The first thing that comes to mind when we think about triggers is trauma and negative connotations. However, we can also link some triggers to happiness and recollections of happy times in the past.

We also have triggers associated with less-than-ideal situations or moments in our life. Physiological, sexual, and mental abuse victims are often reminded of their past when they witness reenactments on media or encounter anyone with the same physical traits, scent, or look as their abuser. Understanding how to manage these triggers, on the other hand, is critical to living a healthy existence.

Here are some suggestions for navigating your triggers to live a healthy lifestyle.

Identifying your triggers is the first step

Knowing how things have impacted you in the past and how they are currently influencing you is always beneficial. This understanding will aid you in recognizing what triggers your reactions before, during, and after something provokes you. We don’t always realize what causes our reaction until it’s too late. Being familiar with what triggers you will allow you to develop a strategy for dealing with similar situations in the future. Make a mental or physical note of the activities, ideas, people, locations, or objects you’re thinking about in the occurrence that something set you off.

Allow yourself to experience emotions

When you are triggered, you will experience particular emotions. Recognize those emotions, figure out where it’s coming from, and use healthy coping techniques to combat any unpleasant reactions (deep breathing, writing, exercising, or contacting a mental health expert, for example). A wide variety of emotions are a natural response to life’s events. How we respond to these emotions and sentiments will determine whether we are mentally healthy or need support.

Make new rules

Now that you know what triggers you and how it manifests in emotions and feelings, the next step is to establish new routines and healthy diversions. Upon recognizing what triggers you, new standards may take the place of the activities you’d normally do. Make sure your behavior substitutes are practical and that you will want to do or follow through on them. You will be glad when you see the result of your actions.

Things that will divert your thoughts away from previous experiences or current concerns are considered healthy diversions. Going out with a close buddy for a fantastic dinner after experiencing a breakup or a stressful week is an example of a beneficial distraction. Soaking in a warm bath, getting a massage, or reading a good book are all terrific instances of healthy distractions.

It’s acceptable to be sad

Grief is a process that has no end date or time limit. It’s important to reframe your thoughts when you’re prompted by or after the death of a loved one, pet, relationship, or career. Concentrate on good memories, joyful occasions, or positive traits and experiences with that individual.

So, while you go about your daily routine, be aware of what is going on and how it manifests itself as emotions, ideas, and actions.

We may not be able to alter all of the conditions and occurrences in our life, but the ability to change how we think about them and how they dominate us is the ultimate sign of recovering our power.