Give yourself permission to take a break when you sense that things are getting tough, or plan a break in your day when you need it most. For example, if things are hectic when you get home from work and you need time to detach from work, incorporate some down time before you get there. Take a 15 minute walk before you get home (perhaps get off the bus a few stops early) or head to the gym. That way when you get home, your mind is cleared and focused on the people there instead of things hanging over your head from work.

Here’s another example. If you have kids and their rooms are a mess, instead of getting angry, shut the door. Don’t say. “Your messy room makes me angry.” The point is to keep yourself from getting angry, not to vent to your children. Then, establish rules and consequences so that your children clean up their own rooms.