Everyone gets angry at times, but for some, managing that anger can be a real challenge—and it makes a significant difference.

Anger is an emotion that can come in handy when standing up for yourself or defending your rights and loved ones from wrongdoings.

However, if you do not know how to control your anger, it can land you in many unfavourable circumstances.

Lack of self-control in managing anger can also damage relationships with loved ones and even people you encounter briefly.

So, are you ready to tame your anger? Let’s start by considering the following tips…

Think before you say anything

It is easy to utter words that can hurt someone even when you’re right in the heat of the moment. So, thinking before you speak is essential to collect your thoughts before saying anything.

Give space to yourself

You know it when you’re going to outburst. So, give yourself some time when you feel stressed. A few minutes of silent time can help you release tension and handle tense situations better.

Deep slow breathing

Holding your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly 10 times can calm you down and rest your brain. Deep slow breathing controls fight-or-flight response.

Don't hold a grudge

Holding grudges can swallow you up with bitterness and a sense of injustice. Calmly discussing the issue using an ‘I’ statement and shaking hands with someone who angered you will calm the situation and strengthen your relationship.

While the above tips serve as a form of emotional first aid to help you manage situations in the heat of the moment, it’s important to seek professional help if you find yourself consistently unable to control your anger.

Mayo Clinic states, “Learning to control anger can be a challenge at times. Seek help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control, causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you.”