The Bright Spots Effect

As winter slowly shifts toward spring, I’ve been noticing a common theme in conversations lately—it seems everyone is trying to keep energy and morale up. The days are getting lighter (albeit very slowly), but the overcast skies still feel heavy, and many people are sneaking off to warmer destinations when they can. For those of us still embracing the in-between season, I wanted to share something that has been helping me move through the gloom: bright spots.

Bright spots (this is also called the “Brightening Effect”) are exactly what they sound like—intentional moments that add a little light to your day. I’ve started keeping a running list of them: big and small ones, ten-minute resets, even zero-effort options. That way, when a day feels heavy or dull, I don’t have to overthink it or fall into a Pinterest doomscroll spiral. I can simply choose something from my list that fits my time and energy and let it be enough.

Some days, that looks like sitting outside to get fresh air for a few minutes. Other days, it’s making a cozy drink, taking a new yoga class, or allowing yourself ten guilt-free minutes of journaling. The goal isn’t productivity—it’s about boosting your energy and happiness.

Lately, my personal bright spots have included adding a sun catcher to the studio, spending more time caring for my plants (and possibly adopting one, maybe two more), painting, having more frequent spa nights at home, and adding small pops of color wherever I can. Not only have these helped me manage the general gloom between our rare sunny days, but they have provided little pick-me- ups when getting out of bed seems like a daunting task.

When we engage in enjoyable activities (like wearing our favorite shirt, or buying that sweet treat), we get a short, intense burst of dopamine (the neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation). Research indicates that micro-acts of joy can significantly improve mood by increasing the quantity of dopamine bursts, therefore reducing negative effects.

 You may have already guessed it, but participating in bright spots not only helps shift our mental state, but they reflect in the skin as well.

When we consistently create small moments of care and regulation, our skin tends to look brighter and less fatigued. That sluggish, tired appearance softens, and your natural glow and brightness return. The skin responds when our nervous system (and our happiness) is supported because it’s all connected. Think of your skin as a reflection of our internal systems and how they're doing.

I’d love to hear how you implement bright spots! Sharing these creates inspiration and is a bright spot in itself.

On a different note, I’m trying something new in these monthly letters by sharing a product I’ve been loving. As many of you know, I’m always testing products before recommending them. My husband, Gavin, often gets recruited as a test subject (thanks, Gavin), and I have been wanting to share my discoveries.

January’s Hero Product

This winter has been wildly unpredictable (see new forecast of snow for the next week??), and my skin has definitely noticed. Because of that, I’ve been leaning heavily into rich night creams. Nighttime is when the skin resets and is most receptive to nourishment, making it an important time to use products that feed the skin through essential vitamins that support hydration and repair. 

My favorite for January was a gift from my close friend, Casey, called Dream Cream.

Casey is a naturopathic medical doctor who is passionate about nutrition, whole-body healing, and soulful wellness. She created Dream Cream as a passion project to share her knowledge and love for plant-based healing.

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Unfortunately, this product isn’t available to purchase (yet**Casey, if you’re reading this, please consider this as encouragement to sell a small batch), but a girl can dream.

True to its name, this cream really is dreamy. It came in the cutest tiny jar (which I fully admit I’m biased toward because mini things), has a soft herbal, earthy scent, and a little goes a long way. Every morning after I used it, my skin felt incredibly soft, hydrated, and plump.

Ingredients:

Sesame, avocado, and coconut oils infused with St. John’s wort; carrot seed oil; aloe vera; vitamin E oil; beeswax; lecithin; borax; and herbs including gotu kola, green tea, lavender, rose, comfrey, St. John’s wort, and marshmallow root. All ingredients are organic or wildcrafted.

Not only was it packed with excellent nutrients, but all the ingredients were organic or wildcrafted. My whimsical side was very thrilled about 'wildcrafted' because who doesn't love the idea of strolling through the woods and collecting useful herbs? I noticed improvement in my hyperpigmentation, forehead lines, and overall coloring. As I said, the Dream Cream was truly dreamy.

If you're ever curious about a product and you'd like me to test it, send me the information via comment, text, or email!

As we slowly move toward spring (and hopefully more sunshine), I hope you find ways to create your own bright spots along the way.

 (and don't forget to share them!)

With warmth and hopeful spring energy,

Mary

Honey Glow Wellness

Notify Me For March