Is your temper getting the best of you? If you lose your cool more often than you’d like, it may be time to start working on ways to control your anger. 

While it’s normal to feel angry from time to time, it’s important to be able to control your temper and not let it get the best of you.

Luckily, there are several effective strategies you can use to help keep your temper in check. 

Think Before You Speak

It’s normal to feel angry from time to time. 

Anger is a natural, human emotion. 

But anger can become a problem when it starts to control your life. 

If you have difficulty controlling your anger, you may need help from a professional. 

But you can also do some things to manage your anger on your own.

One of the most important things you can do is to learn to think before you speak. 

When you’re angry, it’s easy to say something you’ll regret later. 

So, wait until you’ve calmed down before saying anything. 

If you can’t wait, try to stick to the facts and avoid making personal attacks.

It’s also important to be aware of your body language. 

For example, when you’re angry, your body may tense up, or you may make fists without realizing it. 

You may also start speaking more loudly than usual. 

If you notice any of these physical signs of anger, try to take a few deep breaths and relax your body.

Controlling your anger takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. 

If you can learn to manage your anger, you’ll feel better and relationships will be easier.

Once You are Calm, Express Your Concerns

If your anger is out of control, it can lead to problems in your personal and professional life. 

Finding ways to calm down and healthily express your emotions is important if you get angry frequently.

There are many effective techniques that you can use to calm down when you are feeling angry. 

One way to do this is to slowly take some deep breaths and count to 10. 

This will help you to focus on something other than the anger-inducing situation and give you a moment to calm down. 

Another effective technique is visualizing a calming scene or image, such as a beach or a peaceful meadow. 

Focus on the details of the scene and allow yourself to feel relaxed and at peace.

Once you are calm, it is important to express your concerns constructively. 

One way to do this is by using “I” statements. 

For example, instead of saying, “You always make me so angry,” try saying, “I get really upset when I feel like I’m not being listened to.” 

This will help the other person understand your feelings and may de-escalate the situation. 

If you get angry frequently, it may be helpful to consult with a therapist or counselor who can help you identify triggers and strategies for managing your temper.

Control Your Anger with Exercise

Exercise is a great way to release pent-up energy and tension. 

It can also help you clear your mind and focus on something other than whatever makes you angry. 

So, if possible, try to get some exercise every day. 

Even a brisk walk around the block can help you calm down and de-stress.

Take a Timeout

If you feel your temper starting to flare, it’s important to take a timeout. 

This doesn’t mean you must leave the room or the situation, but you need to give yourself a break. 

Step away from the person or situation if you can, and take a few deep breaths. 

If you can’t step away, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. 

It might also help to imagine yourself in a calm, peaceful place.

While it might seem like taking a timeout will only make things worse, it can help diffuse the situation and give you a chance to calm down. 

It also shows the other person that you’re not going to let your anger get the best of you.

Identify Possible Solutions

It may not be easy to control your temper all the time, but it is possible to identify possible solutions that can help you manage your anger effectively. 

One of the most effective ways to control your anger is to identify the triggers that cause you to become angry in the first place. 

Once you know your triggers, you can work on avoidance or management techniques accordingly.

Different ways to manage your anger depend on the severity and intensity of your reactions. 

For some people, simply taking a few deep breaths or counting to 10 may be enough to calm down and avoid an outburst. 

However, if your reactions are more severe, you may need to seek out professional help to learn how to manage your anger effectively.

If you have difficulty controlling your anger on your own, many anger management programs can help you learn how to cope better with your emotions. 

These programs typically involve individual or group counseling sessions and may also include skill-building exercises and relaxation techniques. 

If you feel you could benefit from an anger management program, please seek professional help to get started on the path to anger control.

Stick with “I” Statements

Stick with “I” statements. 

When you’re feeling angry, it’s easy to lash out and blame the other person for whatever is bothering you. 

However, this will only make the situation worse. 

Instead, try to stay calm and use “I” statements. 

For example, you could say, “I feel like we’re not spending enough time together.” 

This will help the other person understand how you’re feeling without putting them on the defensive.

Don’t Hold a Grudge

If you want to manage your anger effectively, you need to let the past go. 

That means not holding a grudge against people who have wronged you in the past. 

It might be difficult to do, but it’s important to forgive and forget if you want to move on with your life.

Holding a grudge means that you’re still dwelling on the situation that made you angry in the first place. 

It’s like reliving the event over and over again in your mind. 

This can harm your mental and emotional health, so it’s important to let go of any resentment you might be harboring.

Of course, forgiveness doesn’t mean that you have to forget what happened. 

It just means you no longer allow the event to control your life. 

When you forgive someone, it sets you free from anger and resentment. 

It will enable you to move on with your life and focus on more positive things.

Use Humor to Release Tension

Sometimes the quickest way to diffuse your anger is to find some humor in the situation. 

When you can laugh at yourself, it will help take the power away from the anger. 

If you can see the funny side of what made you angry, it will help release the tension. 

Try to keep things in perspective and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Practice Relaxation Skills

Practicing relaxation skills can help you to control your temper. 

When you feel angry, your body’s natural reaction is to tense up. 

This can lead to a spiral of negative emotions, making it harder to think clearly and more likely to say or do something you regret.

Relaxation skills help to counter this natural reaction by promoting physical and mental relaxation.

You can try various techniques, so experiment to find the ones that work best for you. Some relaxation skills that may be helpful include:

• Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head.
• Deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on breathing from your diaphragm rather than from your chest.
• Visualization: picturing yourself in a peaceful setting can help to calm and relax your mind and body.
• Yoga or meditation: both of these practices can promote physical and mental relaxation.

Know When to Seek Help

Many anger management tips can be useful in helping you to control your temper. 

However, it is important to know when to seek help from a professional if you feel you are struggling to manage your anger healthily.

If you frequently feel angry, irritable, or aggressive and that this impacts your work, relationships, or health, it may be time to seek professional help. 

A therapist can give you tools and strategies for managing your anger more constructively.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are many things you can do on your own to manage your anger. 

For example, time for yourself each day to relax and de-stress can be helpful. 

Exercise can also be a great way to positively release pent-up energy and frustration.

Conclusion

If you are struggling to control your temper, try these tips and if you find that you are still struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.