When your mind is triggered, your reaction is often the fight-or-flight response: 

• The amygdala, senses danger and releases stress hormones. 

Part of my recovery from a stroke requires controlling how I react to things.
I'm using Dr Caroline Leaf's NeuroCyle App and want to share her really useful advice on dealing with toxic thoughts and self regulating your own brain's thoughts.

Based on my own experiences of being triggered and the way I have reacted and lashed out, I know how easy it is to spiral down into a loop of doom.

For example: You receive a text from someone who essentially tells you you've done something wrong.

• Immediately your brain will retrieve memories, warning signals and the fears you have about that person and situation.

Multiple Perspective Advantage (MPA)

Is about deliberately taking a moment to stand back and observe your own thinking and actions at that moment in time, to create a distance between yourself and the emotional charge from dealing with toxic thoughts and people.

Separate the emotions from the data your brain has triggered of that thought and look at it objectively so that it is easier to deconstruct.

Treat it as if you were speaking to another person, it's always easier to give advice than follow your own words of wisdom.

Imagine your watching a video of yourself in that moment;

• What are you saying?

• What's your body language?

• What is the expression on your face?

• What are you intensions at that moment in time?

This MPA creates an energy flow, making it easier to face the issue and find a solution. Use this in conjunction with the "10 Second Pause" and by deliberately observing yourself, you are less likely to fire back an immediate response that you later regret.