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ebellious teardrops, outbursts of rage, loneliness, anxiety, shame, and resentment are a few of the negative emotions we feel every random day. At certain points in life, we realize that specific things trigger these emotions and often compel us to respond irrationally. This can lead to retrospective regret after an argument that you currently feel wasn’t worth it. Do you feel like you’re constantly on edge, reacting strongly to even the slightest emotional stimuli? If so, you may be easily triggered emotionally. Often, you appear like you can’t help yourself.
Check out 5 common reasons why you may be easily triggered emotionally…
#1. Past trauma
If you’ve experienced trauma or deep-seated emotional wounds, it’s common to be more sensitive to triggers in the present. These experiences can create a heightened emotional state and make it harder to regulate your emotions in response to everyday stressors.
#2. Lack of emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. If you’re not so emotionally intelligent, you may find it harder to recognize and healthily respond to your own emotions, leading to more intense emotional reactions.
#3. Unresolved conflicts or issues
Those with unresolved conflicts or issues in their lives could be more likely to be triggered emotionally. These issues can create an underlying sense of stress or tension that can cause you to react strongly to seemingly minor events.
#4. Difficulty managing stress
It’s no news that stress can take a toll on our emotional well-being. So if you’re struggling to manage stress in your life, you may get triggered easily. After a full day of stressful activities, it becomes hard to handle the extra pressure. This is because stress can interfere with our ability to restrain our emotions and make us more reactive to stimuli.
#5. Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstruation or menopause, can also contribute to emotional triggers. These hormonal changes can affect our mood and emotional state, making us have volatile reactions.
While there are many other potential reasons why you might be easily triggered emotionally, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to have emotional reactions to certain stimuli. If you’re constantly on edge or struggling to regulate your emotions, it might be helpful to explore the root causes of your emotional triggers and work on finding healthy ways to manage them.
How to manage emotional triggers
Being aware of the possible reasons behind your triggers is one step in the right direction. It is equally important to know how to manage these triggers and maintain emotional balance.
Here are effective ways to deal with emotions with maturity…
#1. Be aware of your triggers
The first step in dealing with emotional triggers is to identify what triggers you emotionally. This can be difficult, as it requires self-reflection and honesty. However, once you know what your triggers are, you can begin to develop strategies for managing them.
#2. Practice self-care
Self-care isn’t selfish. While you might derive joy from looking out for others, spreading thin in the process benefits no one. Taking care of yourself is essential for managing your emotional responses. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It could also mean taking a break to recuperate and blossom into a healthier version of yourself.
#3. Practice breathing techniques
When you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help calm your nerves. Try taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on the breath as it moves in and out of your body. You should also practice relaxation, yoga, meditation, or whatever resonates with you. Every muscle in your body deserves to hit the brakes and chill.
#4. Try affirmations
Negative self-talk can fuel negative emotions, so it is important to practice positive self-talk instead. The reason you’re easily triggered emotionally could be due to negative words you’ve accepted over time. Whenever you notice negative thoughts popping up, try to reframe them positively. For example, instead of thinking “I can’t do this,” try thinking, “I may struggle with this at first, but I am capable and will find a way to succeed.” Positive affirmations have the power to turn situations around, more than they’re credited for.
#5. Express your emotions
It is important to find healthy ways to express your emotions, rather than bottling them up. This can include opening up to a supportive friend or family member, writing your thoughts and progress in a journal, or engaging in activities that make you happy, such as hiking, swimming, or drawing.
#6. Set boundaries
Setting boundaries can help protect your emotional well-being. This can include saying NO to requests you aren’t disposed to oblige, or setting limits on the time you spend with certain people.
#7. Seek support
Sometimes, it can be beneficial to seek the support of a therapist or counselor. They can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your emotions and develop coping strategies. They can also provide the tools and support you need to manage your emotional responses healthily.
Dealing with emotional triggers can be difficult, but with practice and patience, it is possible to develop strategies for managing them. By following the tips listed above and seeking support when needed, you can learn to respond to your emotions in a healthy and balanced way. Cheers to an awesome and fulfilling life.
Featured image: Ponomariova_Maria/iStock
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