Why does managing your emotions improve your relationships.

Apr 11, 2023

It can be difficult to manage our own emotions in different situations, however, by implementing both short-term and long-term strategies this can be improved.

Are you sometimes surprised by your emotions? You suddenly feel sad or angry, even when part of you knows it’s out of proportion to what’s happening. If so, you could be experiencing an emotional trigger.

 

That’s the psychological term for when your reaction has more to do with your past than the present situation. In the most severe cases, triggers can be related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To a lesser extent, they’re also a routine part of life for most adults.

 

For example, you may enjoy your job and work with your boss. Then, you want to quit one day because she looked in your desk drawer without asking first. When you examine your response more closely, you remember how you felt when your parents or spouse violated your privacy similarly.

 

Managing your emotions allows you to be more empathetic and understand others’ emotions and how to deal with them. This leads to better conversations and deeper relationships in all areas of your life.

 

Healing your sore spots will help you to be happier and more successful. Try these strategies for dealing with emotional triggers.

 

Managing your emotional health enables you to be authentic. Good emotional health helps your resilience under challenging situations, and you become more self-aware.

 

Short-Term Strategies for Dealing with Emotional Triggers
 

While triggers are commonplace, they can still wreak havoc. You want to avoid outbursts that could derail your career or relationships you care about.

 

Use these strategies:
 

Slow down. Resist the impulse to react immediately. Give yourself time to think things through. Count to ten or take a walk around the block.


Breathe deeply. The way you breathe can help you soothe yourself and clarify your thinking. Inhale through your nostrils rather than your mouth. Lengthen your exhalations to relax.


Distract yourself. If you’re still overwhelmed, you may want to think about something else until you’re safe. Repeat positive affirmations or plan what you’re going to make for dinner.


Communicate directly. Be assertive. Advocate for your needs and enforce your boundaries. Show others the same consideration you want for yourself.


Rehearse your response. If your triggers are predictable, you can practice what to do in a neutral setting. Look in a mirror or write out what you want to say.


Set limits. Treat yourself with patience and compassion. You may need to avoid some situations while working your way up to navigating them.
 

Longer-Term Strategies for Dealing with Emotional Triggers
 

Managing triggers is essential, but you need to dig deeper. Addressing the root causes will help you to enjoy greater peace of mind.

 

Try these techniques:
 

Take time for daily reflection. Increasing your self-awareness is vital. Sit down and observe your thoughts without making judgements. Try journaling.


Accept your feelings. Acknowledge difficult emotions without blaming yourself or trying to suppress them. Stay connected with how you're feeling throughout the day.


Tolerate uncertainty. Triggers often involve feeling helpless. Face the reality that some things are beyond your control and devote your energy to the areas where you can make positive changes.


Seek support. When you’re ready, talk about your triggers with someone you trust. Let your family and friends know how they can help you. Developing close relationships also gives you a sense of security that can make triggers less intense.


Show respect. Describing someone as triggered is sometimes an insult used to dismiss their experiences. Validating others creates a healthier environment for each of us.


Consider therapy or counselling. You may want to speak with a mental health professional for more assistance. Treatment can give you more significant insights into your behaviour and teach you valuable coping skills. Ask your doctor for a referral or family or friends for recommendations

Triggers are stubborn, but you can develop the skills to manage them. Empower yourself by taking care of your emotional health.

 

Tony Gordon 
www.changingyourmindltd.com 
tonygordon@changingyourmindltd.com 
https://linktr.ee/acdg1