Thoughts about triggers

[Libby]

Thoughts about the advice to avoid triggers...

It seems most common that MDers can identify a trigger for their daydreaming, usually some kind of media. How often does your brain make the switch without any known trigger, or maybe something triggers  it that you wouldn't have imagined. Do you have to have a trigger? 

For me, certain things are a sure fire antecedent. However, some things will trigger me unexpectedly. I notice this happens when I try to avoid my known triggers, which I do think is good advice. I 'm wondering if my brain isn't somehow looking for a trigger. Anyone else feel this way?  Then there are the times when minds naturally wander: Folding laundry, driving, etc.  How can one avoid those things?

[Ellen]

I don't think it is possible to avoid all triggers.   When you are doing things like folding laundry, driving, or walking (walking is a big trigger for me), I think the best way to avoid daydreaming is to actively concentrate on something else, like making plans for later or thinking through something you have studied lately or even (if music doesn't trigger you) singing a song in your head.

[Libby]

I agree. You can't avoid all triggers. Singing a song might actually work better than trying to concentrate on something else.
I have gotten really good at concentrating on mental tasks, but concentrating my thoughts while simultaneously performing nonmemtal tasks...not so much. :)
I actually like the suggesgstion about singing a song or something. Maybe reciting poems even. Music triggers me like nothing else, but not my singing. I shudder to think about how annoying it would be to anyone in ear shot, but it's a good strategy. Believe me, just focusing my brain I find rather difficult sometimes. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Jules]

I don't actually think that doing mundane, everyday things is a "trigger" as such...but an environment that encourages my DD's. My triggers I would say are things like, movies, books, music, an event, or after having a conversation with someone (or while in conversation), and those things trigger an idea or thought, that motivates me to add it to my DD reportoire. What a loaded sentence! Lol.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is there are 2 things kind of working here. The idea of the DD itself, and the environment we put ourselves in.

Wow, that's way too deep for this time of night. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Libby! It's got me thinking.

[Libby]

I agree with everything you said Jules. I get triggered by movies, songs, books, events in the news, art, even people. Realistically, unavoidable. Then certain situations, like mundane task or time alone, will just allow it to go. But I suppose that is, in fact, different from a trigger. I am going t try to avoid those situations more than the triggers themselves. To be honest, the thought of avoiding entertainment or news or whatever is rather depressing anyway. Perhaps it would be time better spent to have a plan for the time we are more likely to fall into it. Such as:
Waking up (lol): we got to just get up nd get going.
Mundane tasks: I envy the people that can put on music and take care of business. I can't do this.
Instead I'm going to sing to myself, or recite something, or the like to keep my brain from wandering.
When I'm out in the world being productive, like waiting at the doctors office, I will allow my brain to do what it does.

The one big problem is my brain never has that unstructured thought. Actually this might be my biggest problem with the whole thing. Most people drive their cars and think about what they need at the store, what they will prepare for dinner, appointments they need to make, stuff they need to do. As an MDer, I'm too busy staying n reality or leaving it, so I don't do all of this all important life planning, which puts me at a serious disadvantage.
A lot to think about! Thanks everyone:)