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Corbis

Corbis

Life can be stressful. And sometimes it puts us in a place where anger is hard to shake. At first, it’s easy to point the finger at who or what sent you into “I just can’t today” territory. But when the stress won’t let up, soon everything sends you from 0 to 100.

Thankfully, when life hands you salty lemons there are things that you can do about it. Stick to these techniques and you will not only find a way to relax, but even help take the power away from what’s disturbing your peace.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Breathe Deeply

Slow breaths in and out can calm any situation down long enough for you to take a step back before you say or do something you will regret. Just breathe with this gif for a minute or so and you will feel those tense feelings slip away.

Corbis

Corbis

Eat Something

Never underestimate the power of low blood sugar to take your emotions to the next level. Have a snack — something sweet works best — and wait 30 minutes. You will likely feel more balanced after you’ve eaten a little something.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Distance Yourself

Whether it’s your 9 to 5 or your family that is driving you crazy, a little distance can give you some perspective. Take a break from what’s making you mad (even if it means taking a mini vacation) and you will avoid getting worked up long enough to see a solution.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Think Before You Speak

If saying something you regret later sounds like your familiar way of doing things, it might be time to work through your emotions before you speak. Even if you have to discuss certain issues later, it’s best to get your thoughts, and your emotions, in order first.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Try Not to Turn up the Heat

When you have to tell someone why you’re mad, try saying, “It makes me upset when ___. How can we find a solution so we don’t have this tension?” Doing so instead of directly pointing fingers goes over much better. It sounds corny, but telling other people why you’re mad instead of why they’re wrong is the best way to get your feelings across without starting a fight (and make them more likely to address the problem).

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Practice Forgiveness

For you, not for them. Every time thinking about the situation makes you upset, remind yourself that you’re not going to let it affect you. Work on letting it go, even if you have to literally repeat “I won’t let their actions affect me” until what they did loses its power over you.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Have Chamomile Tea

When something has made you mad enough to keep you up at night, try chamomile tea. It will calm you down and help you get to sleep. Still, its gentle enough to put in your thermos during the day when you know a test is coming.

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

Cut Down on Coffee

When a situation puts you on the emotional struggle bus, cutting your coffee intake can help. Caffeine gives you energy, but it can also fuel your anger. If you still need an energy boost, try a drink like black tea that will perk you up without exciting your nerves.