How to Stop Feeling Triggered: 6 Simple Ways to Find Peace and Heal

Have you ever found yourself getting really upset over something small? Maybe someone said something that made you feel bad, or a tiny mistake at work made you feel like the whole day was ruined. It happens to all of us, and it's easy to think the problem is what happened on the outside. But what if the real issue is something inside us? Many people feel this way, and it's more common than you might think. In fact, studies show that a lot of our stress and anxiety come from things that happened in the past, not from what's happening right now. So, let's talk about how we can stop feeling so triggered and start finding more peace in our daily lives.

Why Do Small Things Set Us Off?

Think about the last time you felt really upset over something small. Maybe someone cut you off in traffic, or your friend didn't text you back right away. It's easy to blame these things for making us feel bad. But sometimes, the real reason we get so upset is because of something deeper. It's like carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks everywhere you go. If your backpack is already full, even a small pebble can feel like too much to bear.

Sometimes, we carry around old hurts and feelings that we haven't dealt with. These are like invisible rocks in our backpacks. When something small happens, it can trigger those old feelings and make us feel much worse than we need to. Imagine you’re at a party, and someone makes a joke that hurts your feelings. It might remind you of a time when someone else hurt you in the same way. Even though the joke wasn’t a big deal on its own, it feels like a big deal because it brings up old pain.

It's important to realize that getting triggered isn’t just about what's happening now. It’s also about what we’re still carrying from the past. And the good news is, once we understand this, we can start to let go of those heavy rocks.

How to Start Letting Go of Old Hurts

So, how do you begin to let go of the things that are weighing you down? It starts with becoming aware of what's really going on inside you. When you feel triggered, instead of blaming the outside world, ask yourself, "What am I still carrying? What old hurt or fear is being brought up right now?"

Dr. Gabor Maté, a well-known expert in trauma and healing, says, "Triggers are like explosive charges we still carry. The event itself isn't the problem; it's the unresolved feelings inside us that react to it." This means that when we feel triggered, it's a chance to learn more about ourselves and what we need to heal.

Think of it like cleaning out a closet. You might have things in there that you forgot about, things that are taking up space and making your life feel cluttered. As you start to look through them, you might find items that you no longer need or things that bring up old memories. By sorting through these things, you can decide what to keep and what to let go of. The same goes for your emotional "closet." By looking inside and understanding what's there, you can start to let go of what no longer serves you.

Easy Steps to Start Healing Today

Ready to start letting go of old hurts and feeling more peaceful? Here are some simple steps to help you begin:

1. Notice Your Triggers: Pay attention to the things that set you off. When you feel triggered, ask yourself, "What does this remind me of? Is there something from my past that feels similar?"

2. Take a Deep Breath: Before reacting, take a moment to breathe deeply. This helps calm your nervous system and gives you a chance to think before you act.

3. Write It Down: Sometimes, writing down your feelings can help you understand them better. Try keeping a journal where you write about what triggers you and what it might be connected to.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Remember that everyone has things they’re working through. It's okay to feel triggered, and it's okay to take time to heal.

5. Talk to Someone You Trust: Sometimes, talking to a friend or a professional can help you understand your triggers better. They can offer support and help you see things from a different perspective.

6. Find Healthy Ways to Cope: Instead of reacting in anger or frustration, try doing something that helps you feel better. This could be taking a walk, meditating, or doing something creative like drawing or writing.

By following these steps, you can start to understand your triggers better and begin the process of letting go.

Keeping Yourself Motivated to Heal

Healing from old hurts isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and a lot of self-love. There will be days when it feels hard, and that's okay. The important thing is not to give up. Remember why you want to heal. Maybe you want to feel happier, have better relationships, or just feel more at peace with yourself. Keeping these reasons in mind can help you stay motivated.

Let’s take the story of Lisa, for example. Lisa used to get really upset when her friends canceled plans. She would feel hurt and think, "They must not like me." But after working with a therapist, she realized that these feelings came from a time in her childhood when she felt left out. Understanding this helped her see that her friends weren't trying to hurt her; they were just busy. Now, instead of getting upset, she can calmly ask her friends when they might want to hang out again.

Remember, every step you take toward healing is a step in the right direction. Be patient with yourself, and keep moving forward, even when it feels tough.

Expert Advice from Dr. Peter Gagliardo

Dr. Peter Gagliardo, a compassionate expert in holistic health, knows how challenging it can be to deal with old hurts and triggers. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gagliardo understands that healing is a journey, not a destination. "Healing from triggers and old hurts takes time," he says. "But it’s a journey worth taking. Each step you take brings you closer to peace and understanding."

Dr. Gagliardo recommends starting with small, manageable steps. "It’s about progress, not perfection," he advises. "Focus on what you can do today, and don’t worry about the whole journey. Each small step will lead you closer to feeling better."

He also emphasizes the importance of being gentle with yourself. "We all have things we’re working through," he says. "Be patient, be kind, and remember that you are not alone. There is always support available to help you along the way."

Take Your Next Step Toward Healing and Peace

Are you ready to start your journey to healing and find more peace in your life? It’s time to take action! Why not take the next step today by scheduling a free discovery call with us? Click here to book your call. During this call, we’ll talk about your goals, explore any challenges you’re facing, and find ways to help you heal and feel more at peace.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way, just like a friend cheering you on. Take that first step today, and see how much better you can feel!