Taking time to notice life’s small joys can be a powerful mindfulness practice for stress relief, even during challenging times. Tiny moments – like the warmth of sunlight on your face during a walk, the first sip of tea, or the sound of birds welcoming the day – are like scattered gems waiting to be discovered. While they might seem insignificant in isolation, these “glimmers” can create little moments of light, helping you to reduce anxiety naturally.
Developing your ability to notice and appreciate these glimmers is a simple yet effective way to improve your mental well-being. This easy stress relief technique encourages mindfulness and helps create moments of pleasure in everyday life.
A Mindful Glimmers Practice
Try this quick practice to help you notice and appreciate the small, uplifting moments in your day:
- Pause for a moment – Take a deep breath and bring your attention to the present.
- Reflect on your day so far – Think back and see if any small, positive moments stand out. It could be a kind word, spotting a flower, enjoying your shower or seeing the sunlight filtering through trees.
- If nothing comes to mind, set an intention – Decide to notice at least one glimmer before the day ends. Stay open to the small joys around you.
- Acknowledge and appreciate it – When you find a glimmer, take a second to fully absorb it. Let yourself feel the warmth, even briefly.
- Keep a note to help you savour it – You could jot your glimmers in a journal, make a quick phone note, or simply hold it in your mind.
- Make an intention – Getting into the habit of doing this at the end of each day or at a time that works for you is beneficial. Or even once a week if that feels more achievable to you. Over time, this habit can help shift your focus toward everyday joy.
As you practice this regularly, notice how you become more attuned to these glimmers throughout your day. You might find yourself pausing to appreciate them as they happen, creating a gentle shift toward finding more brightness in your life.
If you enjoyed reading this post why not subscribe to my newsletter? I share tips to stress less, including guided exercises to help you manage difficult situations with ease. It’s sent once a month to avoid clogging up your inbox.
You might also like to read more of my blogs.