When I get angry (I mean really "I-could-wring-your-neck" kind of angry), which I rarely do, thank goodness, the first thing I do is take myself away from the situation that's made me angry. I end the conversation, leave the room, whatever. Back in the day, I would go for a smoke. (Interestingly, was not even tempted to do so on Tuesday when my boss got me really angry - go me!)
If I can't physically get away from the situation, I distance myself emotionally - I withdraw into umbraged silence until such time as I can be alone.
And then I think about, or (better yet) do something else. If it's possible, I go outside and go for a brisk walk. I vent my anger in whatever way is most appropriate, always stopping short of physical violence (however sorely I am tempted) or wanton destruction.
That's usually enough to let me get back to the task at hand (most of the time when I'm really angry I'm at work. Funny that.). Then, as the black clouds clear and my thought processes start to resume functioning logically, I work through what the problem is and what the solution might be.
As for other moods - sadness, irritability, depression, funk - my first step is usually to go out and get some fresh air. Then I check the biological basics - hunger, sleep - and address those.
no subject
If I can't physically get away from the situation, I distance myself emotionally - I withdraw into umbraged silence until such time as I can be alone.
And then I think about, or (better yet) do something else. If it's possible, I go outside and go for a brisk walk. I vent my anger in whatever way is most appropriate, always stopping short of physical violence (however sorely I am tempted) or wanton destruction.
That's usually enough to let me get back to the task at hand (most of the time when I'm really angry I'm at work. Funny that.). Then, as the black clouds clear and my thought processes start to resume functioning logically, I work through what the problem is and what the solution might be.
As for other moods - sadness, irritability, depression, funk - my first step is usually to go out and get some fresh air. Then I check the biological basics - hunger, sleep - and address those.