When most people talk about triggers, they describe them as enemies — something they want to erase. But triggers are not signs of weakness. They’re signals from your body, reminders that your system is trying to keep you safe.
What’s Really Happening When You’re Triggered
The racing heart, the shallow breath, the tight shoulders — that’s your sympathetic nervous system preparing you to fight, flee, or fawn. It may feel overwhelming, but beneath the discomfort is a simple message: I don’t feel safe.
The Power of Naming
When you can pause and say, “This is my stress response. My body is trying to protect me,” you shift from being inside the storm to observing it. That shift itself reduces intensity.
How to Befriend the Body
- Ground: Place both feet on the floor.
- Breathe: Exhale longer than you inhale.
- Soften: Place a hand over your chest or neck. Warmth signals safety.
- Widen your gaze: Look to the edges of the room. It tells your brain you’re not trapped.
Why This Works
Research shows that these practices calm the nervous system, allowing the prefrontal cortex — the part of your brain that makes thoughtful decisions — to come back online.
Key Takeaway
Your nervous system is not your enemy. It’s overprotective, yes — but when you listen with compassion, you unlock choice instead of reactivity.
