All of us feel angry at certain points in our lives. However, anger can become a real problem when it affects your personal health and relationships. It's important to learn how to deal with anger in a positive way. The Mayo Clinic offers ten tips to help you blow off steam effectively:
Think before you speak – so you will not say something you will end regretting later.
Once you are calm, state your needs in a clear, direct, and non-confrontational fashion.
Get some exercise – physical activity can help reduce the stress that can cause you to get angry.
Take a time-out and give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts during stressful parts of the day. This will mentally prepare you for any stressors that might occur later in the day.
Identify possible solutions instead of focusing on what made you mad.
Stick with "I" statements to avoid placing blame on the other person. For example say, "I'm upset that you left the table without doing any dishes" instead of "You never do the dishes."
Don't hold a grudge - negative feelings can lead to bitterness, which can consume you. Forgiveness can lead to learning from the situation.
Use humor to release tension and help you face whatever is making you angry. Avoid sarcasm however; as this can lead to more hurt feelings.
Practice relaxation skills such as deep breathing, yoga, listening to music, or writing in a journal.
Know when to seek help.