How to Curb a Short Temper

Signs you may have a short temper include becoming easily irritated or consistently frustrated throughout the day and week, not being able to shrug off small issues, and being quick to yell, insult, slam, throw, or similar behaviors.

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind How to Curb a Short Temper   Anger is a perfectly normal emotion we all experience. In fact, it's a defense mechanism intended to protect us, and one we're inclined to experience when we feel we've been wronged or betrayed by another person. However, when we let anger become our default emotion in everyday situations, or if we are very quick to anger, it can negatively impact ourselves and those around us.   Beyond causing those around you to perpetually walk on eggshells to avoid igniting your temper, being quick to anger can negatively affect your physical and mental well-being."  — ELIZABETH PLUMPTRE    Signs of a Short Temper  Signs you may have a short temper include becoming easily irritated or consistently frustrated throughout the day and week, not being able to shrug off small issues, and being quick to yell, insult, slam, throw, or similar behaviors. People with short tempers may often experience a level nine or 10 reaction to a low-level issue. For example, they may resort to extreme yelling or physical outbursts over an inconsequential slight or small misunderstanding.   The Impact of Short Tempers   Short tempers negatively impact you, your loved ones, colleagues, and strangers. Here's how: It Prevents Authentic Connection: The feeling of "walking on eggshells" is stressful. When others are afraid of upsetting you, they will choose to distance themselves both emotionally and physically. It Causes Physical Issues: Our bodies undergo a physical change when we're angry, including the production of catecholamines and corticosteroids. Over time, ongoing anger can contribute to high blood pressure, poor heart function, and even poor health choices. It can also lead to stress and anxiety. How to Curb a Short Temper    Identify the Reason for Your Anger: Anger is a coping mechanism, and often a cover for another underlying emotion. We lash out, it's often because we feel hurt, embarrassed, or frustrated. Stop and Breathe: In the moment, take five deep and slow breaths. This puts you in control of your body and reaction. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Everyday, write down or say one or two things you're grateful for. Focusing on positives can help us gain more perspective. See a Therapist: A therapist can help you understand why you're quick to anger and help you figure out better pathways.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  Today, take five minutes to write down 10 things you're grateful for. This simple list might include people, your health, your belongings, or moments. Acknowledging these positives can help re-frame our perspective of the world and allow us to let small things slide more easily. Gary Chapman is a renowned counselor and author whose mission is to help people create meaningful, lasting relationships. In his book, Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way, includes a personal anger assessment and provides helpful insights into why we get angry and how to can cope more effectively. Teaching children healthy coping mechanisms from a young age sets them up for a happier, healthier life. Robin Newman's Breathe, Think, Do with Elmo: Problem Solving for Little Monsters explores different emotions with plenty of giggles along the way.   This Week on The Verywell Mind Podcast   We're off tomorrow for the Labor Day holiday, but it's a great chance to catch up on old episodes of The Verywell Mind Podcast you may have missed. Here are some of our favorites:   Brad Stulberg - Rest More. Do Better Dan Harris - Become 10% Happier Jon Acuff - How to Change the Soundtracks in Your Head Melissa Bernstein - How to Know if You Have Existential Depression James Altucher - Becoming an Idea Machine John Umhau - Secrets to Stopping Alcohol Cravings Dan Gable - Develop the Mindset of a Champion Nora McInerny - Stop the Toxic Positivity Daryl Strawberry - How to Turn Your Life Around Kendall Toole - How to Make Your Mental Health a Priority   Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next The Effects of Poorly Managed Anger READ NOW How to Manage Your Anger During Conflict READ NOW How to Turn Anger Into a Healing Opportunity READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy