Happy International Day of Happiness! (although in these uncertain times happiness can have a hard time being heard above anxiety.)
In the same way we recognise negative triggers that bring us down, increasingly we’re coming to recognise that positive triggers (better known as “glimmers”) are a positive way we can boost our mood.
With that in mind, we swapped notes around the BEING office to find out what our “glimmers” are.
Kylie – “Something that always makes me happy is seeing a kookaburra perched amongst the trees and hearing its infectious laugh echo through nature. There’s something so special about that sound. A beautiful reminder to pause, breathe, and notice the simple moments around us. To me, the kookaburra symbolises light in the darkness, and the ability to find joy even in the tough times.”
Julian – “Being by the ocean always boosts my mood. Sunny or cloudy, summer or winter, busy or deserted, I love the way the breaking surf touches all my senses. Always different but always familiar. 100% natural not man-made, it always puts things into perspective for me. The surf will still be doing its thing long after my worries have passed and the ever-changing colours are just stunning!”
Shannon – “Spending time with my 5-year-old nephew makes me so happy. He teaches me to slow down, live in the present, and expand my imagination! Whether we’re making up silly games, dancing to Bad Bunny, reading books or playing at the park – it’s always a fun time! Being an aunty is the best job in the world.”
Giancarlo – “I’ve been really focused on rituals lately, as a way of connecting more deeply with those I love and care about, but also with my own self! So, one of the rituals that has been bringing me a lot of happiness are my morning and evening skincare rituals, where I pause, connect with my body, and let my nervous system relax. My regime is a great mix of botanical products that make me feel like I am at a spa, but also clinical ingredients from both the East and the West, to help me with my goal of looking after my body”.
Perhaps one of these resonates with you, or perhaps sharing ours might help you connect with something that works for you. Either way, Happy Day of Happiness.
Find out more about the science behind glimmers in this video from the “Godmother of Glimmer” Deb Dana.
The UN World Happiness Report for 2026 launches at 4:00pm UTC (3:00am AEDT) but you can download last year’s report here while you wait 😊.