It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year… Right?
Written by: Justine Allen
🕗 Short & sweet
There’s Something About the New Year
Ah, the New Year. For those of us who follow the Gregorian calendar, January 1st marks a new year. And, a new year often represents a fresh start, and a sense of hope and renewal for the future. Cue the “New Year, new me” social media posts!
But, if you’re struggling with your mental health, the magic of the season may feel less accessible as the clock strikes midnight. For some, the pressure to feel optimistic or energized can actually amplify feelings of disconnection, numbness, or emotional fatigue.
Mindful of Mind Over Matter
And, our ability to feel the magic isn’t always a matter of willpower. Often, it’s about how our brain and body are responding to life’s challenges—especially when life is life’ing.
Prolonged periods of stress, uncertainty, or hardship can contribute to:
Anxiety
Depression
Chronic stress
Trauma
These experiences can shift the nervous system into survival mode, where the brain perceives the world as unsafe, and we may find ourselves cycling between:
Hyper-arousal (overwhelm, anxiety)
Hypo-arousal (numbness, shut-down, depression)
In these states, the nervous system operates in survival mode, using just enough energy to get by. This also helps explain why those big, bold New Year’s resolutions might not feel realistic or accessible.
The Transformative Power of Micro Moments
Here’s where trauma-informed, somatic wisdom comes in.
In the trauma therapy world, Deb Dana coined the term “glimmers,” to describe micro moments of connection or regulation that signal safety to the nervous system. These small moments matter. They might include:
The smell of something comforting
A warm or weighted blanket
A moment of laughter
Cuddling with a pet
A few deep breaths
Tuning into glimmers supports nervous system regulation, fosters embodiment, and opens a doorway to hope. They remind us that even in difficult seasons, moments of safety and ease are possible—and worthy of celebration.
A Gentle Invitation
If the New Year feels more complex than exciting, you are not alone. Rather than overriding your nervous system by forcing a resolution, try noticing the micro moments—the glimmers—that invite your system toward safety, connection, and possibility.
Even the smallest shifts can be meaningful. That, too, is transformation.
Warm wishes ❄️
