When the world feels like it is "on fire,' the human brain naturally defaults to a state of chronic hypervigilance. Evolutionarily, we are wired to prioritize "the fire" because the fire is what can kill us. However, staying in that state of high arousal indefinitely leads to emotional exhaustion and a sense of pervasive hopelessness. To find "glimmers" we have to move beyond positive thinking and into the realm of applied polyvagal theory and neuroscience.

Research suggests that fostering an attitude of joy and gratitude can positively impact your mental health.