4 Everyday Exercises to Manage Your Anger

December 5, 2022

Unless you’re a Tibetan monk, surrounded by nothing but other peaceful Tibetan monks, chances are you run into people and events that make you plain ol’ angry sometimes. And that’s okay. Anger is a very common human emotion, and in many instances, it can serve as a compass that guides you to better choices and situations.


For instance, if you feel yourself become angry on more than one occasion at work while interacting with your boss, it may be an indication that you need to learn to communicate your ideas better, not take things personally, or even find a job and work environment that is better suited to your skillset and personality.


But while anger can serve as a guide to some people, to others anger is like an uncontrollable monster. It wreaks havoc on everything it encounters, including personal relationships.

If you are one of those people who find that they get carried away with anger emotions, it’s important that you learn how to manage your feelings and reactions to those feelings. Here are 4 everyday exercises you can do to manage your anger.


1. Recognize It


Your very first step to control your anger is to recognize when it is creeping up on you. Be honest with yourself and admit that, for whatever reason, you seem to be getting very angry very quickly these days. Pay attention to the events of your life and your reaction. When you feel that feeling coming on, recognize it. What does it feel like? What are some of the triggering events that usually bring it on?


The very act of being aware of the anger in the moment can help dissipate it. When you recognize it, tell your anger, “I control you, you don’t control me.”


2. Reframe the Situation


When we haven’t slept well, have low blood sugar, or we’re just in a grumpy mood for whatever reason, it’s entirely too easy to see a situation in a way that is not realistic. When you are called to anger, stop and reframe the situation to see if there is a better explanation for a triggering event.


For instance, if someone cuts you off in traffic you have two options: You can assume they did it intentionally to p*ss you off, or you can reframe that to come up with a better explanation: it wasn’t intentional, they didn’t see you.


While getting cut off in traffic is never pleasant, you have the ability to rethink the situation so it is less angering. You can reframe any situation that might trigger you. Try it.


3. Take Deep Breaths


You’ve probably heard countless times that breathing deeply in stressful situations can relax you almost immediately, but have you ever tried it? Slow, deep breaths can have a profound impact on our entire body, relaxing our muscles and slowing our heart rate. Give it a try the next time you feel your anger rising. You will be shocked at how effective deep breathing is.


4. Visualize


Your imagination is powerful. We knew this as kids, but for some reason puberty seems to have dulled our awareness of this.


As you breathe deeply, visualize a pleasant environment or situation. You could imagine you are back in your grandparent’s house, the smell of gingerbread cookies in the air and the sound of the radiators hissing on a December morning. Or you could imagine you are on a tropical beach. Hear the waves lapping against the white-sand shore… smell the sea breeze and see the palm fronds swaying overhead.


Your consciousness doesn’t know real from imagined situations. As you imagine yourself someplace that is peaceful and happy, your body naturally reacts as if you are actually there and actually peaceful and happy.


These are just some of the exercises you can use to manage your anger. If you still feel overwhelmed by your emotions and you’d like to speak to someone about your anger issues, please contact me. I’d be happy to discuss counseling options with you.

Woman seated on sofa, eyes closed, hands on chest, practicing deep breathing in sunlit room.
January 16, 2026
Discover proven anxiety relief strategies for adults, including natural techniques and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve daily well-being.
Man sitting with hands covering face near a window, appearing distressed.
December 19, 2025
Discover 10 natural depression treatments without medication, including therapy, nutrition, neurofeedback, and lifestyle changes that support recovery.
Purple silhouette head with a brain-shaped thought bubble containing a butterfly; six blue butterflies arch above.
November 21, 2025
Discover how neurofeedback supports trauma recovery by retraining brain patterns for emotional balance, resilience, and long-term healing.
Glass cup and teapot of herbal tea with mint sprig, beside an open book.
October 17, 2025
Want better brain and body health? Explore 5 antioxidant drinks you should add to your diet and read more about their benefits today.
Rainbow ribbon looped into an infinity symbol on a light blue background.
September 19, 2025
Explore how neurofeedback therapy benefits a high-functioning autism brain. Find out how a neurofeedback therapist can help improve focus.
Silhouette head with
August 22, 2025
Understand the impact of Neurofeedback ADHD on attention and behavior. Find out why this therapy is gaining attention. Read more here.
Person in green dress holding clipboard, facing another person with hands outstretched, seated on a couch.
July 23, 2025
See why In-Person Therapy offers benefits virtual sessions can’t. Learn how face-to-face counselling can support your mental wellness today.
Woman wearing glasses, hands on face, looking at a laptop in front of a white mug.
June 19, 2025
Discover what genetics reveal about Stress Resilience. Apply insights to reduce stress, improve focus, and support mental wellness now.
Woman in a school uniform, resting chin on hand, looking at a classmate in a classroom.
June 8, 2025
The brain has three main executive functions: working memory (which helps you remember what you’re doing at the present moment), cognitive flexibility (which helps you shift your thinking from one topic to another), and inhibition control (which helps you focus and stop yourself from saying and doing certain things). Executive dysfunction disrupts these functions, making it difficult for someone to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What Causes Executive Dysfunction? Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes executive dysfunction, but studies suggest that it can result from various conditions, including: Addiction Alzheimer’s disease Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Autism spectrum disorder Brain tumors Cerebral hypoxia Exposure to certain toxins Dementia Depression Epilepsy Head injuries Huntington’s disease Infections Multiple sclerosis (MS) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Schizophrenia Strokes Treatment for executive dysfunction will usually depend on the condition that caused it. What Are the Symptoms of Executive Dysfunction? Executive dysfunction can produce different symptoms in different people. If you have executive dysfunction, you may: Be easily distracted Find it hard to focus on one thing Daydream when you need to pay attention Focus too much on one thing Lack impulse control Have a hard time explaining your thought processes Struggle to motivate yourself to start difficult or boring tasks Have trouble planning or completing tasks Get easily interrupted partway through tasks Find it difficult to move from one task to another Learn More About Executive Dysfunction If you think you might be experiencing executive dysfunction, we encourage you to reach out and schedule an appointment. Our experienced therapists understand the impact that executive dysfunction can have on a person’s life, and we would love the opportunity to help you overcome the challenges you’re currently facing. Contact us today to get started.
Person crouching inside a taped square on the floor, looking distressed
June 1, 2025
You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead of resentful. But did you know that there are numerous types of boundaries? Here are three of the most common: Physical boundaries – You communicate how you want to be touched and how much personal space you need. For example, you can let a colleague know that you’d rather shake hands instead of hugging or kissing. This doesn’t just apply to your body, either—you can also let your in-laws know that you don’t feel comfortable having them enter your bedroom while they’re babysitting. Material boundaries – You communicate when you’re willing to lend out money and possessions and how you want them to be treated. For instance, you can let a friend know that you can’t afford to lend them more than $100. Or, you can tell your son that he can only borrow your car if he returns it with a full tank of gas. Time boundaries – You communicate how you want to use your time. For example, you can tell your boss that you can’t stay past the end of your scheduled workday. Or, you can ask your spouse to refrain from calling and texting while you’re having dinner with friends except in case of an emergency. Start Setting Boundaries in Your Life If you need help implementing any of the boundaries described above, contact us today and ask to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We understand the many benefits that healthy boundaries can offer, and we’ll work with you to identify the steps you’ll need to take to set them in your life.
Show More