Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
Embracing life’s simple joys involves appreciating the present moment and finding magic in everyday experiences. Discovering these moments of “glimmer” in your daily routine can bring contentment and pleasure. Although fleeting, recognizing these moments helps build a greater sense of happiness and joy in daily life. Try engaging in four of the following suggested activities to uncover the magic in your day.
Shift your perspective – Look at life with a lens of gratitude. Appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you lack. This shift in thinking makes life more enjoyable. Acknowledge three positive things you noticed today.
Incorporate rituals – Celebrate every day with small actions that make routine actions feel more fun. Start with what you’re already doing. Do you drink a cup of coffee or tea each morning? Try lighting a candle or listening to your favorite podcast to make the moment more meaningful. Identify one small thing to incorporate into your routine to bring added joy.
Embrace the unknown – View the unknown as a chance for growth and opportunity. Be open to change and develop a growth mindset. Believe that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. List three past experiences that allowed for unexpected growth.
Cultivate curiosity – Curiosity combats complacency, drives positive relationships, and sparks joy. Make learning a habit by reading, reflecting often, and engaging in learning opportunities. Ask meaningful questions to learn more about your coworkers, friends, or even yourself.
Reduce screen time – While social media helps us stay connected, excessive use can lead to negative feelings and comparisons. Challenge yourself to take an hour break from screens today to focus on being present.
Set an intention to notice one glimmer each day – A glimmer is a small, positive moment that makes you feel safe and calm. Finding the beauty in the mundane and allowing that to radiate from you is a simple way to spread positivity. Examples include:
- Feeling the warmth of the sun
- Noticing a friendly face
- Appreciating differences
- Seeing a rainbow
- Petting a cat or dog
- Listening to your favorite song
- Enjoying a delicious cup of coffee or tea
- Taking a moment to appreciate a beautiful flower
- Sending or receiving a heartfelt message from a loved one
- Witnessing an act of kindness
- Finding a moment of quiet solitude in nature
- Completing a small task or accomplishment
- Noticing the sound of a light breeze or a bird chirping
