Ten or 100? It depends how angry you are. Alternatively, you can also count down. The aim is to give yourself time to calm down.
Yes, there are lots of things to be grateful for. Focusing on that will help you gain some perspective and calm yourself down.
Tense and slowly relax your muscles. Breathe slowly as you release the tension.
Vent all your anger in an email or letter, and then delete it. Sometimes all you need is to express your emotions.
Visualize a stop sign
When you’re angry, just picture a stop sign. This is a good mental cue for you to avoid reacting when angry.
Choose a mantra
Repeat a phrase or word that helps you control your anger. Just experiment, find what works for you, and stick to it.
Stretch
Stretching your neck and rolling your shoulders might help you relax and focus on something else.
Laughter can indeed be the best medicine. Share some jokes with a friend, watch funny videos, or simply do whatever else it takes to get you bursting out laughing.
Channel your anger into something creative. Try painting, writing, or drawing, for example.
Mentally escape by visualizing a pleasant scene. Imagine your favorite place and all the details within it.
Set a time you’ll have to wait before saying anything when you’re angry. This will allow you to calm down and not say something you shouldn’t.
Is your commute to work driving you crazy? Change your route, go to a different coffee place, etc. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing things up a bit.
Problem-solving response
Rehearse your answers to specific situations. This way your reaction will be more predictable and you’re less likely to let anger take over.
Sometimes you just need to look for the most immediate solution to something that might make you feel angry. Your kids didn’t tidy up their rooms? Just close the door and deal with it later.
Take action and do something you’ve been meaning to do for a long time. Anger can make you more productive: just channel all that energy towards something positive.
