It seems like stress is an omnipresent part of modern life. That stress can sometimes bubble over into conflicts and fights — even among people who care about each other. If you let your temper get the better of you, it’s very easy to end up involved in a domestic violence incident.
Since a domestic incident can lead to criminal charges, it pays to do what you can to keep your cool under pressure.
6 ways to calm down when you’re angry
When things are getting heated, the best thing you can do is simply walk away. Separating yourself from the situation (and the other person) may be the best way to avoid coming to blows. This is particularly true during the holidays when you may find yourself interacting with family members that go out of their way to antagonize you.
When that isn’t possible, you can try these tips:
- Stay focused on the present. Don’t drag up old issues to add fuel to the fight.
- Crack a joke. Humor can both diffuse tensions and make it easier to laugh off a dispute.
- Shrug it off. It’s hard to get into a fight when you stop listening or responding.
- Breathe deep. That can trigger a chemical response in your brain that relaxes you.
- Consciously relax. Tensing up and crossing your arms can cause conflicts to escalate.
- Lower your voice. The other person will have to slow down to follow you.
It can be difficult to control your reactions when other people seem to be spoiling for a fight, but it’s the wisest thing you can do.
What happens if a family argument turns violent?
If you find yourself facing domestic violence charges, do not try to talk your way out of the situation or handle it on your own. An experienced attorney can defend your interests and protect your rights.