When you feel triggered…
- Physically ( e.g. you’re in pain)
- Emotionally (e.g. you’re feeling anxious)
- Mentally (e.g. annoying thoughts keep circling)
STOP
S – stop whatever you are doing;
T – take time out;
- Take a few slow, deep breaths;
- Remove yourself physically from the situation. Go to another room. Go outside, or inside…wherever you feel peaceful;
- If you’re alone, move to another space (out in nature or take a shower/bath). Changing the environment changes the energy.
O – Observe your thoughts and feelings.
- Write down your thoughts and feelings;
- Keep writing until you’ve emptied yourself out and nothing else comes;
- This moves you from reaction (stressed) to response (calm).
- Often useful insights come during or after the process of writing.
P – Progress – now that you’re calm, check…
- Are you hungry – yes? – then eat a healthy snack or meal;
- Are you thirty – yes?- then drink. Even if you’re not feeling thirsty, drinking water has many benefits – contact Judy to find out at least 26 benefits of drinking water
- Are you tired – yes? – take a nap or go to sleep
Notice how much better you feel when you S. T. O. P.
Make it a new habit by practising it, until it becomes automatic.
If you were a yes to being hungry, thirsty or tired, ensure you check in with yourself throughout your day.
Not only is this healthy self care, you are far less likely to get triggered and far more likely to be responsive, happy and healthy.
Enjoy the difference!
x Judy
