We’ve all experienced triggers at some point in our lives, and we know how uncomfortable they can be. We often can’t predict when something will cause an unpleasant reaction within us, so it’s important that we learn how to manage them, so we aren’t constantly living on edge.
Take a break from looking into REI BlackBook, and let’s talk about how to learn from your triggers instead of being overcome by them.
What are Triggers?
Triggers come in many shapes and sizes, but they’re often thought of as external things that cause us to feel anxious, frustrated, or angry – along with any other uncomfortable emotions. Some triggers are small like feeling tense when you’re stuck in traffic on the way to work, and some are bigger like seeing someone from your past which causes intense feelings of anxiety or sadness.
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great tool to use to help you see triggers in a different, less negative light. The concept of mindfulness is bringing awareness to your thoughts and emotions and accepting them without judgment. The reason mindfulness helps you to learn from your triggers and not be overcome by them is that you can see them with clarity and calmness. This peaceful awareness helps you to become less reactive and responsive to the triggers themselves.
2. Evaluate Your Perspective
Our entire life is filtered through our perception of it. That’s why so many people have different triggers. If you’re fearful of your partner cheating on you, you’ll always be seeing signs that they are when this isn’t actually the case. This means you’ll have a lot of triggers based solely on how you view the world and what you’re feeling inside. Asking yourself questions like, “Is this true?” or “Do I have a real reason to believe this?” are great ways to evaluate your perspective once you’ve become triggered by something.
3. Become Curious
Curiosity is an incredible human component. It allows us to seek answers with an open heart and an open mind. Oftentimes, our triggers are there for a reason, but how often do we stop to think of what that reason is? Instead of believing your triggers to be a part of who you are, ask yourself why they’re there in the first place. Once you gain a deeper understanding of why you have the triggers you do, you’re much more likely to learn how to let them go.
Final Thoughts
Triggers are uncomfortable, and they arise almost each and every day for most people. People who are prone to anxiety and depression often experience triggers more frequently, which is why it’s paramount that they learn how to manage them.
Practicing mindfulness, evaluating your perspective, and becoming curious are all effective ways to learn from the triggers that you have without being consumed by them. Try and put these 3 methods into practice the next time you feel triggered, and we bet you’ll soon feel a bit lighter and less reactive to what set you off.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
