Opinion Piece - Liz Marques
Triggers in our lives can have a profound impact on our emotions and behaviours, whether they are positive or negative. These triggers can come in many forms, such as events, people, places, or even specific words or phrases. Understanding the effects of these triggers on our emotions and behaviour can help us to better manage our responses and create a more positive and productive life.
Certain triggers, such as negative comments from others, can activate the same regions in the brain as physical pain. This suggests that our brains may interpret emotional pain similarly to physical pain, making it more challenging to cope with.
Furthermore, triggers can also have a lasting impact on our behaviour. Negative life events, such as job loss or divorce, can lead to long-term changes in behaviour, including increased risk-taking and impulsive behaviour. This implies that negative triggers can have a lasting impact on our behaviour, even after the trigger has passed.
On the other hand, positive triggers can have a profound impact on our emotions and behaviour as well. For example, positive comments or encouragement from others can boost our self-esteem and increase our motivation to achieve our goals. Additionally, positive events or experiences, such as achieving a goal or receiving recognition for our accomplishments, can lead to increased happiness and well-being.
It’s important to note that triggers can be subjective and vary from person to person. What may be a positive trigger for one person may be a negative trigger for another. For example, while receiving feedback from a boss may be a positive trigger for one person, it may be a negative trigger for another who struggles with receiving criticism.
Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to identify their own triggers and how they affect their emotions and behaviour. This can be achieved through self-reflection, therapy, or simply paying attention to how we feel in certain situations.
Once we have identified our triggers, we can work on managing our responses to them. This can include developing coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to help manage negative emotions. It can also include setting boundaries with people or situations that consistently trigger negative emotions.
In addition, it is important to surround ourselves with positive triggers that can help us achieve our goals and improve our well-being. This can include seeking out positive relationships, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and setting achievable goals that give us a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Overall, understanding the effects of triggers on our emotions and behaviour can have a profound impact on our lives. By identifying our triggers and managing our responses to them, we can create a more positive and fulfilling life.
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