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Internal Trigger Reduction

Absolutely. Here’s the full Internal Trigger Reduction Plan with zone-based strategies added, so you can match support tools to your current physiological and emotional state. This helps reduce overwhelm and promote baseline recovery in ALPIMS.


🔴🟡🟢 Internal Trigger Reduction Using Zones

🌡️ ZONE GUIDE:

  • 🟢 Green Zone: Regulated. Use this time to build resilience and explore deeper healing.
  • 🟡 Yellow Zone: Wobbly. Focus on stabilization, buffering, and pre-flare care.
  • 🔴 Red Zone: Flared or shut down. Prioritize safety, soothe the system, and protect baseline.

🧬 1. Physiological Triggers

TriggerGreen ZoneYellow ZoneRed Zone
Blood sugar dipsBalanced meals (protein + starch + fat)Simple snack (e.g. rice cake + banana)Sip warm rice milk or honeyed tea
Dehydration / POTSDaily electrolytes, mineral-rich brothSalted water, small sips oftenRecline, use compression, add electrolytes
MCAS / inflammationLow-histamine, anti-inflammatory mealsHistamine-buffering foods (e.g. cucumber, pear)Rescue antihistamines, cool compress
Low cortisolGentle wake routine + lightAvoid early stress, add licorice teaLay flat, dim lights, breathwork

🧠 2. Cognitive Triggers (Thought Spirals, Perfectionism)

TriggerGreen ZoneYellow ZoneRed Zone
RuminationCognitive reframe, journaling“Worry Window” (15 mins only), grounding mantraThought-stopping: “Not now. Breathe.”
Harsh self-talkGratitude or values journalingAffirmation card, self-compassion scriptVoice memo: “You’re safe. Just rest.”
Future fearGentle planning or vision board“Next 5 minutes only” mindsetDismiss thoughts, sensory focus (feel fabric, notice breath)

💬 3. Emotional Triggers (Shame, Grief, Fear)

TriggerGreen ZoneYellow ZoneRed Zone
Grief or sadnessCreative expression, write to your younger selfWatch comforting film, contact soft personWeighted blanket, tears welcome, just breathe
Shame / guiltInner child letter, voice therapy app“Would I say this to a child?” reframeCover with blanket, soften your face, no fixing now
LonelinessPlanned low-demand connectionPet interaction, nature walk, safe podcastHold comfort object, no social expectations

🧘 4. Nervous System Triggers

TriggerGreen ZoneYellow ZoneRed Zone
Vagal dysregulationCold face splash, gargling, yogaRocking, long exhale, soft hummingHum/sigh on exhale, hand on heart, soft eye focus
Trauma memoriesEMDR, parts work, co-regulation with therapistGrounding rituals, breath–body pairingDistraction with sensory focus, name 3 textures
Startle reflex / hypervigilanceCalm novelty: nature, musicPredictable routine, cocoon spaceRemove input, dark room, soft cover, no talking

💭 5. Belief-Based Triggers

BeliefGreen Zone ReframeYellow Zone AnchorRed Zone Rescue Thought
“I shouldn’t need rest.”“Rest is part of healing.”“I’m worthy of care.”“My only job now is to feel safe.”
“I’m too much.”“I’m complex, not broken.”“This moment is allowed.”“I don’t need to explain. Just rest.”
“No one cares.”“Some people care deeply.”“I’m allowed to receive love.”“I can let go of that for now.”

🌀 ZONE CHECK-IN PROMPT

Use this before deciding what to do next:

  1. What zone am I in? (Green, Yellow, Red)
  2. What’s triggering me right now—body, mind, emotion, or belief?
  3. What support would soothe this in my current zone?
  4. What can I let go of until I’m back in green?

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