Select your location for up-to-date news and information in your local area My Area

7 Ways To Stop Your Anger Running Away With You!

Here are some steps you can take to calm yourself down when you start feeling angry.

Remember, everyone experiences anger a bit differently and you might find some steps work better for you than others.

triangle
1. Breathe
content
Girl with curly hair looking worriedImage Credit

Taking time to think about your breathing can help you to calm down and feel less angry.

Focusing on your breathing may also stop you from saying or doing something that you regret in the heat of the moment

triangle
2. Use the 54321 technique
content
Image Credit

This technique will help you feel more grounded and connect with your body.

  • 5: Think about FIVE things you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling or anything in your surroundings…
  • 4: Think about FOUR things you can touch around you…
  • 3: Think about THREE things you can hear…
  • 2: Think about TWO things you can smell…
  • 1: Think about ONE thing you can taste…

triangle
3. Find your safe place
content
Young girl doing her workImage Credit

You might be able to move away from the situation to a safe place when you’re feeling angry, giving you space to calm down.

If you can’t do this then just picture in your mind somewhere that feels safe for you, and think about how you feel when you are there.

triangle
4. Physical activity
content
Girl riding bikeImage Credit

Being active can help reduce the anger you’re feeling and help you feel less frustrated.

When we get angry, our body creates lots of adrenaline, and exercise can help to reduce this and calm you down.

Physical activity also pushes the body to produce hormones that make us feel happier and more relaxed.

triangle
5. Talk to someone about how you feel
content
Mother and daughter looking at phoneImage Credit

Talking to people about your feelings can help.

It can also be helpful, when you’re feeling calmer, to tell someone how they are making you feel; this might help change the situation.

triangle
6. Express your feelings
content
Image Credit

Find other ways that you can express how you’re feeling:

  • Write your feeling down, or draw a picture
  • Sing along to music

Anything that helps you to express your feelings will help you to manage your anger.

triangle
7. Learn how to relax
content
Girl and boy sharing headphonesImage Credit

It’s important that you practice ways to relax when you’re feeling calm, so that you can then use these techniques when you start becoming angry.

Practice breathing techniques and relaxation regularly so that you are confident using them when you need to.

how to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

Cross Hatch

Find help in your local area

Find help in your local area

Find out what services are available to you in your area. Remember your school nurse is always there to give you confidential help and support.