How Do You 'Stay Cool?'

It is about that temperature when everybody complains about how hot it is, and how they probably wish it wasn’t so darn hot.

No joke. Every single conversation I’ve had with a stranger today has included the words “heat,” “hot” or “please put your shirt back on.”

The weather around us is certainly warm, but there is plenty of relief to be had. Just think about what your life would be like right now without air conditioning or fans blowing directly in your face.

Heat can make its way into our emotions and can match the sweltering weather that has been gracing our fine corner of New Hampshire. However, tempers can flare no matter what the season.

I’m a pretty relaxed guy and can count the number of times I’ve lost my temper on one hand. This doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been a time that I wanted to throw a blunt object at the nearest priceless antique. It means that there have been plenty of opportunities to explode with anger that I gladly pass up.

Staying cool is an important skill for anybody looking to remain a happy, well-adjusted member of society. Nobody wants to be around a hothead who takes his anger out on the nearest object.

There are thousands upon thousands of reasons to get angry, but only a few ways to calm down. The key for me has always been learning the “cool downs” that can bring a temper from blazing hot down to a simmer.

Breathing is a crucial element in calming down. Ever noticed how people tend to look out of breath when they lose their temper? It is because they haven’t taken a chance to take a breath and look at a given situation.

I take it a step further and look to meditation whenever I’m feeling angry, hurt or upset. There is nothing like a few minutes of focused breathing and relaxation to bring the mind to a better place. My mind takes a close look at the source of anger and takes steps to push it away.

When that doesn’t work I fire up a video game and mash buttons, or crank up some of my favorite metal music. Whatever works.

What do you do to cool off when angry? Share your methods, and when they have worked best, in the comments below.