If It’s Hysterical, It’s historical – Why We Lose Our Minds

You’re on hold for the 20th minute with customer service, the internet has been down all morning, and now your boss emails you about a looming deadline. Suddenly, you find yourself yelling at the polite customer service rep on the other end of the line. “It’s not like me to blow up like that!” you think. But what that rep isn’t seeing is that she’s the third frustrating encounter you’ve had that morning, and your patience is wearing thin.

We all have those moments where we don’t feel like ourselves. You might snap at a coworker’s innocent joke, or find yourself getting into a heated argument with a stranger online. These outbursts often come from a place of hidden stress or past experiences that act like emotional triggers.

That snide remark from your coworker might have simply pushed a button installed by an old insecurity from a childhood experience. Suddenly, you’re not reacting to the present situation, but to a past hurt.

The key is to recognize these triggers and learn ways to manage your emotional response. Take a deep breath, count to ten, or step away from the situation for a moment. By staying calm, you can avoid saying or doing things you regret later. Remember, even when you’re stressed and feel like you’re not “being yourself,” it’s still you. But you’re you, under pressure. And with a little self-awareness and some calming techniques, you can navigate those tough situations with grace.

ACTION: Practice one minute of mindfulness meditation regularly. Focus on your breath, and gently bring your attention back to it when your mind wanders. This simple practice strengthens your ability to choose your response in the heat of the moment.

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