We all get stressed sometimes and we have all lost our temper before. It happens, and whilst it is normal,it is not nice. That feeling of tension and frustration that chokes us. The lack of calm and control that scares us (and sometimes that people around us).
I bet you've heard this before "just relax", people say that as if it is something that everyone can just do. As if they can simply switch their anger off. Some people (more than you think) simply do not know how to relax when they are stressed. Relaxation takes focus and you cannot focus when your brain is overloaded with stress.
Below are some techniques that will help you to feel more in control of any situation that would normally anger or stress you.
- Try and temporarily remove yourself from the situation,excuse yourself to the bathroom,put the caller on hold,anything. This will help you regain your composure.
- Think of your favourite song,poem or any piece of writing,repeat it to yourself either in your head or aloud, aloud is recommended as the repitition is calming. I have tried this and it really does help. If you can't think of any, I use "The naming of cats" by T.S Eliot.
- Fake it,plaster on a big smile and be as polite and pleasant as you can possibly manage.You'll really have to force it, but not only will it help you to feel more in control but it will also really annoy the person that is trying to anger you!
