resilience. When you actively seek out glimmers, you’re training your brain to focus on the positive, which can shift your entire emotional landscape over time.
How to Spot and Use Glimmers
- Pause and Notice: Throughout your day, pause and ask, “What feels good right now?” It might be the warmth of sunlight on your skin, the taste of your morning coffee, or the rhythm of your breath. These tiny moments of joy are your glimmers.
- Create a Glimmer List: Write down small things that bring you joy or comfort. This could include listening to your favourite song, reading a good book, or even cuddling with your pet. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to this list for quick stress relief.
- Balance Triggers with Glimmers: When a trigger arises, consciously seek out a glimmer. After a stressful meeting, step outside and feel the breeze on your face, or listen to a soothing piece of music. This practice helps your nervous system bounce back more quickly.
- Anchor Glimmers into Routine: Incorporate glimmers into your daily routine. Start your morning with a ritual that brings you peace, like stretching, journaling, or sipping tea. These small acts can set the tone for a calmer, more grounded day.
Resetting with Glimmers
While triggers can’t always be avoided, you can build a toolkit of glimmers to help you reset. This practice strengthens your nervous system’s ability to return to a state of calm and balance, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Over time, you’ll find that you can navigate stress more effectively, with a deeper sense of emotional well-being and clarity.
The Power of Glimmers in Everyday Life
Imagine starting your day already feeling frazzled by your to-do list. Instead of diving straight into work, you pause to take a few deep breaths, noticing the morning light streaming through the window. That’s a glimmer. Or maybe, after a tense phone call, you step outside, feel the sun on your face, and let the fresh air ground you. That’s another glimmer. These moments might seem small, but they add up, creating a buffer against the stress and chaos of daily life.
So, next time life feels overwhelming, look for those small sparks of light—your glimmers. They’re gentle reminders that even in the busiest moments, peace is within reach. And the more you notice them, the easier it becomes to find your way back to calm, no matter what life throws your way.
By weaving these concepts into your daily routine, you’ll nurture your nervous system, protect your energy, and cultivate a life filled with resilience, vitality, and calm.
