How to Keep Calm When Irritated

Throughout the course of a day, many factors can bring upon annoyance, from someone cutting you off in traffic to a coworker making a snide remark about your new cardigan. Although it is natural to feel annoyed by things occasionally, it is unhealthy to let your irritated feelings build up and overwhelm you.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify what causes your irritation. If you notice that something, all of a sudden, is bothering you, simply bow out. For example, if your roommate is watching a television show you don't like, leave the room and do something else. If your mother starts getting on your case asking you why you aren't married yet, tell her that you have to call her back later. Reduce stressors in your life as much as you can.

• 2

  Envision the negative effects of acting out. When someone or something begins to irritate you, you may notice it physically, from feeling your face getting red to your body stiffening up. Before you raise your voice and tense up your jaw, take a second to ask yourself if it is worth it. Whether your acting out could potentially result in humiliation at work or your child being disappointed in you, analyze the cons -- you may just realize that you don't want to be the person who cannot keep his cool.

• 3

  Walk outside. Clear you head by enjoying a stroll alone. Take in the fresh outdoor air and use the time as an opportunity to remove yourself from the frustrating circumstances that are making you feel irritated. Take a break by surrounding yourself in your own thoughts.

• 4

  Release your feelings in a productive manner. Concealing and pushing away frustrated emotions only will cause them to get more out of hand over time. Document how you feel by keeping a journal. Not only will doing this help you vent, but it will also help you gain more perspective on your irritating situation -- and how to solve it.

• 5

  Practice deep breathing. Retreat to a quiet room by yourself and deeply inhale from your lower stomach. Keep straight posture and touch your chest with your hand. Inhale via your nose and then slowly exhale out of your mouth. Focus on releasing as much air as you can.

• 6

  Discuss your feelings. Share your irritation with someone who makes you feel comfortable and secure. Hearing another person's point of view may assist you in figuring out how to deal with your problem better. Also, sometimes merely talking things out and getting things off your chest can be therapeutic and healing.

• 7

  Play tranquil music. Turn on your stereo and listen to songs that make you feel calm, relaxed and happy. Allow yourself to get lost in the music and temporarily escape from the source of your frustration.