We’ve all had those moments at work when our emotions suddenly spike - maybe it’s an offhand comment in a meeting or a last-minute deadline. But how do you know if you’re just stressed or if something deeper is being triggered?
Here are three differences (+ examples) to look out for:
1. Root Cause
External pressures or demands cause stress while emotional triggers tap into deeper, personal feelings and past experiences.
Example
Stress - You are asked to present in front of the whole department. The stakes are high and a lot is riding on your performance. You don’t want to fail. You feel stressed. Public speaking can be a real challenge!
Trigger - A colleague laughs out loud at you while you present the weekly report to your manager. You are flustered. You feel an intense surge of insecurity. You’re lost for words and can’t seem to collect your thoughts. You feel embarrassed and humiliated.
2. Physical Signs
Stress is a state of mental tension while triggers are sudden, strong emotions (anger, sadness, anxiety) that surge up unexpectedly. Both can present as muscle pain, sweating, faster heartbeat, dizziness, headache, tightness in the chest, jaw clenching or stomach problems.
Example
Stress - You’re in meetings back to back and your head is buzzing with all the information that was discussed. On top of that, the last meeting ran over and now you’re sprinting across the office. You worry that you’ll be late for the next one. You feel muscle tension and a headache coming on. You are stressed.
Trigger - You’re attending the monthly product review call. The lead of your department asks you for an update and just as you start speaking, a co-worker from another department cuts in to disagree with the data you are sharing. You feel an intense wave of anger washing over you. It’s the same co-worker that interrupted you in previous calls. Your heart is racing and your cheeks get red.
3. Typical Reactions
After experiencing stressful situations, we are often tired. When triggered, we tend to ruminate, seek “justice” or completely withdraw and shut down.
Example
Stress - The deadline for your team’s project was today. You spend the entire morning checking if everything is ready. A few last minute, unexpected issues occur and you have to troubleshoot on the spot. The day is intense. When you leave work you feel tired and in need of rest.
Trigger - Your manager makes a negative comment about the quality of your report in front of the entire team. She criticizes your approach, even though in previous 1-on-1s you had with her, the feedback on the progress was positive. You are taken aback and confused. When you leave work you can’t stop thinking about what happened. You ruminate for the whole week and feel deep resentment.
Learn how to use emotional intelligence to build resilience to triggers and reclaim your peace. Prioritize your mental wellbeing at home and at work.
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