Episode 19: What to Do When You’re Triggered

Subscribe to the Inner Archeology Podcast

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts  | Spotify | Amazon Music 


When you are triggered, it can feel like your life is at risk, but if we can develop skills to cope in these situations, they can become opportunities to heal from our deepest wounds. 

Today on the show we unpack the spectrum of typical responses to triggering situations and share some of the biggest lessons we have learned to help work through these feelings. 

We start by defining triggers as experiences that bring about a fight or flight response and then share memories of the different ways that we have reacted in moments like these. 

As far as coping mechanisms go, you’ll hear a range of physical techniques that can help you situate yourself back into your body as well as the present moment. 

We also share a series of mental exercises involving visualization and mindfulness that assist with reframing a triggering situation in a way that makes it manageable. 

One of the biggest takeaways from today is that everybody is different: just as our reactions to our triggers are unique, so too should our responses be. 

So tune in and hear a few tips for handling triggers that can set you on the path to growth and healing.


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Our increasing reliance on technology and the need to take a break from being online.
  • Differences between being triggered and offended and how the former is more severe.
  • The evolution of fight or flight responses and how being triggered causes the same feeling.
  • How to respond to being triggered in a way that quells the fight or flight feeling.
  • Stories about how Emily responded to triggering situations by running away.
  • Sarah’s tendency to respond by fighting and how this plays out with Ben.
  • The different ways that being triggered feels to people.
  • Why it is important to reflect on your way of being triggered to handle things better.
  • The consequences Emily and Sarah experience after being triggered badly.
  • Handling being triggered by remembering that the ‘offender’ didn’t mean you harm.
  • Grasping the severity of the harmful ways we treat ourselves by saying them out loud.
  • The work that Sarah did to become mindful of her destructive inner voice.
  • Uncovering your deepest wounds by becoming aware of your inner narrative.
  • Sarah’s experiences on the days after she was triggered or operating on ‘high beta’.
  • Why Emily wants to fight in moments where her trigger involves her children.
  • Bodily experiences that Emily and Sarah have while being triggered.
  • Perspectives on this idea that your triggers are your teachers.
  • The value of informing the people who are close to you about your triggers.
  • Tools for calming down in triggering situations such as box breathing and going outside.
  • Hacking your nervous system into being more present using tapping.
  • Different ways of bringing yourself back to your body and being present.
  • A mental exercise to separate yourself from bad feelings when triggered.


Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Inner Archeology Email

Sarah Turner on Instagram

Emily Pennystone on Instagram

About Sarah

I’m an entrepreneur on a mission to help other people become entrepreneurs.
My blog is a place where I provide business building advice and explore how we can create more meaningful work.

Free Copywriting Masterclass

My masterclass How to Build a Lucrative Freelance Copywriting Career shows you exactly how I went from zero income to consistent five-figure months with copywriting – with no experience and no portfolio.

Top Episodes

Episode 33: Is Confidence An Illusion?

Today’s conversation brought us to some profound revelations about our personal journeys, from the lessons Sarah’s Ritalin withdrawal taught her about the pliable nature of our personalities, to what we’ve found to be the true nature of confidence! We discuss the false assumptions we often have about others who appear to be ultra-confident, and how

Listen Now »

Share This Episode

Leave a Comment

You May Also Enjoy

Episode 29: Consciously Choosing Our Own Beliefs

Welcome to another episode of Inner Archeology, and the first that we are releasing with video! Should you wish to watch us rather than listen to us, we hope that seeing our faces helps you connect with us on a deeper level. Today, we’re talking about something we have touched

Listen Now »

Free Masterclass

How to Build a Lucrative Freelance Copywriting Career

(with no experience)

My masterclass walks you through how I went from zero to consistent five-figure months with copywriting – with no experience and no portfolio.

Gain instant access – right to your inbox – when you sign up below.👇

We will never spam you or share your email with anyone. In addition to the guide you’ll also receive semi-regular email updates with tips, tools, offers and exclusive resources. All emails include an unsubscribe link, you may opt-out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy to see how your data is handled.

Meet Your Host

Hey You, I'm Sarah Turner

Expert Copywriter and Online Business Coach

I help people (just like you) take control of their life and transform their financial future with entrepreneurship.

Craving a life with more meaning, more freedom, and a higher income?

I’m here to empower you with the mindset, strategy, and profitable skills to create an online business you love.