It's easy to get hopping mad. Anything can set off anger: worrying, feeling hurt, a number of difficulties, or even recalling unpleasant memories can result in anger.

Your goal may be to redirect your emotions into constructive behaviour. But then, there are some dangers in this approach as well. While apparently redirecting your anger, you may well be suppressing it. If you let your anger keep boiling inside, you may be headed for serious problems such as depression and daily-life confusion. In addition, unexpressed anger can lead to passive-aggression - indirectly putting others down, for instance.

If you are prone to internalizing anger, expressing yourself may be a better path. The key to successful expression is assertiveness. This should not be confused with being pushy or demanding. Making your needs clear without hurting others is a healthy way to deal with anger.

If you feel that your anger is the out-of-control type and that it can wreck your mental and physical health, it's time to stop the insanity and regain control of your emotions.

There are a number of ways to keep anger in check. Directing your emotions in a constructive and positive way can be learned. Below are a few strategies, which may help your angry feelings to be redirected in a fresh new way

Relaxation can help ease your emotions. Try these methods: deep breathing techniques such as meditation, exercises such as yoga, visualizing a relaxing experience such as walking on the beach; repeating phrases such as "calm down" also helps.

Better communication

If you are in a fiery discussion, slow down and think about what you are saying. It also helps to listen to the other person.

Listening will help you to form a careful response. If you do this, you may even discover the underlying problem

Lightening up also eases hot emotions. If a person is annoying you, imagine that he, say, is dancing around in anger before you without any clothes on. Humour often diffuses intense confrontations.

Take a break

Scheduling personal time is important to regain perspective. Try physical activity such as a brisk walk, talking to a friend or listening to music.

Writing down your thoughts

It usually helps to calm down if you start writing whatever comes to your mind when you feel angry. Just keep on writing till you no more feel like it. You'll find that this way, no one is being hurt by your angry words or actions, no damage is being done, and it helps you reconstruct your thoughts in a clearer manner.

Coping with angry feelings can be tricky, but now you know how to stay in control.