5 Ways to Let Go of Arguments

Photo taken by Matthew Henry

Part of being professional is being calm and collected while being assertive. You want to be confident but not cocky. You want to protect yourself and pride without stepping on anyone. The balance is a challenge as only mature people can do that. Still, even a composed individual in every office space for rent Philippines gets overwhelmed. They feel the stress and the tension. They get provoked. Hell breaks loose.

Besides the workplace, the home and relationships of all kinds experience arguments. Different beliefs, values, and opinions can spark a fire. Other than such things, deep-seated feelings and hidden annoyance can start an outburst. Since outbursts aren't always welcome in the scene, here are five ways to let go of the steam during an argument.

1. Distract yourself until you become calm.

During the peak of the argument, your emotions are in the front seat of your brain. It prevents you to see the whole picture. When anger or some other negative feeling is your basis to make decisions, you become clouded with distraught, indecision, and rage. Your mind would instead fan the flames than be calm. When that happens, your blood pressure rises, and your breathing becomes shallow and makes it twice as hard to relax.

If you have trouble relaxing, step away from the scene. Distract yourself with activities and things that put a smile on your face. Are you fond of dogs? Watch a video of cute puppies or dogs in action! Do you like gardening? Get up and get your tools! Tend to your greens and try to feel the soil. You can do anything as long as it makes you feel light inside.

There are cases when you can't do what you want to do because you are tied to your job, or you are currently in a public place. When in such a case, try breathing exercises. You can also excuse yourself from the scene to go for a walk. If those are still not possible, grab a pen and list everything that distracts your mind.

2. Use a calming word or phrase.

Repeating a word or a phrase is one way to distract yourself from the urge to fight back or ensure a rebuttal. Establish your calming words. It can be a short one like "rain," "baby" or "vegetable." It can also be a sentence or a mantra that has a special place in your heart. Some examples are:

• This too shall pass.
• Don't rain on my parade.
• I choose to be better than my yesterday. 

As much as possible, keep it to yourself. Take it from your experience, so you understand it means whenever you repeat the line in your head.

3. Relax your muscles.

Close your eyes to be aware of the state of your muscles. As soon as you shut your eyelids, unclench your jaw. Loosen your muscles. Be conscious what your hands are doing. It may be gripping something for some time and may break. Other than your fist, your back can gather the tension. Regain your posture by sitting upright against your chair.

4. Visualize the effect of your outburst.

It's true that you can run away from arguments. Sometimes, it has to happen for all parties involved to understand each side and recognize the faults and mistakes. However, the after effect isn't pretty at all. Often, it's something no one looks forward to seeing. The seething, lashing out, and other obscene or rude gestures leaves a mark on the other person. Think of that before doing anything irreversible.

If you that you are about to feel angry or explode, try to alter your mindset. Keep your cool and go back to the techniques above. Only then can you impart the things you wish to point out. Try to hold off your emotions until you are out of your office space for lease in Makati. That way, you avoid the drama and the possible job sanction.

5. Speak up to end the conversation.

You must partake in the conversation to resolve the conflict. Remaining quiet and keeping things to yourself won't be productive for anyone. Voicing your opinion especially when working in a team is crucial to your progress. If it is a relationship, talking it out provides an idea of what you can each improve on yourselves.

Keeping things to yourself is the beginning of any conflict. Hence, speaking of the truth as much as possible so it won't pile up and result in an outburst.

You always have control over what's on your mind and how you feel about things. Whatever you decide is up to you. Still, you must remember you are liable for what will happen after the argument. Think carefully, it really worth the fight? Is it necessary to expend energy on something trivial? Consider it before anything else.