What Are Triggers?
What is a trigger?
A stimulus that provokes an emotional reaction, often linked to past experiences.
What is one way to slow down your reaction when triggered?
Take a deep breath before responding.
What is one mindfulness practice that helps manage triggers?
Meditation or deep breathing.
True or False: Anger is a normal human emotion.
True.
What is one strategy you can use when you feel triggered?
Pause and take a deep breath before reacting.
True or False: Triggers only come from negative experiences.
False; they can also stem from positive or neutral past events.
What role does self-awareness play in managing emotional reactions?
It helps you notice patterns in your reactions and make conscious choices.
How does journaling help with emotional regulation?
It allows for self-reflection and helps process emotions constructively.
What part of the brain is responsible for the fight-or-flight response during anger?
The amygdala.
If someone makes you angry, what is one way to respond instead of reacting impulsively?
Use “I” statements to express your feelings calmly.
Name two common types of triggers.
Situational (e.g., conflict, stress) and emotional (e.g., feeling ignored, criticized).
What is “the pause” strategy?
The practice of stopping to assess your feelings before reacting.
It allows for self-reflection and helps process emotions constructively.
Using the 5-4-3-2-1 method to focus on the present moment.
Name one positive function of anger.
It can signal that a boundary has been crossed and motivate change.
If a certain person or situation keeps triggering you, what can you do?
Identify the pattern and create a strategy to manage or avoid the trigger.
How do triggers connect to past experiences?
They activate emotional memories and past conditioning, making us react automatically.
How can reframing a situation help with emotional control?
It allows you to see the event from a different perspective, reducing emotional intensity.
Why is physical activity useful for emotional regulation?
It helps release built-up tension and stress hormones.
What hormone increases when we feel angry?
Adrenaline.
Identify the pattern and create a strategy to manage or avoid the trigger.
It reduces stress and increases emotional resilience.
What is the first step to recognizing a trigger?
Becoming aware of your physical and emotional reactions in the moment.
True or False: Expressing anger in the moment is always the healthiest option.
False; sometimes taking time to reflect before responding is more effective.
True or False: Self-regulation means ignoring your emotions.
False; it means managing them in a healthy way rather than suppressing them.
How long does the physiological response of anger last if not reinforced?
About 90 seconds.
What is one long-term benefit of learning to manage triggers effectively?
Improved relationships and emotional well-being.