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Everyone feels angry or like crying sometimes — even adults! It’s normal to have big emotions, but what you do next really matters. Learning to stay calm can help you handle tough situations and avoid saying or doing things you might regret later.
Here’s something interesting: even animals like chimpanzees and elephants get angry, and they have their own ways to cool off. For humans, one of the oldest tricks in the book — counting slowly to ten — actually works. When you count, your brain gets a chance to relax, and your body calms down.
You might notice your fists clenching or your heart racing. Try this: take a slow, deep breath, count to five as you breathe in, and five as you breathe out. If you’re at school, ask for a moment to step outside or get a drink of water. Moving your body — even just a stretch — can help release tension.
And here’s a quirky fact: even if you don’t feel happy, smiling or thinking of something funny can trick your brain into feeling a little better.
If you’re about to cry, remember it’s okay — tears are just another way our bodies let out big feelings. Try naming your emotion: “I’m really angry right now,” or “I feel upset.” Even just saying it quietly to yourself can help.
Remember, you don’t have to solve everything right away. Give yourself space to cool down before reacting. The more you practise these steps, the better you’ll get at handling strong emotions — just like any other skill.
When you’re angry, your brain’s amygdala reacts before your thinking brain can catch up — which is why people sometimes say or do things they regret.
In small doses, anger can help you stand up for yourself, push for fairness, or make positive changes — like in social justice movements.
Just like laughter or yawning, seeing someone angry can trigger similar feelings in others — especially in group settings.