How to Prevent Your Own Temper Tantrums

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By Jane Smith
User-Submitted Article

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(15 Ratings)

You're driving down the road and someone cuts you off. Next thing you know, you are rolling down your window hurling insults and profanities at innocent bystanders. You pull in to work, and someone takes the space you were about to take. You start shouting again, only to find it is your boss stepping out of the car. This behavior isn't solving the problems, and it is unhealthy for you and everyone around you. Take a deep breath and follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Before you even sit up in the morning, take full, deep breaths and slowly exhale. Relax your body, picturing all your tensions floating away on a cloud.
Step 2

Wiggle your toes, then rotate one ankle five times clockwise, then five times counter clockwise. Repeat for the other foot and ankle. Raise one foot up and place it on your knee. Breathe out, then back in. Keep that pose for 10 seconds. Repeat for the other foot and knee. Bring your knees as close to your chin as you are able. Hold 10 seconds, then breathe out while extending your legs.
Step 3

Place your hands on your chest with fists together, touching at the knuckles. Tighten your abdominal muscles and pull yourself part way up, then lay back down. Repeat 25 times.
Step 4

Lay flat on your back with knees bent, heels even, shoulders straight. Tighten your lower abdominal muscles. Pull your knees as close to your chin as you can, then extend your legs until they are flat. Repeat 25 times.
Step 5

Now that you are fully relaxed, begin your day. Every time you feel yourself becoming tense, relax all of your muscles and take 10 deep breaths. Apologize if you begin to raise your voice to someone or blurt out profanities without thinking. Stop what you are doing, pull over your car if necessary, and relax.