by Rita Chaney

Created on: July 18, 2011

Human beings find themselves in predicaments that test them and trigger troublesome emotions. A rather common challenging feeling is frustration. Frustration tends to occur when you are kept from achieving or attaining what you want. Because people often encounter situations and people that block them from their goals, an important skill to develop is managing your frustration successfully.

Consider the following list of ways to manage your feelings when you are on your last nerve.

-Take some deep breaths. Although practicing this technique sounds way too simple to help you manage your frustration, the fact is that it works. Deep breathing gives you something else to focus on beside your feelings.

-Talk to yourself. Label your feelings for yourself using "I" statements. For example, say to yourself, "I am feeling very frustrated because Sue keeps interrupting me when I talk." Go on further to tell yourself how you will manage the immediate situation. "But I understand she is this way with everyone, so I am not going to take it personally."

-Give yourself a break. One of the best techniques for managing frustration is to provide yourself with a time-out from whatever it is that's vexing you. Removing yourself from the frustrating situation will help you clear away your troubling feelings.

-Do some physical exercise. Have you ever tried going for a brief walk or run when feelings of frustration occur? Moving around physically has long been associated with helping one discharge negative feelings. Do some calisthenics or walk around the house.

-Clean something. Although you might have trouble connecting this method with handling your frustration, if you try it, you will see how well it works. Whether it's scrubbing your bathroom sink or sweeping the floor, divert your emotional energy to making something look cleaner and brighter. You will feel better.

-Disconnect from the frustrating situation. Tell yourself you don't have to do anything to change the situation right now. Just focus on your capacity to emotionally disconnect from whatever is happening.

-Learn to self-soothe. All mature adults will have calmer, happier lives if they learn to practice self-soothing methods. Recognize healthy things or activities that make you feel better. Maybe sitting down and having a favorite beverage (not alcohol) will help. Perhaps picking up a book to read will soothe you. Discover what soothes you and then apply it when you feel the need.

-Listen to your favorite music. When

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