Coping Skills

Coping Skills
Anger
Be Aware of Triggers
Anger triggers are the things that set you off. Knowing your triggers, and being cautious around
them, will reduce the likelihood of your anger getting out of control.
How to use triggers to your advantage:
Create a list of your triggers and review them daily. Reviewing your triggers will keep them
fresh in your mind, increasing the likelihood you notice them before they become a problem.
Oftentimes, the best way to deal with a trigger is to avoid it. This might mean making
changes to your lifestyle, relationships, or daily routine.
Because it isn’t always possible to avoid triggers, have a plan when you must face them. For
example, avoid touchy conversations when you are tired, hungry, or upset.
Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a simple technique that’s excellent for managing emotions. Not only is deep
breathing effective, it’s also discreet and easy to use at any time or place.
Sit comfortably and place one hand on your abdomen. Breathe in through your nose, deeply
enough that the hand on your abdomen rises. Hold the air in your lungs, and then exhale slowly
through your mouth, with your lips puckered as if you are blowing through a straw. The secret is
to go slow: Time the inhalation (4s), pause (4s), and exhalation (6s). Practice for 3 to 5 minutes.
Keep an Anger Log

Following an episode of anger, take a few moments to record your experience. This practice will help
you identify patterns, warning signs, and triggers, while also helping you organize thoughts and work
through problems.
What was happening before the anger episode? Describe how you were feeling, and what
was on your mind. Were you hungry, tired, or stressed?
Describe the facts of what happened. What events triggered your anger? How did you react,
and did your reaction change as the event continued to unfold?
What were your thoughts and feelings during the anger episode? Looking back, do you see
anything differently than when you were in the heat of the moment?
© 2018 Therapist Aid LLC 1 Provided by TherapistAid.com

Coping Skills
Anger
Use Diversions
The goal of diversions is to buy yourself time. If you can distract yourself for just 30 minutes, you’ll
have a better chance of dealing with your anger in a healthy way. Remember, you can always return
to the source of your anger later—you’re just setting the problem aside for now.
go for a walk read a book play a sport listen to music
watch a movie practice a hobby go for a run clean or organize
do yard work draw or paint do a craft cook or bake
play a game go for a bicycle ride write or journal take a long bath
play an instrument call a friend lift weights go swimming
go hiking in nature take photographs play with a pet rearrange a room
Take a Time-out
Time-outs are a powerful tool for relationships where anger-fueled disagreements are causing
problems. When someone calls a time-out, both individuals agree to walk away from the problem,
and return once you have both had an opportunity to cool down.
How to use time-outs effectively:
With your partner, plan exactly how time-outs will work. Everyone should understand the
rationale behind time-outs (an opportunity to cool down—not to avoid a problem).
What will you both do during time-outs? Plan activities that are in different rooms or
different places. The list of diversions from above is a good place to begin.
Plan to return to the problem in 30 minutes to an hour. Important problems shouldn’t be

ignored forever, but nothing good will come from an explosive argument.
Know Your Warning Signs

Anger warning signs are the clues your body gives you that your anger is starting to grow. When you
learn to spot your warning signs, you can begin to address your anger while it’s still weak.
sweating can’t get past problem feel hot / turn red clenched fists
headaches becoming argumentative raised voice using verbal insults
pacing aggressive body language feel sick to stomach go quiet / “shut down”
© 2018 Therapist Aid LLC 2 Provided by TherapistAid.com

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Coping Skills

How to use triggers to your advantage:

Practice Deep Breathing

Keep an Anger Log

© 2018 Therapist Aid LLC 1 Provided by TherapistAid.com

go for a walk read a book play a sport listen to music

watch a movie practice a hobby go for a run clean or organize

do yard work draw or paint do a craft cook or bake

play an instrument call a friend lift weights go swimming

go hiking in nature take photographs play with a pet rearrange a room

How to use time-outs effectively:

Plan to return to the problem in 30 minutes to an hour. Important problems shouldn’t be

Know Your Warning Signs

headaches becoming argumentative raised voice using verbal insults

© 2018 Therapist Aid LLC 2 Provided by TherapistAid.com

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