November is National Gratitude Month: Micro-Moments and Seizing the Day

November 20, 2024 / Get Well

In Part 1 of our National Gratitude Month series, we explored the concept of “glimmers”—those precious moments of joy and connection that can illuminate our daily experiences. We learned how these brief instances of positivity, when met with conscious gratitude, can strengthen our resilience and enhance our workplace relationships. Now, let’s build upon this foundation by diving deeper into the practical application of mindfulness through micro-moments.

As we discovered with glimmers, a key to greater workplace satisfaction often lies not in grand gestures or major achievements, but in our ability to recognize and appreciate life’s smaller moments. In this second installment, we’ll explore specific strategies for identifying, creating, and maximizing these opportunities for joy and connection throughout our workday. By combining the awareness of glimmers we developed in Part 1 with the practical techniques for seizing micro-moments we’ll discuss here, you’ll be equipped with a readily adaptable toolkit for transforming your daily work experience. Building on our exploration of glimmers and gratitude, let’s dive deeper into how micro-moments can transform our workplace environments, even during stressful times. By focusing on these tiny, often overlooked instances of joy, we can shift our perspective and find contentment even in challenging circumstances.

Recent research highlighted by Hasaan Mansoor reveals that these brief, intentional practices trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins, creating a biochemical foundation for improved well-being and stress resilience.

Understanding Micro-Moments
Micro-moments are brief intervals where we intentionally focus on the present, savoring small joys that might otherwise go unnoticed. These moments of mindfulness can occur during any part of our day, whether we’re enjoying a peaceful walk, taking a moment to appreciate the view from our window, or savoring the warmth of our morning coffee. Unlike viral social media-worthy sensations, micro-moments are small and frequent, occurring in the rhythm of our everyday experiences.

Creating Your Micro-Moment Toolkit
Even in the busiest and most demanding work environments, opportunities for micro-moments are everywhere—if we know where to look. Consider developing your personal “micro-moment toolkit” with these workplace-specific practices:

  • The Morning Coffee: Before diving into tasks, take a moment to savor the warmth of your chosen warm beverage.
  • The Quiet Between Meetings: Use these brief intervals for reflection and recharging.
  • Appreciating Colleagues: Pause to acknowledge thoughtful gestures with genuine gratitude.
  • Celebrating Small Wins: Recognize task completion, no matter how minor.
  • Quick Journaling: Jot down a positive thought or achievement
  • Music Breaks: Listen to a favorite song between tasks.
  • Pause and Breath: Before stepping through the door or your next moment, pause and breathe.
  • Revisit NOVA OEWW’s list of Gratitude Resources curated for Gratitude and Appreciation Week.

Feeling Inspired? Ready to Level Up?  

  • Join the Big Joy Project led by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. In about seven minutes for the next seven days, you’ll get to:
    • try a variety of science-backed micro-acts of JOY
    • discover which micro-acts of JOY work best for you
    • track your progress and earn a free personalized BIG JOY Report after 7 days
    • advance citizen science discoveries that can help increase worldwide JOY

By intentionally noticing glimmers, practicing gratitude, and savoring micro-moments, we play a part in shaping a more nurturing, positive, and fulfilling work environment. These small practices, when combined, create positive changes in our daily experience and overall well-being—not just through their immediate effects, but through the lasting neurological benefits they provide.

References:

Image: Photograph with a little sign that reads "National Gratitude Month" and a colorful fall leaf cut in the shape of a heart, attached to a tree branch with clothes pins.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu