I think this might be one of my favorite pieces of advice to write about, and here’s why. I like to refer to myself as someone who has an incredibly short fuse. Despite working with kids for three years and growing up with a younger sister, you would think I would have some great patience. Well, I don’t. I get so angry so easily and it’s easy for me to blow a fuse when the slightest inconvenience occurs. However, I have been implementing some things into my routine that help me control my anger and temper. Maybe this can help you too!
- Breathing exercises
This might sound really silly, but breathing exercises truly do work miracles. There have been multiple occasions where I couldn’t be anywhere but my car, yelling and banging my hands into the steering wheel (Side note: please don’t drive angry). While it’s okay to be really angry and take it out on your car, there comes a time when you do have to leave your car and go about your day. What I like to do is try four sets of breathing exercises. First, I inhale, then hold it for five seconds and then breathe out. I do this about four times and then I start to feel better. Make sure you do your breathing exercise in a safe space. For example, my safe space is my car.
- Talk or walk
Another thing I always do when I’m angry is either talk or walk. What this means is I either talk to someone about my anger or walk away from everyone. Let me explain. There are times when I don’t mind talking to someone about what’s bothering me, but other times, I cannot talk to anyone if I’m feeling upset or else I will lash out at them. Sometimes you have to figure out how you are feeling in the moment. If you really can’t stand to see anyone at a particular point in time, communicate that with them. Let them know that you cannot talk to anyone right now because you are angry. After all, you don’t want to lash out at someone who didn’t do anything wrong.
- Coping mechanisms
There are so many great coping mechanisms out there that can really help you recover from anger and frustration. If you enjoy writing, then journaling is a great way to channel your feelings and help you overcome difficult situations. Other things I enjoy doing to help with my anger is to distract myself. Sometimes I’ll go on night walks around campus when it’s quiet or go to the gym and workout. If you aren’t feeling up to exercise, then another great way to relax is to take a bath or practice some self care. Either way, you have to do something that will help you calm down and breathe.
Remember, it’s okay to be angry. Being an adult means that we all have to deal with things that are frustrating and annoying. What is not okay is letting yourself obsess and boil over. Acknowledge what is making you angry and try to alleviate that anger. Things happen. What matters is that you do something about it.
