Recently, I’ve had a few conversations with friends who felt completely consumed by worry, stress, and anxiety—not because of what was happening in their lives directly, but because of rumors, exaggerated stories, and unsettling news. Bad news, especially the kind we can’t control, is a huge trigger. It can send us spiraling into fear, hopelessness, or even anger. But here’s the thing: while we can’t stop the world from spinning, we can change how we respond to it. And that starts by tuning into yourself.

Why Tuning In Matters More Than Ever

Tuning into yourself is more than just a self-care buzzword; it’s the foundation for reclaiming your power. When triggers hit—whether it’s emotional eating, a heated argument, or scrolling through anxiety-inducing headlines—they often feel like automatic reactions. But what if they didn’t have to be? What if, instead of spiraling, you could take a breath, listen to your inner voice, and choose your next step with intention?

You know yourself better than anyone else. You know your strengths, your triggers, and the things that truly bring you peace. Yet, in the busyness of life, we often forget to listen to ourselves. We’re so busy reacting to the world that we rarely take time to reflect and ask:

• What do I really need right now?

• How can I overcome this trigger in a way that serves me?

• What is the best choice for me in this moment?

The Life-Changing Practice of Checking In

Here’s what I’ve found: tuning into yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating space to hear your own thoughts and trust your intuition.

For me, this often starts with a simple pause. When I notice a trigger—whether it’s the stress of a packed schedule, a worrisome headline, or an unexpected curveball—I take a moment to step back and breathe. Sometimes I’ll journal, sometimes I’ll sit in silence, and other times I’ll ask myself out loud, What’s really going on here? This small act of reflection allows me to step out of reaction mode and into a place of intention.

Here’s a simple exercise you can try this week: set aside 5-10 minutes each day to tune in. Sit quietly, take a few deep breaths, and ask yourself:

• What are the triggers I’m noticing today?

• How am I feeling in this moment?

• What can I do to support myself right now?

The answers might surprise you. You might realize that what you thought was hunger was actually boredom. Or that the anger you felt was really sadness. Or that the anxiety you carried all day stemmed from a single story you read in the morning.

Shifting Focus to What Matters Most

When we’re caught in the grip of a trigger, it’s easy to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But tuning in helps you shift your attention to what truly matters: your community, your friends, your family, your health. Instead of fixating on bad news or what’s beyond your control, ask yourself: What can I do to make a difference right here, right now?

It could be as simple as calling a loved one, taking a walk outside, or preparing a nourishing meal. It’s about finding the good news in your own life and letting that guide your actions. Because the truth is, you have far more power over your story than any trigger or headline ever will.

The Beauty of Trusting Yourself

One of the most empowering parts of tuning in is learning to trust yourself. It’s knowing that, no matter what life throws at you, you have the tools and wisdom to navigate it. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. But by pausing, reflecting, and listening to your inner voice, you’ll find the clarity you need to move forward—one step at a time. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by a trigger, take a moment to pause. Tune into yourself. Ask, What do I really need right now? and trust that the answer is already within you.

Want to Dive Deeper?

This week on the Radiate Health and Wellness Podcast, I’m sharing a powerful episode all about overcoming triggers. We explore why they hold so much power, and the steps you can take to overcome them. If you’ve ever felt like triggers are running your life, this episode is for you. And we go even deeper into Step 7—tuning into yourself—so you can start building that inner trust and resilience today.

Click here to listen on SPOTIFY to the full episode now and discover how to stop letting triggers control. Trust me, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Remember: You’ve Got This

At the end of the day, you are the creator of your own life. You have the power to shape how you respond to challenges, how you care for yourself, and how you show up in the world. So take a deep breath, tune into yourself, trust that you’ve got what it takes to handle whatever life throws your way, and Radiate Health and Wellness in all that you do!