In this ‘Worrier to Warrior’ series, we will look at the emotional triggers that stoke up anxiety and negative emotions in us and how to equip our mind to steer through the emotions and advance through life feeling like a champion.
Emotional triggers can happen anywhere. Triggers can shake us off our emotional scale and cause upset and discomfort.
An emotional trigger alters our mood and causes intense reactions and as a result we tend to meander from our daily routine.
For someone who has experienced traumatic life events, triggers remind and cause reliving painful memories of trauma.
We often feel triggered unexpectedly, as a result of someone’s actions or behaviour towards us, say coming across rude conduct from a stranger during your commute to work or while watching a certain sequence in a movie that suddenly transports to the memory of another event in our lives.
Sometimes, trigger occurs at events we attend, such as at a social event that you have planned to attend and when you meet people who probe you with inconsiderate questions or comments. Regardless of whether the trigger was anticipated or spontaneous, a person’s response to it cannot be predicted.
Some factors that contribute to emotional triggers
When we are in the middle of an emotional collapse, we often do not realise what or when the trigger hit us. The first step to break this cycle is to step back and recognise the pattern.
Trace the path of your emotional journey and it will be possible to identify the instance that started the emotional upheaval. Make a mental note of it. Eventually, you will start to realise when certain events cause upset and will be able to equip yourself with a mental armour to protect your mind.
What do you do after an emotional upset? Do you blame yourself and your actions? Do you feel guilty after a meltdown?
Blaming oneself only burdens us further and creates more self-inflicted pressure. Moreover, by berating ourselves, we are stifling our opportunity to self-reflect.
It is imperative to nurture your inner mentor.
Practice positive self-talk and tell yourself all the wonderful things you would tell a friend when they are upset. You are doing the best you can and be kinder and proud of yourself. Remind yourself that it is ok to be upset and let your positive emotions help you grow out of the setback.
Walking and nature has tremendous effect on resetting our mental balance. Walking improves your mood, makes you less upset and builds your physical stamina. It also paves the way for self-reflection and positive self-talk.
Distractions are a shortcut to improved concentration and focus. When it comes to improving your mental strength, the habit of practicing creativity has many benefits.
Engaging in creative projects often makes us happy, provides a “high” and are often accompanied by contentment and jubilation.
When we finish working on a creative project, our mind is invigorated with hope which helps to overpower our negative voices and self-doubts.
What is mettlepods?
mettlepods is harnessing the power of creativity and behavioural therapy to help transform health and wellbeing. Our 6-week framework for dealing with Stress and Anxiety brings together life enriching bursts of creative activities and access to one-on-one live therapy with a team of art therapists, CBT therapists and coaches. Register to receive a sample of our 6-week programme for Anxiety here.