You might not consider yourself an angry person but chances are you’ve seen red at points in your life — not least during these past few months when even the most Zen people have been tested. Anger is a sensation we all experience, from niggling frustration through to fury.

Anger itself isn’t a negative emotion but it can have negative consequences if it’s not expressed in the right way, resulting in inappropriate — even violent — behaviour, which causes feelings of guilt and shame.

Rather than suppressing anger, we should acknowledge it and take steps to deal with it in a way that doesn’t escalate into something more serious, such as taking time out and communicating feelings in a non-aggressive way.

Some suggestions when you are feeling angry:

1. Look at the bigger picture. Create time to think about the consequence between the event and reaction.

2. Realise that it’s OK to have a different opinion.

3. Listen carefully: be attentive, focused and open to learning.

4. Reach out for support and talk about your concerns and anxieties.

5. Use a journal so you bring clarity to a situation and don’t internalise your anger.

6. Don’t take it personally. Nothing others do or say is because of you — it’s a projection of their own reality.