Points covered in this episode:
When you’re overwhelmed or triggered, there’s a lot of uncomfortable energy in your body. At times like this most of us are instinctively drawn to distraction or something that will make us feel a quick burst of relief.
Some call this cheap dopamine which includes:
scrolling, watching TV, playing games are just some of the things we use to change how we feel.
But the relief and distraction are temporary and when we’re done with that diversion we’re dropped right back in the same feelings, and they might be worse because we’ve not taken good care of ourselves and we know we’ve wasted time and energy going nowhere.
Setting boundaries and seeing stress as information
We can learn to use triggers as information and cues for healing.
Being in the question. What is this? Can I change it? How can I change it?
We can notice what’s going on and respond differently.
Attend and befriend
Choosing acts of self-care. Oiling up. Creativity. Stretching. Walking. Seeking support.
High quality dopamine.
Turning to yourself with kindness and self respect
-
Self-compassion through intention setting
-
Responding rather than reacting
-
Being honest with yourself
Additional suggestions for supporting your nervous system
Tapping – noticing how you feel and find some words to Tap through it, or follow one of our guided Tapping Sessions like SOS Tapping or Changing anxious what if thoughts
Affirmations – write some positive affirmations for yourself or listen to a recording
Move your body
-
Go for a walk and discharge stress hormones
-
Do some yoga or follow a QiGong practice
-
Dance to your favorite song
-
Shake it out by bouncing on your heels
What helps is to have your self-care choices ready to go. They need to be as convenient as picking up your phone.
