{"id":2205,"date":"2017-05-18T18:42:04","date_gmt":"2017-05-18T18:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/?p=2205"},"modified":"2018-07-04T02:00:38","modified_gmt":"2018-07-04T02:00:38","slug":"tips-to-cool-your-anger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/2017\/05\/tips-to-cool-your-anger.html","title":{"rendered":"Tips To Cool Your Anger"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"cool<\/a><\/p>\n

How to cool your anger is a good question. Once you know how to recognize the warning signs <\/a>that your temper is rising and learn to anticipate your triggers, you can deal with your anger before it spins out of control. There are many techniques that can help you cool down and keep your anger in check.<\/p>\n

Tips to cool your anger<\/h3>\n

Focus on the physical sensations of anger<\/strong>. Its the first step to cool your anger. While it may seem counterintuitive, tuning into the way your body feels when you’re angry often lessens the emotional intensity of your anger. How does your stomach feel?\u00a0Are muscles tense?\u00a0Stretch or massage areas of tension. Roll your shoulders if you are tensing them, for example, or gently massage your neck and scalp.<\/p>\n

Take some deep breaths<\/strong>. Deep, slow breathing helps counteract rising tension. The key is to breathe deeply from the abdomen. Get as much fresh air as possible into your lungs. Breathing can bring your thoughts back into the present moment, away from guilt, the past, or future anxieties. Pranic breathing can be used as a meditative tool. Use aromatherapy to enhance your breathing exercises. Lavender is great for calming one’s nerves.<\/p>\n

Exercise<\/strong>. A brisk walk around the block is a good idea. It releases pent-up energy so you can approach the situation with a cooler head. Lift those weights or hit a punching bag. Jog. Anything that moves your muscles and limbers you up. After all, your body is in a fight or flight reaction. Physical activity is what your muscles are screaming for at the moment.<\/p>\n

Use your senses<\/strong>. Take advantage of the relaxing power of your sense of sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. You might try listening to music or picturing yourself in a favorite place. Burn incense. Light a candle and focus on the flame, settling\u00a0the chaos of your mind by focusing on something (the flame) that is steady and unflinching.<\/p>\n

Slowly count to ten<\/strong>. Focus on the counting to let your rational mind catch up with your feelings. If you still feel out of control by the time you reach ten, start counting again.\u00a0Give yourself a reality check.\u00a0<\/strong>When you start getting upset about something, take a moment to think about the situation. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n