How to Laugh in the Face of Anger

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Sometimes emotions can get the better of us and when you're in the most trying situations, keeping your cool is the last thing on your mind.

I've drawn up a list of tips that work when you feel like blowing your top, screaming and shouting, or worse, taking action, is the only way to expel your anger.

1. Breathe.
It sounds silly, and rather obvious, but managing your breathing can make that mountain look like a molehill. Deep, long breaths, like yogic breathing, through your nose and out your nose always helps me.

2. Walk away.
In school, the bullies always made the first blow and the person who didn't find back was considered 'a loser'. We're adults and walking away from a threatening situation is always the better option. It will give you time to think about what has just happened, why you feel that way, and shows you're the bigger person for not retaliating (like a child).

3. Laugh.
Laughter, possibly the opposite reaction to shouting and screaming throws your mind off the anger, and relates to a more pleasant emotion: happiness. Laugh it off, you'll feel better and wonder why you were angry in the first place.



4. Do Star-jumps. Jumping up and down, skipping, or doing jumping jacks forces your body to focus on one thing - keeping upright. It will distract you completely. Exercise is always a great stress reliever because it produces endorphins - the happy hormone.

5. Hydrate. Have you ever said: "I need a drink" or heard others claim "I need a drink after that" ? We turn to 'drinks' as a stress reliever, but the body needs hydrating fluids, not alcohol which is dehydrating. Coconut water is full of electrolytes which is naturally alkaline and will help restore some of the lost salts when all you see is red. Cucumber juice is naturally sedative, and the stuff that comes from your tap will help you think clearly, so when all seems lost, sit and sip.

If you manage to practise just one of these steps it might change your life. That's a loaded statement, but learning how to remain calm is an ability I like to think I've mastered. Add it to your to your skill set and maybe rethink that fiery text you were about to send.

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