Most people will admit they have acted impulsively before, either out of anger or hastiness. It is very easy to be reactionary with technology these days. Click first, regret later. As we become more self-aware and see our effect on people around us, there are ways can start to act in a way that is more controlled. Once you commit to a structured method of handling triggers, you will see the benefits, not just in how you feel but also in how others around you start acting in response.
Mindfulness has been around for thousands of years, but there are many iterations of it that can be applied to different disciplines. For people who want to learn how to be less reactionary and more effective, there are several mindfulness-based steps you can follow.
Fill Up Your Tank
We all have a hierarchy of needs, beginning with the most primal and working up to the most cognitively advanced. Before you can take care of anything else properly, it’s important to practice self-care. Build up your physical, emotional, and mental reserves so you can draw from them under stressful conditions. This is different for everyone, but you should choose things that fill you up with positive thoughts and feelings. This might be through volunteering, working out, walking in nature, or silently reading in peace. Taking time for yourself is the first step in preparing for the moments when you are unable to find strength.
Practice Opposite Reaction
Visualize an internal emergency response system that halts the immediate need to react. When you are triggered, whatever you feel compelled to do at that moment, don’t. If you feel like sending a hasty, angry email, walk away from your computer. If you feel like retreating and hiding from a conflict, force yourself to stay engaged. The repetition of doing this will get you more accustomed to the feeling, much like exercising a muscle in order to increase its strength.
Check the Facts
Human beings often confuse thoughts for stories. There is often a battle going on inside our heads that oscillates between defending our actions and berating us. The expression there is no reality, only perception exists for a reason. Checking the hard, cold facts can help you reframe a situation and give you time to gain some perspective.